DeSmog

Institute of Public Affairs

Institute of Public Affairs (IPA)

Background

The Institute of Public Affairs (IPA), founded in 1943, describes itself as “an independent, non-profit public policy think tank, dedicated to preserving and strengthening the foundations of economic and political freedom.”1About us,” Institute of Public Affairs. Archived August 31, 2015. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/MFWXn

The IPA has campaigned heavily against Australia’s carbon price legislation. IPA researchers and associates have a high media presence and appear daily as guests on both public and commercial radio and television in Australia. IPA staff also write regular columns for Australian newspapers and online media. 

In 2018, DeSmog confirmed mining magnate and climate change denier Gina Rinehart was a key funder of the IPA, giving significant donations through her company Hancock Prospecting Proprietary Ltd (HPPL).2Graham Readfearn. “Billionaire Mining Magnate Gina Rinehart Revealed As Key Donor to Australian Climate Science Denial Promoter Institute of Public Affairs,” DeSmog, July 17, 2018.

The think tank has been one of the largest promoters of climate science denial in Australia, sponsoring a number of speaking tours and books, while its fellows have challenged the legitmacy of climate change science and the need to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

IPA has links to the Liberal Party of Australia, and its Executive Director John Roskam ran for Liberal Party pre-selection in a number of elections.

The Sydney Morning Herald reports, “As executive director of the Institute of Public Affairs, a think tank that exists to promote free-market ideologies, Roskam has helped finance and give structure to Australia’s often self-contradictory band of climate sceptics.”3The benefit of the doubt,” The Sydney Morning Herald, May 8, 2010. Archived August 11, 2014. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/ofCHO

According to Executive Director John Roskham, “’Of all the serious sceptics in Australia, we have helped and supported just about all of them in their work one way or another,’ he says, listing some prominent figures on the local circuit.” Ian Plimer – we launched his book – Bob Carter, Jo Nova, William Kininmonth.”4The benefit of the doubt,” The Sydney Morning Herald, May 8, 2010. Archived August 11, 2014. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/ofCHO

Stance on Climate Change

“The Institute of Public Affairs examines climate change and environmental policy from an evidence based perspective. The IPA also prioritizes making rational assessments of the economics and practicalities of carbon dioxide reduction proposals. Knee-jerk government policies in response to activist campaigning can have far-reaching economic implications while achieving no environmental benefit.”5Climate Change,” Institute of Public Affairs. Archived August 31, 2015. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/gbck9

Funding

Under Australian law, the IPA does not have to disclose its funders. In July 2018, DeSmog confirmed that mining magnate Gina Rinehart was a key funder of the group, having donated $2.3 million to the IPA in 2016 and $2.2 million in 2017 through her company Hancock Prospecting Proprietary Ltd (HPPL).6Graham Readfearn. “Billionaire Mining Magnate Gina Rinehart Revealed As Key Donor to Australian Climate Science Denial Promoter Institute of Public Affairs,” DeSmog, July 17, 2018.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported that about a quarter of IPA‘s $2 million in annual funding comes from corporations with a direct stake in the climate change debate, “not including contributions from its 1000 individual members, some of whom also have a personal interest in climate change.”7The benefit of the doubt,” The Sydney Morning Herald, May 8, 2010. Archived August 11, 2014. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/ofCHO

The Institute’s donors have included major corporations such as Visyboard, Telstra, Western Mining and BHP Billiton as well as the tobacco industry.8Thinkers of influence,” The Age, December 10, 2005. Archived August 31, 2015. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/L4uOF

The IPA has also entered into a partnership with lobby group Australians for Northern Development and Economic Vision, founded by mining billionaire Gina Rinehart. ANDEV has funded the IPA to help run a campaign for lower taxes and regulations in the north of Australia to encourage more mining developments.9Clive Hamilton. “The shadowy world of IPA finances,” The Drum, February 23, 2012. Archived August 31, 2015. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/L4uOF

In July 2012, executive director John Roskam told the Brisbane Times: “[T]he reason we don’t reveal our donors is because unfortunately our donors – and people who were believed to be our donors – have been intimidated because of their supposed support for us.”10Graham Readfearn. “Bid to out the money behind the voice against climate change,” Brisbane Times, January 27, 2012. Archived September 1, 2015. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/PctQK

The Conservative Transparency database offers a historic look at some of the early funders of the IPA:11Institute of Public Affairs,” Conservative Transparency. Accessed August, 2015.

*Note: As original 990 tax forms pre-2000 are not currently accessible, the following values have not been verified by DeSmogBlog for accuracy.

John M. Olin Foundation 
1991 –$33,000
1990 –$33,000
1989 –$33,000
1987 –$20,000
The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation
1995 –$30,000
1992 –$40,000
1991 –$73,000
1990 –$33,000
1989 –$33,000
1987 –$20,000
Grand Total$348,000

