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.
Liberals adopt new leadership rules »
Michelle Grattan writes about the federal Liberal Party adopting new rules to safeguard a sitting prime minister: "Morrison discussed the proposed change with former prime minister John Howard, but not with Malcolm Turnbull."
Proposed National Integrity Commission largely a 'fig leaf' to crossbenchers? »
Yee-Fui Ng suggests that Scott Morrison's proposed federal integrity commission is an improvement on the patchwork of mechanisms in place now, but does not go nearly far enough to prevent and investigate corruption: "The proposed model is a watered-down version of an anti-corruption commission, with limited powers."
Queensland's rental laws set for major reform »
Timothy Swanston reports on the Palaszczuk government's proposed reforms of Queensland's residential tenancy laws: "Tenants Queensland CEO Penny Carr said after four decades of little significant change to the legislation, it needed an overhaul."
Which way for Indigenous voices? »
Lorena Allam comments on the push to establish an Indigenous 'voice' in federal parliament, and how reaction to the Uluru 'statement of the heart' left some fearing another 'dead end'.
Whither 'evidence-based policy'? »
Former Dean of ANZSOG, Gary Banks AO, argues that the main obstacle to using evidence in the development of policy is a lack of demand from political leaders.
'Law and order' is no get-out-of-jail card for politicians »
Luke McNamara and Julia Quilter note that 'law and order' was once seen by some as a sure-fire voter winner in elections. But the authors point out how that's changing, after a concerted effort by Victoria's opposition appeared to backfire badly at their recent state election.
'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.
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.
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' 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.
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.