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 2020 Queensland election campaign.
Coming TJ Ryan Foundation events
On Monday, 1 August 2022, the Foundation will participate in a commemoration of the abolition of the death penalty in Queensland in 1922. The event will be held at Parliament House in Brisbane; further event details to come.
Palaszczuk government's 2022-23 budget »
Ben Smee and colleagues report on Treasurer Cameron Dick delivering this year's state budget, with increased company tax and mining royalties revenue to fund expanded health and hospital services.
Now the time to fund energy transition »
TJRF Research Associate, John Quiggin, argues the case for the Palaszczuk government raising coal mining royalty rates to help fund the industry's transition.
Election 2022: Coalition routed »
Michelle Grattan analyses the results of the 2022 federal election, which delivered a resounding defeat for the Morrison Coalition government and has brought Labor to office.
Memo to Labor: more climate ambition is essential »
TJRF Research Associate, John Quiggin, writes about the likelihood that climate action will be a high priority for the incoming Albanese Labor government: "a more ambitious policy will be needed if Labor is to have any hope of retaining majority government for a second term."
Queensland's domestic violence inquiry »
Ben Smee reports on the announcement of an inquiry into Queensland police responses to domestic violence: "For leading academics, women’s advocates and domestic violence victims, the inquiry has been a long time coming."
We must halt environmental decline »
Euan Ritchie criticises the lack of action to conserve Australia's environment, suggesting we still have the opportunity and ability to turn things around.
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 »
Former TJRF Deputy Director, Paul Boreham, stresses the importance of researchers making their findings available: "The TJ Ryan Foundation aims to bridge the gap between academic and 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.