The Australia Institute’s submission to the Senate inquiry into the adequacy of Newstart has shown that, currently, the unemployment benefit is neither sufficient nor transitional, as the Government claims. The single rate of Newstart would need to be increased by more than $180 a week to reach the Henderson poverty line and the average length

Several market and physical challenges exist for a new proposed coal development in Tasmania’s southern midlands, according to a new briefing paper released by the Australia Institute Tasmania today. The company seeking to develop the project, Midland Energy, is looking to raise capital in the U.S.A. where it is claiming coal demand is “rampant” in Asia

Research released by The Australia Institute today contradicts claims by federal and state government ministers that new dams are not being built in Australia. The report, Dam shame: The hidden new dams in Australia, shows that 20 to 30 large new dams have been recently constructed, funded at least in part by the taxpayer. At least

The Australia Institute’s submission to the State Government’s review of the draft Land Tax (Miscellaneous) Amendments Bill 2019 supports the idea of aggregating land portfolios for taxation purposes but raises concerns about the lost revenue that will result from deep cuts to the state’s top rate of land tax. “The proposed changes to land tax

New research shows Australia is not on track to meet the aims of the National Energy Productivity Plan (NEPP), warning that poor energy productivity is a major cause of both rising emissions and energy costs. The Australia Institute Climate & Energy Program has released the latest National Energy Emissions Audit, analysing the electricity sector over

Monetary policy in Australia is no longer effective and the task of stimulating the economy should be taken up by a more active fiscal policy, shows new research by The Australia Institute. The report, Monetary Policy is Spent: It’s Fiscal Policy or Bust by David Richardson senior research fellow at The Australia Institute, shows that

Research released today by The Australia Institute shows that preparations have not begun on parts of the Adani royalty deal, which is due for completion on Monday 30 September. Key findings The Adani royalty deal allows Adani to defer royalty payments and pay them back at discount interest rates. Estimates for the value royalty-related subsidies to Adani range from

The Australia Institute has found that the Federal Government’s gas policy actually keeps prices high for Australian consumers and recommends a cap on LNG exports in its submission to the review of the Australian Domestic Gas Security Mechanism (ADGSM). The submission finds that the Government’s export gas trigger entrenches high gas prices by allowing LNG

New research from The Australia Institute has shown that more than half (51%) of South Australians want Adelaide to host a fully electric Formula E Championship race, while just 11% of people oppose the idea. Formula E is an electric motor sport series, similar to Formula 1, which has grown in popularity since its inaugural

The Australian Capital Territory is set to become the first major jurisdiction outside Europe to transition from a fossil fuel-based supply to 100% renewable electricity, according to a new report released to by the Australia Institute Climate & Energy Program. The new research finds that on 1 October 2019, an energy offtake agreement with Hornsdale

Eight in ten Australians (81%) are now concerned about climate change resulting in more droughts and flooding according to a new benchmark report released today by the Australia Institute. The annual Climate of the Nation benchmark report has tracked Australian attitudes on climate change for over a decade. This is the second Climate of the

New research shows seven in ten Australians (72%) think that, if Australia is at risk of a recession, the Government should prioritise economic stimulus over the budget surplus. The Australia Institute surveyed a nationally representative sample of 1,464 Australians about their economic priorities. Key Findings: 72% of Australians say that, if Australia is at risk

New research released today by The Australia Institute shows that the vast majority of Australians prioritise production of food for Australian consumption, and support for family farms in the Murray Darling Basin. When respondents were asked to rank agriculture and water policy goals: Top water policy priorities for the Murray-Darling Basin include: Three quarters of

New research shows South Australia’s success in managing the electricity grid while simultaneously bringing a large volume of renewables into the energy mix, has positioned the state as a world leader in managing renewables transitions The Australia Institute Climate & Energy Program has released the latest National Energy Emissions Audit, analysing the electricity sector over

New research presented in Sydney today looks at how Nordic countries have a long history of placing emphasis on policies providing both mothers and fathers with the opportunity to work and care. Visiting Icelandic academic Ásdís Aðalbjörg Arnalds is in Sydney today to present her new research on Icelandic paid parental leave – and in

