A public institute for a fairer economy and more resilient democracy
Our work is focused on the interconnected issues of widening economic and social inequality, declining trust in democratic systems, and barriers to financial participation and intergenerational opportunity. These are not siloed problems – they sit at the heart of how our economy functions, how institutions are trusted, and how opportunity is distributed.
Addressing these systemic challenges requires changing how evidence, voices and decisions interact.
We work with business, government, civil society, youth and communities to generate new evidence and ideas, inform public debate, and develop practical, policy-relevant solutions to strengthen Australia’s economic and democratic future.
Our focus
Economic justice
Promoting fair and inclusive business practices and economic systems that reduce inequality and support the wellbeing of all members of society.
Financial inclusion
Ensuring that individuals and communities, particularly those historically excluded, can participate actively and productively in the economy.
Intergenerational equity
Advocating for political decisions and business practices that protect the interests of future generations.
Democratic resilience
Developing businesses’ role in supporting democratic institutions and civic culture to resist authoritarianism and exclusionary populism.
Upcoming events
Collaboration Engines
How organisations can support community-led change
Collaboration is essential to creating social change, but what does effective collaboration actually require, and how can people and organisations find ways to work together across different experiences, interests and forms of power?
News
Are We There Yet? Can Universities Rebuild Trust in a Time of Conflict
Global conflict is testing trust, belonging and legitimacy on university campuses. A new study asks what happens when university communities no longer feel...
News
“Please explain?” Why we blame migrants for problems they didn’t create
Thirty years ago, on 13 October 1996, 60 Minutes reporter Tracey Curro asked Pauline Hanson: “Are you xenophobic?” Hanson replied: “Please explain?” The moment...
News
Has Neoliberalism Turned Activists into Managers?
Many charities and advocacy organisations now operate more like businesses than grassroots movements.
News
A declaration is not a duty
Human dignity sits at the heart of modern democracy, but in Australia it remains more aspiration than obligation. Robert Finkeldey examines why that...
News
Are We There Yet? Can Universities Rebuild Trust in a Time of Conflict
Global conflict is testing trust, belonging and legitimacy on university campuses. A new study asks what happens when university communities no longer feel...
News
“Please explain?” Why we blame migrants for problems they didn’t create
Thirty years ago, on 13 October 1996, 60 Minutes reporter Tracey Curro asked Pauline Hanson: “Are you xenophobic?” Hanson replied: “Please explain?” The moment...
News
Has Neoliberalism Turned Activists into Managers?
Many charities and advocacy organisations now operate more like businesses than grassroots movements.
News
A declaration is not a duty
Human dignity sits at the heart of modern democracy, but in Australia it remains more aspiration than obligation. Robert Finkeldey examines why that...