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.
COVID-19 more than a health issue »
Ian Verrender outlines the economic impacts of the coronavirus outbreak, and the need for prompt health and fiscal responses from government.
TJ Ryan Foundation 5th anniversary event »
At our fifth anniversary public seminar, a panel of expert speakers, including Micah Projects CEO, Karyn Walshe, and TJRF Board member, Professor Tom Cochrane, addressed the theme, 'The Impact of Inequality in Queensland'.
How new coronavirus rules will affect you »
Ian M. Mackay and Sanjaya Senanayake analyse how new coronavirus regulations in different states might affect our activities and livelihoods: "regulations clearly proscribe some activities but are silent on others."
This is no time for austerity »
TJRF Research Associate, John Quiggin, cautions that governments should resist the 'easy' economic option of austerity measures.
Closing the Gap targets miss mark? »
Francis Markham and Bhiamie Williamson argue the federal government's new Closing the Gap agreement lacks important detail.
Worrying hurry on environment law changes »
Peter Burnett warns of the Coalition's push to change the environmental law framework: "Worryingly, Environment Minister Sussan Ley immediately seized on proposed reforms that seem to suit her government’s agenda."
Voluntary assisted dying legislation in Qld? »
Eileen Jones, a past board member of various hospital and health services organisations in Queensland, provides the text of her submission to the Parliament's end-of-life care and voluntary assisted dying inquiry.
Australia's covid-induced recession »
Katharine Murphy reports on Australia’s economy officially going into recession, suggesting what might be expected in the federal government’s response.
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.