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'Command and control': Labor's cuts to conservative think tank raises hackles

The article from The Sydney Morning Herald discusses the Australian Labor government's decision to cut funding to the Institute of Public Affairs (IPA), a conservative think tank, which has sparked controversy and accusations of political bias. The IPA, known for its advocacy of free-market policies and criticism of government regulations, has been a recipient of government grants for various research projects. The funding cuts, amounting to $1.5 million, were justified by the government as a move to redirect resources towards more "publicly beneficial" research. Critics, including opposition politicians and some academics, argue that this move undermines intellectual diversity and could set a precedent for future politically motivated funding decisions. The article highlights the tension between the government's role in funding research and the independence of think tanks, with some suggesting that the cuts reflect a broader ideological battle over the direction of public policy research in Australia.

Read the Full Sydney Morning Herald Article at:
[ https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/command-and-control-labor-s-cuts-to-conservative-think-tank-raises-hackles-20241218-p5kzcq.html ]