The Institute for Progressive Policy (IPP) is a newly formed think-tank that seeks to develop fresh policy ideas and political strategies for the social democratic left. The IPP is run by a group of individuals with backgrounds in the law, academia, public service and in the community and private sectors. The group has particular expertise in climate change, economics, history, development, aviation, marine conservation, Indigenous affairs and resources law and policy. The group includes both Rhodes and Commonwealth Scholars.

The IPP will be a not-for-profit public company limited by guarantee.

While the IPP is not formally linked to any political party, its members believe that Australia needs strong, democratic and progressive political leadership in order to become a vibrant and healthy social democracy. Its members are united by a foundational commitment to fostering egalitarianism and a concern about the potential erosion of the public sphere by an uncritical policy acceptance of the philosophical tenets of neo-liberalism.

The purpose of the IPP is to develop a progressive policy framework for political and business leaders and policy makers. Seeking to look beyond the short term and avoid the trap of political expediency, the IPP will strive to develop a coherent framework of foundational principles building on the values and aspirations shared by progressive individuals within the broader community. These foundational principles will guide the IPP’s development and advocacy of specific public policy proposals.

The IPP is a product of a shift in public sentiment that is underway in Australia. While many Australians have benefited from over a decade of sustained economic growth, concern is also evident regarding what is perceived as the erosion of the common good. The last few years, in particular, have witnessed increasing public concern regarding the threat that climate change poses to both the environment and economic performance and, thus, our value of life. Others have expressed concern about the extent to which activities such as the care of children and the elderly should be carried out by the private sector. These issues are especially pertinent in states where resource-driven ‘booms’ have had an extensive impact upon the social fabric. There is a sense of growing disenchantment with the political process and cynicism towards our political leadership. Recent scandals in Western Australia, involving the personal behaviour of politicians, only serve to remind us of the need for to inject fresh ideas into the public policy making and refocus on tackling the challenges we face.

The IPP acknowledges that in order to develop an evidence-based and principled policy framework for the progressive left in Australia, grass-roots political movements will need to be formed and aspects of civil society (such as public universities and the free press) strengthened. The workings of established political parties must be examined with a critical eye for their institutional flaws but a sympathetic eye for their progressive values and ability to inspire democratic participation.

The IPP believes that social democrats cannot afford to be reactive. In order to develop sound policy, decision makers need to adopt a principled stand on issues as crucial as when, and on what basis, the activities of the private sector should be regulated. The IPP’s goal is to assist all concerned citizens to live ethical, productive and meaningful lives by exploring and rethinking the ideas of the social democratic left.

Above all the IPP aims to develop a principled and coherent set of progressive principles which can guide policy-making in Australia in the 21st century. Those on the progressive side of the political divide must immediately begin to logically and strategically challenge the intellectual and political dominance of the neo-liberal right by advancing a positive and principled policy agenda.

Climate change is the focus of the IPP’s activities in 2009.

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