Centre for Independent Studies

Watch here: https://youtu.be/0FS0cL7nqUk All our links: https://linktr.ee/centreforindependentstudies In this episode of Liberalism in Question, David Kinley, Chair of Human Rights Law at the University of Sydney, joins us to explore the relationship between freedom, liberty, and responsibility. As the author of The Liberty Paradox, David delves into the distinctions between these core concepts of liberalism and the responsibilities that come with exercising freedom. Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on how liberalism can navigate these tensions in today's world.
#Liberalism #HumanRights #DavidKinley #FreedomVsLiberty #Responsibility #Philosophy #PoliticalTheory #TheLibertyParadox #LiberalismInQuestion #Liberty #Freedom #Ethics #CivilRights #LawAndSociety

In Gorillas in the Mist: How Government Obscures Its Spending, Gene Tunny examines how Australian governments increasingly rely on off-budget mechanisms—such as loans, equity injections, and special investment funds—to finance major policy initiatives without those costs appearing in the core budget balance. These tactics allow governments to maintain the appearance of fiscal discipline while accumulating hidden financial risks. The paper details the rapid growth of off-budget measures, evaluates their impact on transparency, accountability, and inflation, and calls for greater scrutiny to ensure public money is managed responsibly.
Read the paper here: https://www.cis.org.au/publication/gorillas-in-the-mist-how-government-obscures-its-spending/ Audio Produced by: Randall Evans
Subscribe to all our shows:What You Need to Know About delivers concise insights from CIS experts, breaking down complex topics like policy, economics, and societal challenges. Subscribe here: https://whatyouneedtoknowabout.podbean.com/ 
The CIS Research Collection delivers our research papers in an audio format so that you can listen to them on the go. Subscribe here: https://cisresearch.podbean.com/Liberalism in Question features thought-provoking interviews with world experts in politics and culture from a Classical Liberal perspective. Subscribe here: https://liberalisminquestion.podbean.com/CIS Events Experience: From the studios of CIS our events team brings you engaging discussions from our live events, featuring lectures, panel discussions, and conversations with leading experts: https://cisevents.podbean.com/

Watch here: https://youtu.be/EVmqHRwsooY All our links: https://linktr.ee/centreforindependentstudies In this episode of Liberalism in Question, we are joined by Australian businessman, entrepreneur, and free-market advocate Ron Manners. As the founder of the Mannkal Economic Education Foundation and a vocal proponent of individual liberty, Manners shares his perspective on the evolution of classical liberalism, the role of free markets in society, and the current challenges facing economic freedom globally. Tune in as we explore the intersection of personal responsibility, limited government, and the path forward for liberal values in a rapidly changing world.#auspol #libertarian #mining 

Watch here: https://youtu.be/T6Ga9mjdFhs All our links: https://linktr.ee/centreforindependentstudies
In this compelling interview, Robert Forsyth engages in a deep conversation with Mary Eberstadt, acclaimed author and social commentator, on the profound effects of the sexual revolution and the critical importance of families in sustaining a healthy liberal democracy. Together, they explore how the cultural shifts of the 20th century have transformed societal norms, personal identity, and the political landscape, while discussing why the family remains a cornerstone of freedom and civic life.
What impact has the sexual revolution had on modern society? How do strong family structures contribute to the success of democratic systems? Robert and Mary unpack these questions, offering thought-provoking insights on the intersections of culture, politics, and the future of Western civilization.#auspol #reproductiverights #thepill #womensrights #christianity 

All our Links: https://linktr.ee/centreforindependentstudies Listen to this recording of our thought-provoking CIS event that explored the complexities of Australian identity, politics, and social cohesion.  The event featured engaging discussions with special guests Nyunggai Warren Mundine,  Dr. Tanveer Ahmed and Damien Freeman.
Held after the historic 2023 referendum, which saw a 60/40 rejection of the Voice, the conversation examines the deepening divisions in Australian society. As public opinion shifted before the vote, broader concerns about cultural and political fractures came to the forefront. The speakers tackled important questions about the accusations of racism, the rise of populism and identity politics, and whether Australia’s social fabric is fraying in an era of diminishing trust and growing polarization.
What does it mean to be Australian in the 21st century? What unites us as a nation, and how do we nurture the social cohesion for which Australia has been known?
The discussion featured:
Damien Freeman, writer, lawyer, philosopher, and author of The End of Settlement.
Nyunggai Warren Mundine, Director of the Indigenous Forum at CIS and co-editor of Beneath the Southern Cross.
Dr. Tanveer Ahmed, psychiatrist, author, and columnist for the Australian Financial Review.
Peter Kurti, Director of the Culture, Prosperity & Civil Society program at CIS and co-editor of Beneath the Southern Cross.
This recording captures their insights and reflections on the key issues shaping Australia's future.#Australia #AustralianPolitics #VoiceReferendum #IdentityPolitics #SocialCohesion #AusPol #WarrenMundine #CulturalDebate #Populism #Unity #IndigenousVoice #Referendum2023 #NationalIdentity #BreakingNews #TrendingNow #PoliticalDebate #CurrentAffairs

