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.
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.
Call for public input on lifting integrity in government »
TJRF Research Associate, AJ Brown, is leading a research project to help stop Australia's slide down the global Corruption Perceptions Index. The project calls for public involvement in assessing Australia's existing government integrity system. Input is welcomed until May 2018.
Focus on Gold Coast during Commonwealth Games »
With the spotlight firmly on the Gold Coast as it hosts the Commonwealth Games, David Rowe and others have written about how investing in staging a major sporting event brings increased pressures, and potential positives, to the host environment.
Educational inequality in Australia »
The Public Education Foundation has released a report on the growing inequalities present in Australia's education systems, mirroring similar 'gaps' in other areas of society.
Queensland to reinstate waste levy »
Jorge Branco and colleagues report on the Palaszczuk Government's plan to reintroduce a commercial waste levy on any "unscrupulous operators" using Queensland as a so-called dumping ground.
Union members earn higher wages »
Craig MacMillan and colleagues outline their research which shows that union members earn higher wages owing to 'more experience' in workplace negotiation than their non-union colleagues: "[our] findings suggest that when unions negotiate collective agreements for members they are concerned about employment security."
Time for an independent climate policy authority »
Nobel Laureate, Prof Peter Doherty, argues that scientific problems, such as the impacts of climate change, require evidence-led solutions - so a new proposal to create a federal environmental decision-making body would take some of the politics out of climate policy.
Backlash to marine park cutbacks »
Graham Readfearn reports on the Turnbull Government's marine park management plans, as conservation groups' analysis shows that ocean protection will be downgraded.
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."
'Inequality in Australia' 2017 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 will be posted online 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.
'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.
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.