New research from The Australia Institute has shown that more than 27,000 jobs in South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania would be put at risk if drilling for oil in the Great Australian Bight is allowed to go ahead and a catastrophic spill occurs. New polling has also revealed that a majority of Australians, while hopeful

The AEMO Energy Statement of Opportunities (ESOO) released today confirms Australia Institute Gas & Coal Watch analysis that shows that Victoria’s dependence on brown coal and gas is a serious risk to the state’s energy supply this summer. Key points from AEMO Energy Statement of Opportunities: Based on operational experience, AEMO’s modelling assumed There is

The climate impact of Australia’s fossil fuel (coal, oil, gas) exports ranks behind only Russia and Saudi Arabia exports in terms of global emissions, according to a major new report from the Australia Institute Climate & Energy Program. The new research also finds that in absolute terms Australia is the world’s fifth largest miner of

New research from The Australia Institute shows that the vast majority of Australians (84%) support the introduction of rigorous truth in political advertising laws, which could force untruthful claims to be removed or retracted during election campaigns or see political parties that breach the law hit with fines or reductions in their public funding. That

“More than any other state, Tasmanians live in and on the edges of the bush,” said Leanne Minshull, Director of the Australia Institute Tasmania. “As the severity of fires increase, so does the impact on our homes, our communities and our economy, we need to look at this problem holistically to have any chance of

“The Business Council of Australia proposal for an Investment Allowance deserves support,” said Ben Oquist, Executive Director of the Australia Institute. “Given the weakness of the Australian economy, with interest rates heading towards zero and monetary policy effectively being exhausted, other measures to stimulate the economy deserve support. “The BCA proposal should be supported at

If a ban or limitation of coal is not in today’s 50th Pacific Islands Forum communique, it will be because Australia has bullied its Pacific Island neighbours into taking it out. “This Government’s fixation on coal puts Australia in direct conflict with Pacific leaders fighting for the future of their nations,” said Richie Merzian, Climate

Prime Minister Morrison is undermining Pacific action on climate change, with new analysis from the Australia Institute revealing that his pollution loophole is equivalent to around 8 years fossil fuel emissions for the rest of the Pacific and New Zealand. The Government plans to use Kyoto credits to meet emissions targets – a loophole that

New research from The Australia Institute has shown how the world’s major electricity markets are opening up to demand response competition, which will benefit consumers with lower prices and help maintain reliability. “The rest of the world is charging ahead with energy market modernisation and Australia is now poised to make a major reform that

Crossbench MPs and Senators have joined with eminent retired Judges and corruption fighters to call for the Federal Government to legislate for a National Integrity Commission – but one that has real teeth. In particular, the Coalition Government’s proposed NIC model is deficient in two key areas: the inability to hold public hearings if the

As states compete for top-place in renewable energy generation and upgrades to the National Electricity Market (NEM) reach growth rates comparable to the development of Australia’s original electricity grids, Australia’s transition to renewables needs more planning and support from Governments. The Australia Institute Climate & Energy Program has released the latest National Energy Emissions Audit,

The Tasmanian government may have forgone millions of dollars in potential revenue from the rapid growth in the fish farming industry according to a new report from The Australia Institute. Key Findings: Annual lease and licence fees paid by the salmon industry to the State Government, represented 0.1% of the total farm-gate production of the

Research released today by The Australia Institute shows that coal mines in Queensland receive a discount on royalty payments of up to 17% relative to similar mines in NSW. This effective subsidy could be increased under a State Government deal with Adani currently being negotiated. “Mines like Adani’s effectively get 17% of their coal for

Australia faces significant risks to national security, energy security and climate change mitigation, due to a heavy reliance on imported oil and access to only a limited amount of fuel at any one time, according to new analysis from the Australia Institute. The new research finds that Australia is unprepared to deal with any potential

The Public Interest Advocacy Centre, The Australia Institute and Total Environment Centre have today welcomed a draft rule by the Australian Energy Market Commission (the Commission) that will increase competition in the wholesale energy market, lower emissions and prevent blackouts. Wholesale demand response is a system where the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) pays energy