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.
Simon Holmes à Court comments on the federal government's dithering and failures on energy policy, as business, the states and the public took matters into their own hands.
More reforms needed in water system governance »
Jason Alexandra argues that, in light of the discovery of mass fish deaths and diminished water supplies in the Darling River, public confidence in the institutions in charge of the Murray Darling Basin needs to be restored through fresh reforms and governance overhauls.
Queensland Cabinet papers highlight post-Joh reforms »
Allyson Horn reports on the release of Ahern government Cabinet papers, showing early accountability reforms in the wake of Joh Bjelke-Petersen's departure from state politics: "But Mr Ahern's regime of reform to rebuild public trust was not always given the full support of the National Party."
Bronwyn Hinz notes that 2018 was a 'mixed bag' for schooling policy in Australia, with new ministers, a new organisation and some auspicious anniversaries for educational initiatives.
Quotas work to increase female MPs »
TJRF Board members, Liz van Acker and Linda Colley, analyse the success of quota systems to increase numbers of women elected to our state and federal parliaments.
Poll panic sets stage for reshaping of Australian politics »
Katharine Murphy observes that, while Australia has not succumbed to populist 'disruption', the major parties here know they are on borrowed time: "[Turnbull's removal] was a panicked response to poor results for the ruling Coalition in byelection contests."
'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.