Research
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HeatWatch: Extreme heat in the WhitsundaysIncreasing extreme heat will have profound impacts on people, industries and ecosystems in the Whitsundays. CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology projections estimate that the average number of days over 35 degrees each year could increase fourfold by 2030 and reach over 87 days per year by 2090 without strong climate policies. Hot nights above 25 degrees are projected to rise from an average of 18 per year up to 177 per year by 2090. -
HeatWatch: extreme heat in TownsvilleIncreasing extreme heat will have profound impacts on people, industries and ecosystems in Townsville.CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology projections estimate that the average number of days over 35 degrees each year could increase fivefold by 2030 and reach over one hundred days per year by 2090 without strong climate policies. Almost two hundred nights per year could to remain above 25 degrees by 2090, a level considered dangerous to human health.
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Let us assumeThe Australia Institute has reviewed economic modelling of climate policies released today by Brian Fisher of BAEconomics. The Institute’s review shows that BAEconomics’ modelling is based on flawed assumptions and its conclusions are not valid.
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Owing down the riverThe Barwon-Darling/Barka River is dry. But almost 2,000 gigalitres have been consumed by the irrigation industry this year while nothing has flowed to Menindee Lakes, the site of the summer fish kills. Despite this, the river actually ‘owes’ water to industry, ‘debts’ it is unlikely to repay due to climate change and policy settings.Please note: This report was updated on 16 March 2019, correcting titles of graphs, clarifying data on cotton produ...
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Coal in KingaroyA coal project proposed near Kingaroy, Queensland, is unlikely to provide benefit in a local economy based on services and agriculture. It imposes uncertainty and costs on other industries and the community. Policy makers should rule the project out on economic grounds.
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Polling: Minister recognition The Australia Institute surveyed a nationally representative sample of 1,536 Australians about which current and recent Ministers they had heard ofAt the next federal election, the retirement of Bishop and Pyne leaves only two Ministers known by most of Australians: Scott Morrison and Peter Dutton. Two of the three most recognised female MPs are retiring, leaving Michaelia Cash as the most recognised female Minister at just 33% of those polledKey...
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HeatWatch - Extreme heat in South East SAIncreasing extreme heat will have profound impacts on people, industries and ecosystems in South East SA. CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology projections estimate that the average number of days over 35 could increase from historical averages of 21 at Murray Bridge and seven at Mount Gambier, to 56 and 22 days respectively by 2090 without strong climate action.
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Compulsory voting: Ensuring government of the people, by the people, for the peopleVoter turnout is at record lows in federal elections. A review of non-voting penalties should be undertaken and consideration given to Scandinavian-style progressive penalties.“Members of the Committee also regard compulsory voting as a corner-stone of Australia’s democratic system.” Joint Standing Committee into Electoral Matters (2018) Report on the conduct of the 2016 federal election and matters related thereto Compulsory voting is one of Aus...
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National Energy Emissions Audit: February The Australia Institute’s Climate & Energy Program has released the latest National Energy Emissions Audit for the electricity sector covering the month of January 2019. The Audit shows that renewables now account for 20% of total generation in the National Energy Market (NEM) -- a share that that is certain to continue growing -- performing best of all energy sources during a record-breaking summer of heatwaves.Key Findings: + On the unprece...
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New Analysis: High Income Individuals Spend Big to Avoid Tax New analysis from the Australia Institute shows a small minority of individuals are spending big on tax accountants to take advantage of unfair tax loopholes, such that individuals with a gross income over $1 million can pay zero tax.Key Findings:Those with both a gross and taxable income over $1 million spent on average $7,476 on managing their tax affairsThose with a gross income over $1 million but had reduced their taxable income to...