Protecting the ‘right to be forgotten’ in the age of blockchain
Blockchain data is unchangeable, which is a problem when privacy laws require companies to delete data once it’s served its purpose. Read More
Thought Leadership
Economics as an antidote to populism
Economics as a discipline doesn’t concern itself with the vulgar notion of money. Rather, as a way of thinking, economics provides a framework that enables us to examine fundamental truths. Read More
Making better economic forecasts
Dr Nicholas Gruen examines how we can attempt to forecast the likelihood of important changes in our economic trajectory. Read More
Power, privilege and public good
What does it really take to be aware of power and to give it up? Read More
Then and now – coming out from the shadows
Changes in the global economy are bringing with it a wealth of opportunities for Australia, but we need to be open-eyed on the potential threats to Australia’s most important interests, says Mike Burgess, director-general of the ASD. Read More
Michael Pezzullo: know thy place, public servants, and focus on the facts
Home Affairs secretary Michael Pezzullo worries that some of his colleagues know too little of the origins and principles that underpin the Westminster system, and their role within it. Read More
We have so many ways to pursue a healthy climate ‒ and become clean energy giants
Nobel Prize-winning health researcher Peter Doherty reflects on the challenge of delivering a healthy climate for the world. From hydrogen power to wooden skyscrapers, the options are endless, but all require leadership. Read More
Rural policy needs more than a one-day drought summit
A well-informed national policy on drought preparedness is sorely lacking, says Dr Geoff Edwards. Read More
Simon Smith: why we need more options for years 11 and 12
A new approach to years 11 and 12 will better serve our economy, filling skills shortages and delivering the skilful workforce we need in a rapidly changing world, says Simon Smith. Read More
Helping farmers in distress doesn’t help them be the best: the drought relief dilemma
Why we need to make sure well-meaning policy responses to drought don't do more harm than good. Read More
APS review: panel member Glyn Davis senses momentum for a major rethink
Submissions to the ongoing Australian Public Service review indicate enthusiasm for fundamental changes rather than just a few tweaks and adjustments, says panel member Glyn Davis. Read More
Dr Martin Parkinson: Brexit, multilateralism and how the media impacts policy work
The secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet was interviewed by the UK government's Civil Service Quarterly about what a post-Brexit UK can learn from Australia, how policy development is changing, and rebuilding capability and public trust. Read More
Why Australian leadership would benefit from more scientists
The world would be better served by our leaders acting as scientists do, coming up with the best solutions based on the evidence at hand, says Robin Batterham. Read More
In praise of proper public policy process: if professional pundits can agree, can’t we all?
Conventional wisdom suggests politics revolves around competing ideas but the process by which policies are developed is also important, as an interesting research project has highlighted. Read More
Percy Allan: process, not policy is where the left and right can agree
By uncovering good and bad examples of policymaking, can we coax politicians to lift their game? Former NSW Treasury Secretary Percy Allan explains the research project that found common ground between the left and the right. Read More