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.
Federal Budget 2018: state-by-state spending »
TJRF Research Associate, Chris Salisbury, and others scan the big-dollar budget announcements for the states and territories: "With a federal election due within a year, and given Queensland’s status as a battleground state, the temptation to splash cash in the Sunshine State is strong."
A sea change needed for the Reef »
Jon Brodie argues that the federal government's $500M funding for the Great Barrier Reef seems focused on tactics that are already being tried, without much success.
Morrison misses opportunity with tax change plan »
Richard Holden asserts that, even though this year’s federal budget is fairly good pre-election politics and reasonable, if mundane, economics, on almost every front it is a missed opportunity to be bold.
Federal budget - beyond the talking points »
The Conversation releases a series of articles - 'Budget policy checks' - focusing on the recently released federal budget: "Before we hear more talking points from Treasurer Scott Morrison, we’re taking a look at the government’s justifications for policies that have already made the cut in this year’s budget. We’re asking whether these policies stand up to the economic evidence."
Dual citizenship debacle claims more MPs »
Anne Twomey suggests that the latest High Court decision against Labor senator Katy Gallagher has clarified how to interpret the constitution on this matter; but the problem of dual citizenship can only be properly fixed by a referendum: "Realistically, [it's] the only way of removing this problem."
Gonski review reveals revised plan »
Glenn Savage analyses the recently released Gonski 2.0 report, which proposes overhauling core aspects of curriculum and reporting, and moving to 'individualised' education.
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 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.