The Rise of Activist Corporations: How activism agendas subsumed shareholder primacy
by Peter Swan AO
September 26, 2024
Australian companies have been shifting from a purely shareholder focus to a much vaguer, less accountable, and damaging stakeholder focus for many years. One important byproduct of this decline in shareholder focus has been former shareholder resources moving into ‘social responsibility’, corporate activism, and promotion of political and popular causes that are often antithetical to the interests of corporations’ own shareholders. This has resulted in many corporations becoming ‘woke’.Read the paper here: https://www.cis.org.au/publication/the-rise-of-activist-corporations-how-activism-agendas-subsumed-shareholder-primacy/
 
#auspol #woke

Watch here: https://youtu.be/C45cbnu3Q1k All our links: https://linktr.ee/centreforindependentstudies
In this eye-opening interview, Robert Forsyth sits down with Nicholas Eberstadt, a leading expert on North Korea and a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, to dissect the origins and implications of North Korea's unique family dictatorship. The conversation delves into how the Kim dynasty has maintained an iron grip on the country through a blend of political strategy and cult of personality.
What are the roots of North Korea's dynastic rule? How has the regime's approach influenced its domestic and international policies? Robert and Nicholas explore these questions and provide an in-depth analysis of how the Kim family's authoritarian control has shaped North Korean society and its interactions with the world.#northkorea #libertarian #democracy #history

The Rise of Activist Corporations with Peter Swan - Interviewed by Emilie Dye.
Australian companies have been shifting from a purely shareholder focus to a much vaguer, less accountable, and damaging stakeholder focus for many years. One important byproduct of this decline in shareholder focus has been former shareholder resources moving into ‘social responsibility’, corporate activism, and promotion of political and popular causes that are often antithetical to the interests of corporations’ own shareholders. This has resulted in many corporations becoming ‘woke’.
Read the paper here: https://www.cis.org.au/publication/the-rise-of-activist-corporations-how-activism-agendas-subsumed-shareholder-primacy/

Watch here: https://youtu.be/vr3lSCpaK2o All our links: https://linktr.ee/centreforindependentstudies
Join Robert Forsyth in this enlightening interview with Dr. Jonathan Cole, a distinguished scholar and passionate advocate of classical liberalism. Dr. Cole shares his personal journey of conversion to classical liberalism, tracing the profound impact Ludwig von Mises had on his intellectual transformation and understanding of economic and political philosophy.
In this engaging discussion, Dr. Cole reflects on his intellectual evolution, the key principles of classical liberalism, and how Mises' ideas continue to shape contemporary debates on freedom, markets, and individual rights. Robert and Dr. Cole delve into the relevance of Mises' theories in today’s political climate and explore how classical liberalism offers solutions to modern challenges.#auspol #mises #libertarian 

Read the paper here: https://www.cis.org.au/publication/government-spending-and-inflation/That government expenditure in Australia has grown apace in recent years is well-known. The growth became gargantuan during the coronavirus pandemic. However, to a less dramatic extent, it was happening before the pandemic — and has continued since it ended.
Some observers welcome this growth to the extent it is a reflection of new spending programs and expansion of existing programs perceived to meet legitimate needs. But it is also a matter of serious concern for reasons that include the implications for higher taxation and public debt, the effect on incentives and the diversion of scarce resources away from alternative and higher productivity activities.
Recently, attention has turned to the impact of higher public spending on inflation as monetary policy struggles to restore inflation to its target. Specifically, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has spoken of the high level of aggregate demand relative to the economy’s potential output. The RBA has drawn attention to the relatively rapid growth of public final demand as a contributor to excessive aggregate demand —­ although the Governor has also stated that public sector demand “is not the main game” in the policy response to persistent inflation.
This policy paper presents the key facts about public expenditure growth in recent years and discusses its contribution to inflation.