We barrack for ideas, not political parties.

Richard Denniss, co-Chief Executive Officer

Richard Denniss and Leanne Minshull, co-Chief Executive Officers

Big problems can be solved with good research and political bravery.

Leanne Minshull, co-Chief Executive Officer

Our Goal

The Australia Institute provides intellectual and policy leadership. We conduct research that drives the public debate and secures policy outcomes that make Australia better.

We are confident that we consistently deliver on the promise of our motto: research that matters.

We design work and research to influence and persuade policymakers, politicians and to shift the public debate. We are fiercely non-partisan but we don’t shy away from engaging in politics and political debates. We believe in democracy and our work is aimed at a better, more informed democratic debate.

How the Australia Institute is Funded

The Australia Institute is an independent public policy think tank registered as a charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC). We are funded by a diverse mix of sources from philanthropic donations to book sales. These support our long-term public interest research and strategic projects on issues such as inequality, climate and energy, democracy, economic reform and education.

We receive funding from philanthropic trusts and foundations, generous individual and regular donors, book buyers, Vantage Point subscribers, businesses, unions and non-government organisations. We do not accept donations or commissioned work from political parties.

Each year, more than 21,000 people financially support the Australia Institute in some form. This includes Australia Institute Press book buyers and subscribers to our Vantage Point essay series, our fastest growing sources of revenue. We also undertake commissioned research and policy work for organisations whose values align with our mission, including unions, charities, community organisations and businesses.

This broad base of support helps ensure the Australia Institute remains financially independent and able to contribute to public debate without political or commercial influence.

The Australia Institute complies with all Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) requirements and all relevant charitable obligations. Our accounts are independently audited each year and we publish annual reports and audited financial statements to ensure transparency and accountability regarding our governance, finances and activities.

You can read our latest Annual Report here:

With no formal political or commercial affiliations, the Australia Institute is able to maintain its independence while advancing evidence-based ideas for a fairer, more democratic and sustainable Australia.

Above all, we are deeply grateful to the more than 21,000 people who financially support the Australia Institute’s work. Your support allows us to undertake independent research, challenge powerful interests, contribute to public debate and help make progressive policy change possible in Australia.

When we talk about ‘research that matters’ we are talking about making real, tangible changes that would not have happened if we were not there to make them happen.

The Australia Institute has a track record of delivering research and initiatives that reshape debates and impact policy and outcomes at the highest levels of government.