Silencing dissent – back to the Howard approach?

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Labor’s short memory

silenceThis week we have seen the adjectives fly after news leaked of a so-called ‘secret’ document showing sections of the environment movement are considering using the courts to try and slow the massive mining boom. “Reprehensible”, “deeply irresponsible” and “puerile’ declared Treasurer Wayne Swan, who just last week was bemoaning the way that mining magnates spend their private billions to distort public policy.

Has Labor forgotten its promise not to stifle debate?

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Who wins, who loses from the mining boom? FREE PUBLIC FORUMS IN CAIRNS AND BRISBANE

mining The Australia Institute will host two events in Queensland in the coming fortnight to discuss the impact of the mining boom on the State’s tourism, manufacturing and agriculture industries. The events will focus on the 99 per cent of Queenslanders who don’t work in mining.

If you’re in Cairns or Brisbane read on for more information.

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Why do we subsidise industry?

petrolWith the huge amount of publicity and discussion around the merits of Australia’s car industry receiving $1.5 billion over four years and the Opposition’s plans to cut the program by $500 million, you might get the impression that it’s a lot of money. Yet, when it’s compared to some of the subsidies that go to the mining industry it is chicken feed.

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LOVE YOUR THINK TANK – help us reach our target of 100

love So far 44 wonderfully generous supporters have joined the team. THANK YOU! We think you’re great!

Please help us reach our target of 100 people who each month can help us work towards a more progressive Australia. Donate here.

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Recent publications

TAICSG economic modelling: On the alleged benefits of the Santos coal seam gas project in North West NSW, D Richardson, 14 February

The use and abuse of economic modelling in Australia, R Denniss, 1 February

Casual labour: A stepping stone to something better or part of an underclass?, D Richardson, 27 January

Rubbery figures: An examination of the claimed and likely cost of poker machine reform in Australia, R Denniss, 20 January

For a full list of our publications, click here. All papers can be downloaded for free.


Recent media

newsSolar subsidies just the tip of the enery policy iceberg, Crikey, 1 March

Coal seam gas, Alan Jones 2GB, 14 February

Economic models: uses and abuses, Counterpoint, 13 February

The budget surplus and the banks, Weekend Sunrise, 11 February

Super rort for wealthy, The Canberra Times, 3 February

The very model of a future based on guesswork, The Sydney Morning Herald, 4 February


Events

calendar After Durban, is climate change on the backburner?

Wednesday 14 March
6-7pm (doors open at 5.30pm)
Lounge Bar, Level 3, The Uni Pub
17 London Circuit, Canberra

In Conversation with Senator Bob Brown and Dr David McKnight

Sunday 18 March
5.30 – 6.30pm (drinks provided)
Manning Clark House Garden*
11 Tasmania Circle, Forrest

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