The McKell Institute

The McKell Institute The McKell Institute is an independent, progressive policy research institute.

Today we launched the Sharing the Load report with the Australian Rail Tram and Bus Industry Union. At its heart, this ...
23/07/2026

Today we launched the Sharing the Load report with the Australian Rail Tram and Bus Industry Union. At its heart, this report asks a simple question: as Australia’s freight task continues to grow, how do we move more goods in a way that is more productive, more resilient, safer and more sustainable?

Importantly, this is not a report about replacing road freight with rail. Australia’s future freight task will continue to rely on both modes.

A new billion-dollar stadium is planned for Hobart. Our latest report, “Connecting Macquarie Point”, explains why light ...
11/07/2026

A new billion-dollar stadium is planned for Hobart. Our latest report, “Connecting Macquarie Point”, explains why light rail, using Hobart’s existing rail alignment, is the best way to get there. Full report on our website.

04/06/2026

We welcomed McKell Institute members and friends at the Victorian Parliament to meet the state government’s new crop of Ministers and Parliamentary secretaries.
With thanks to Assistant Secretary Amanda Threlfall for leading our Q&A session with new ministers and and our event sponsors .

03/06/2026

Sovereign Power explained

This report recommends the establishment of Sovereign Power, a new Commonwealth entity to build and own firmed renewable...
03/06/2026

This report recommends the establishment of Sovereign Power, a new Commonwealth entity to build and own firmed renewable generation, offering long-term power purchase agreements to Australia’s strategic industrial facilities. Anchored by the Commonwealth’s lower cost of capital and longer investment horizon, Sovereign Power can reliably deliver electricity at a price that makes Australian heavy industry globally competitive in service to the nation’s industrial future. Link to the full report in the comments

We’re proud to announce the inaugural WA Advisory Committee of the McKell Institute Western Australia.Chaired by Bill Jo...
26/02/2026

We’re proud to announce the inaugural WA Advisory Committee of the McKell Institute Western Australia.
Chaired by Bill Johnston, the Committee brings together leaders from government, business, unions, philanthropy and the creative industries to strengthen evidence-based policymaking in WA - all committed to shaping practical, outcomes-focused reform in Western Australia.
WA is at a pivotal moment.
Energy transition. Economic diversification. Workforce reform. Social change.
This Committee will help ensure McKell WA is a useful and impactful policy voice in our state.
Watch this space!

McKell WA, together with one of our inaugural members Fortescue, was pleased to host , Minister for Skills and Training...
20/11/2025

McKell WA, together with one of our inaugural members Fortescue, was pleased to host , Minister for Skills and Training for a timely discussion on building a national skills and training system that is inclusive, responsive, and future-focused.

The Minister’s message was optimistic: skills and training are about connecting Australians to opportunity, contribution, and full participation—aligning national interests with individual aspirations.

Thank you to for hosting, to everyone who attended and contributed so passionately to the discussion, and to the Minister for a thoughtful and inspiring speech.

What book changed how you think about policy? At the recent launch of McKell WA, we asked people to recommend their favo...
15/08/2025

What book changed how you think about policy?
At the recent launch of McKell WA, we asked people to recommend their favourite policy or current affairs read. 
Here are some of the suggestions:

📚 New Power by Jeremy Heimans and Henry Timms
📚 Nexus by Yuval Noah Harari 
📚 Innovation and its Enemies by Calestous Juma 
📚 Happy City by Charles Montgomery 
📚 Making Progress by Jenny Macklin and Joel Deane
📚 Radical Help by Hilary Cottam 
📚 Free to Choose by Milton Friedman and Rose Friedman 
📚 Doppelganger by Naomi Klein

What’s your suggestion? Let us know in the comments!

Today, we're releasing our new plan for capital gains tax reform a supply-positive, revenue-neutral reorientation of the...
21/07/2025

Today, we're releasing our new plan for capital gains tax reform a supply-positive, revenue-neutral reorientation of the powerful CGT discount on housing.

For too long, sensible reform to the CGT discount on housing has eluded policymakers.

Our plan offers a path forward. It aims the CGT discount in service of Australia's national mission on housing supply, making the incentive more generous for new apartments and houses than old established dwellings.

Authored by and UNSW Professor Richard Holden, the McKell Plan would stimulate 130,000 additional homes by 2030.

Read more:
https://mckellinstitute.org.au/research/reports/harnessing-aspiration/

17/07/2025

McKell CEO Ed Cavanough joined Sky News Australia to explain why a clean energy future can reap dividends for Australia's economy.

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World Square
Sydney, NSW
2002

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