— New think tank set to shape public debate —

The Grattan Institute, a new national think tank, has been launched in Melbourne with the brief to contribute significantly to Australian public policy debate.

Named after the Melbourne street near where it is located, the Institute hopes to foster open and wide-ranging public debate on topical themes and issues. Chief Executive Dr John Daley (pictured left) says the think tank’s primary consideration will be Australian domestic policy and he hopes the Grattan Institute will fill a gap in Australian political life.

“We looked for topics where fact-based analysis and public discussion can change peoples’ minds, “ he said, “and areas where important issues are not being talked about enough.’

The Institute’s progams are focused on energy choices, water, cities, school education and health have been chosen because they are under-represented in public debate or not widely understood.

The Institute’s research and analysis is set to engage the broader community and its primary benefactors, through seminars, forums and online publication of its reports. NR

The Institute was launched by  Victorian Premier John Brumby, and also featured a keynote address by prestigious US political commentator and University of Melbourne 2009 Miegunyah Distinguished Visiting Fellow, Thomas E Mann.