Think Tanks in Australia

This book provides the most comprehensive study of the Australian think-tank industry to date. Drawing on empirical evidence, it first assesses the structure of the industry, the methods think tanks use to persuade policymakers, and public perceptions of their effectiveness. The book then proceeds to examine three unique policy cases to analyse think tank influence on policymaking. It argues that whilst think tanks play important roles in Australia’s policy process, their impacts vary depending on their approach and objectives. The book also demonstrates that policymakers with contrasting ideological orientations diverge in their assessments of the utility and influence of think tanks. It will appeal to students and scholars of public policy, and practitioners in public administration and governance. 

“Informed by a masterful review of the international literature, this innovative study on the influencing activities of Australian think tanks advances the pioneering work of Dianne Stone and Ian Marsh. Trent Hagland sets a new standard for studying think tanks by creatively tapping diverse lines of empirical evidence, including social media and case studies, and perceptively appraising their impact using leading theories of policy-making.”

--Evert Lindquist, Professor, School of Public Administration, University of Victoria, Canada

 

“Trent Hagland offers a compelling and nuanced understanding to how experts, ideas, and advocacy coalesce to influence policymaking. This is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand think tanks and policymaking, in Australia and globally.”

--Andrew Rich, Richard J. Henley and Susan L. Davis Dean, Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership, The City College of New York, USA

 

“Trent Hagland has produced the first comprehensive account of policy-oriented think tanks in Australia. Building on the international think-tank literature, he examines the growth and diversification of Australian think tanks. Three original and detailed case studies provide rich new perspectives concerning the activities and achievements of leading think tanks, in their ongoing attempts to influence policymaking.”

--Brian Head, Professor, School of Political Science and International Studies,

The University of Queensland, Australia

 

“The deepest and most comprehensive scholarly account yet produced on the important and growing role of think tanks in Australia's public policy ecosystem. Trent Hagland's book is essential reading for think tankers, scholars and the policy makers they are hoping to influence.”

--Allan Gyngell AO, National President of the Australian Institute of International Affairs, andFounding Executive Director of The Lowy Institute for International Policy, Australia

 

“An outstanding piece of scholarship. Consistently rigorous, deep and broad. It is the definitive analysis of Australia’s think tanks to date. It thoroughly diagnoses the reasons for their growth, how they work, and dives deep into the toughest questions – how much do think tanks really change policy outcomes in Australia, and how do they do it?”

--John Daley AM, Founding Chief Executive of the Grattan Institute, Australia

 

“Trent Hagland’s research rigorously and accessibly explores the important role of think tanks in policy debates and why and when they are influential. This is a hitherto scantily researched area of the development of government policies in Australia.”

--Ralph Lattimore, Executive Manager, Productivity Commission, Canberra

“This volume is critical reading for professionalsworking in the think tank, government and university sectors. It is essential we carefully consider how and where think tanks make an impact and Dr Hagland’s work clearly articulates how research, policy, analysis and thought leadership combine to have influence in Australia."

--Gordon Flake, Chief Executive Officer, Perth USAsia Centre, Australia.

Trent Hagland is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Sydney Business School, Australia.