Per Capita is an independent progressive Australian think tank

Think tank

A think tank is an organization that conducts research and engages in advocacy in areas such as social policy, political strategy, economics, military, and technology issues. Most think tanks are non-profit organizations, which some countries such as the United States and Canada provide with tax...

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Philosophy

As a progressive, centre-left think tank, Per Capita's approach is to view the role of government as a market designer: setting parameters for a liberal economy to produce better social outcomes.

Per Capita's thinking draws on market design theory, full-cost economics, behavioural economics, and political philosophy.

Research program

Per Capita's research concerns have included long-term economic reform, the philosophy of tax, climate change, wellbeing and quality of life, population policy, energy and gas, and neuroscience.

Impact

Per Capita is recognised as a leading think tank of the centre-left in Australia, with a more centrist orientation than counterparts such as the Australia Institute and the Centre for Policy Development. Observers have noted that the think tank has influenced thinking about economic reform within the Gillard government.