So, if we accept that there is a policy market, who is in it? The Australian Public Service now stands alongside an extensive range of policy players -ministerial advisers, lobbyists, think tanks and other interest groups – all providers of policy inputs and advice to government. Some specific examples of policy institutes, or think tanks, that are in the field of contest include:
The Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, which was established in 1962 and takes an interest in social and political issues. It aims to ‘foster effective responses to economic and social issues through research that identifies alternative policy responses and quantifies their likely effects’.
The Australia Institute, based in Canberra, which is a relative newcomer contributing to mainly social, economic and health matters. Its aim is to ‘develop and conduct research and policy analysis and to participate forcefully in public debates’.
The Australian Strategic Policy Institute, which is also based in Canberra, and is prominent in relation to defence issues. Its relationship to government is explicitly stated in its goals, which include providing what it calls ‘fresh ideas for government’. The institute intends to be a source of new ideas and innovative solutions for government, both through its published work and through policy analyses specifically commissioned by the government.
The Sydney-based Lowy Institute for International Policy describes itself as ‘an independent, non-partisan, international policy think tank’ and concerns itself with international policy. Its objective is to ‘deepen the debate in Australia about international policy and to generate new ideas and dialogue on international developments’.
The Institute of Public Affairs is focused on economic and political issues. It contributes to the policy debate around the environment, deregulation, workplace relations, energy, and governance. Its website declares that on the basis of its research it 'can recommend the best path for … politicians, policy makers and businesses to take'.
All of these institutes are notionally independent. But in the case of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute and the Australian Institute of Family Studies, among others, they were established by the government for the express purpose of doing research and policy work that would inform the government’s thinking on particular issues. Other think tanks that are ‘independent’ of government are nevertheless dependent on commissioned research, often from government, or on the donations of those who support the particular lines of argument that characterise the organisation – be they left wing, right wing or birds of some other feather. It is worth noting, too, that these organisations are often engaged in a ‘debate’ with one another – an ideological contest, if you like.