Here’s a summary of the AFR’s Grattan Institute panegyric today.
The rise of the Grattan Institute from an idea discussed over coffee in Melbourne in 2008 to Australia’s most influential independent public policy think tank. Founded by figures including Glyn Davis and Terry Moran, Grattan was inspired by the Brookings Institution and established to provide rigorous, evidence-based policy advice independent of government. It was named after Grattan Street after its original proposed name, the Pearson Institute, was abandoned because of Charles Henry Pearson’s racist views.
Over nearly two decades, Grattan has shaped major policy debates on taxation, housing, childcare, education, health and productivity. Its recommendations have influenced reforms including expanded paid parental leave, childcare, Medicare, phonics-based literacy teaching, and changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax. Critics argue it favours greater government intervention and has a centre-left bias, while Grattan’s leaders insist its work follows evidence rather than ideology.
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