The TJ Ryan Foundation is a progressive think tank focusing on Queensland public policy. The aims of the Foundation are to stimulate debate on matters of Queensland public administration and to review the policy directions of current and previous State governments on economic, social and cultural issues. This website focuses on evidence-based policy, providing access to our own research and a range of online policy resources.
Post-election analysis - QLD 2020 »
The TJ Ryan Foundation invited leading commentators and state political figures to give their assessments of the key issues and important outcomes of the 2020 Queensland election campaign.
The TJ Ryan Foundation and QUT's Centre for Decent Work & Industry are co-hosting a symposium on Women and Work. The event will be held at Old Government House in Brisbane's CBD on Wednesday, 10 November 2021, from 10.30AM - 1.30PM AEST. Registrations are essential.
Yes, Australia can beat its 2030 emissions target »
Bill Hare examines the federal Coalition government's shortcomings in reaching Australia's emissions targets, arguing that the states have been responsible for efforts to reduce our emissions to this point.
It's possible to soon phase out coal »
TJRF Research Associate, John Quiggin, argues Australia is capable of phasing out coal-fired electricity by 2030 and replacing it with renewables-driven energy.
The Reef a victim of climate change »
TJRF Research Associate, Ove Hoegh-Guldberg, and Peter Thomson argue that healthy coral reefs underpin ocean biodiversity and a healthy planet.
Is the vaccine rollout our greatest policy failure? »
Carolyn Holbrook and others assess the flawed national COVID-19 vaccine rollout program: "incompetent planning, logistics and implementation have so far prevented it from sufficiently ameliorating the threat we face."
Why most economists back lockdowns »
TJRF Research Associate, John Quiggin, explains why a majority of Australian economists are still supportive of lockdowns as a health response to the Covid-19 pandemic, despite the immediate economic impacts.
Queensland's 'traditional Labor' budget »
Matt Wordsworth reports on the 2021-22 state budget, with Treasurer Cameron Dick confirming the government would continue its pandemic recovery spending.
Manufacturing's future in QLD »
TJ Ryan Foundation, in conjunction with the AMWU and researchers at the University of Queensland, has produced a major research report on Queensland’s manufacturing sector.
'Reviving the Republic' symposium »
Video footage from the TJ Ryan Foundation / Australian Republic Movement joint event, 'Reviving the Republic', can now be viewed at the link above. This includes a keynote address from ARM Chair, Peter FitzSimons AM, and a panel discussion by TJRF Research Associates and others.
'Inequality in Australia' conference »
The TJ Ryan Foundation, with the support of QUT, QSuper and the QCU, convened a one-day conference around the theme of 'Inequality in Australia'. The conference featured a keynote address from ACTU Secretary, Sally McManus, and a closing address from Hon. Wayne Swan MP. Copies of speakers' presentations and links to video footage from the event are available at the conference page.
Researchers and research impact »
TJRF Deputy Executive Director, Paul Boreham, emphasises the importance of researchers making their findings freely available: "The primary aim of the TJ Ryan Foundation is to bridge the gap between academic researchers, other researchers and policy professionals."
'Jobs of the Future' seminar »
Papers presented at the QCU / TJRF seminar on 'the future of work in Queensland' can be found at the link above. Presentation slides will be added as they become available.
Ken Boston: 'Gonski Review: Vision or Hallucination?' »
Several media outlets reported on Ken Boston's keynote address, speaking of his experience on the Gonski Review panel, at the TJ Ryan Foundation's 3rd anniversary event. The full text of Dr Boston's speech, along with a video recording of his address, can be found at the link above.
RESEARCH REPORT 54: Pauline Hanson and Queensland politics »
Roger Scott examines the 'resurrection' of Pauline Hanson and the One Nation Party, discussing Hanson's charismatic appeal and controversial policies in the context of populist traditions and party politics in Queensland.
RESEARCH REPORT 53: Comparing Australian think tanks »
Andre Yeo analyses the think tank 'landscape' in Australia, comparing the financial and personnel resources of several organisations, as well as their research output and impact.
POLICY BRIEF 03: New opportunities for improving mine rehabilitation »
Michael Bidwell and collaegues explain how and why the statutory requirements for mining rehabilitation have failed Queensland in the past and evaluate the new Act.
POLICY BRIEF 02: Queensland Industry Policy »
Paul Boreham and Chris Salisbury provide an overview of innovation-led industry policies that engage in long-run strategic investments to create and shape industry trajectories rather than just responding to problems of industry decline.The paper outlines how such policies might be applied to the Queensland economy.
POLICY BRIEF 01: What next for economic policy and the economy? »
Geoff Dow argues that the development of economic policy needs to be founded on a clearer understanding of economic growth, debt, government spending and taxation.
Ann Scott, Howard Guille and Roger Scott provide an assessment of the second year in office of the Palaszczuk Government.
The Newman Years: rise, decline and fall »
An edited collection of TJ Ryan Foundation research papers and commentaries covering the Newman Government's years in office.
Earlier TJ Ryan Foundation Research Reports »
All TJ Ryan Foundation Research Reports can be found through this link.