IPA Annual Information Statements & Other Documents

Key People

IPA Staff

Name1998199920002001200320042005200620072008200920102011201212People & associates,” Institute of Public Affairs. Archived January 12, 2012. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/bLmad20132014201513People & associates,” Institute of Public Affairs. Archived October 12, 2015. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/inOOp20162017Description
John HydeYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYEmeritus Fellow
Chris Berg      YYYYYYYYYYYYYSenior Fellow
John Roskam      YYYYYYYYYYYYYExecutive Director
Richard Allsop       YYYYYYYYYYYYSenior Fellow
Andrew Poon        YYYYYYYYYYYDirector of Finance and Administration
Sinclair Davidson         YYYYYYYYYYSenior Research Fellow
Peter Gregory             YYYYYYResearch Fellow
Simon Breheny             YYYYYYDirector of Policy
James Bolt              YYYYYDigital Communications Manager
Jason Potts              YYYYYAdjunct Fellow
Rachel Guy              YYYYYDirector of Development
Darcy Allen               YYYYResearch Fellow
Mikayla Novak               YYYYAdjunct Fellow
Jennifer Marohasy     YYYYY      YYYSenior Fellow.  Left in July, 2009 and re-hired in September, 2015.14Jennifer Marohasy Leaves the IPA,” Jennifer Marohasy, July 6, 2009. Archived September 1, 2015. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/VvYQ6 15About: Current Situation,” Jennifer Marohasy. Archived October 12, 2015. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/IFybk
Father James Grant                YYYAdjunct Fellow
Morgan Begg                YYYResearch Fellow
Nina Lohanatha                YYYMembership Manager
Aaron Lane                 YYLegal Fellow
Andrew Bushnell                 YYResearch Fellow
Bella d’Abrera                 YYDirector,  Foundations of Western Civilisation Program
Daniel Wild                 YYResearch Fellow
Evan Mulholland                 YYMedia and Communications Manager
Georgina Downer                 YYAdjunct Fellow
Matthew Lesh                 YYResearch Fellow
Michael Husek                 YYResearcher
Scott Hargreaves                 YYExecutive General Manager
Andrew Shearer                  YCD Kemp Fellow
Biondi Nattaatmaja                  YMembership Coordinator
Cindy Selo Adji                  YFinance Assistant
Deborah Sims                  YDirector of Relationships and Engagement
Gideon Rozner                  YResearch Fellow
Gin Campbell                  YDevelopment Associate
John Abbott                  YSenior Fellow
John Hajek                  YIntern and Campus Coordinator
John Slater                  YCampus Coordinator
Joshua Stranger                  YGraphic Designer and Digital Coordinator
Naomi Jayawardane                  YAdministration Assistant
Renee Gorman                  YCampus Coordinator
Samy Therone                  YGraphic Designer and Digital Coordinator
Saul Muscatel                  YVideographer
Sharni Cutajar                  YIntern and Campus Coordinator
Stuart Eaton                  YDirector of Strategic Communications and External Affairs
Tom Switzer          YYYYYYYY Adjunct Fellow
Anniessa Putri          Y  YYYYY Finance Assistant
Sarah Wilson               YYY Membership and Special Events Coordinator
Stephanie Forrest               YYY Research Scholar, Foundations of Western Civilisation Program
Brett Hogan                YY Director of Research
Bob Carter           YYYYYY  Emeritus Fellow, Science Policy Advisor
James Paterson            YYYYY  Deputy Executive Director
Rob Phayer            YYYYY  Internal Systems Manager
Hannah Pandel              YYY  Research Fellow
Aline Le Guen               YY  Editor, IPA Review and Publications Manager
Louise Staley       YYYYYYYYY   Director, Food and Environment Unit
Hugh Tobin       YYY  YYYY   Deputy Executive Director
Dom Talimanidis              YY   Ian Mence Fellow for Entrepreneurship
Trent MacDonald              YY   Research Fellow
Carla Schodde               Y   Researcher, Foundations of Western Civilisation Program
Greg Jensen               Y   Director of Development
Max Carter               Y   Multimedia Coordinator
Vicki Stanley               Y   Research Fellow
Alan MoranYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY    Director, Deregulation Unit
Tim Wilson        YYYYYYY    Director of Climate Change Policy and the Intellectual Property and Free Trade Unit
Julie Novak          YYYYY    Senior Fellow
Lydia Bevege             YY    Development Coordinator
David Jancik              Y    Researcher, Legal Rights Project
Sarah Duncan              Y    Administration Assistant
Vivienne Crompton              Y    Researcher, Legal Rights Project
Carolyn Popp           YYY     Research Fellow
Sabine Wolff            YY     Research Assistant, Work Reform and Productivity Unit
John Shipp         Y   Y     Director, North Australia Project
Fiona Tracey             Y     Researcher, North Australia Project
John Lloyd             Y     Director, Work Reform and Productivity Unit
Rachel Leigh             Y     Membership Coordinator
Ken Phillips      YYYYYYY      Director, Work Reform Unit
Graham Farebrother         YYYY      Research Fellow
Brad Laver           YY       
Alastair Berg            Y       
Asher Judah            Y      Research Fellow
Bob Champion            Y       
Liz Griffiths            Y       
John Abbot         YYY       Research Fellow
John Pesutto           Y       Director, Productivity and Employment Unit
Tony Barry           Y       Director, Finance and Operations
Adam Wojtonis          Y        Deputy Editor, IPA Review
Mike NahanYYYYYYYYYY         Senior Fellow
Andrew McIntyre        YY         Research Fellow
Andrew Kemp         Y         Researcher
Christopher Murn         Y         Researcher
Kate Herbert         Y         Researcher
Morgan Willcox         Y         Administrative Assistant
Nichole Hoskin         Y         Researcher
Ross Fox         Y         Research Fellow
Sam Mullaly         Y         Designer
Tom Carroll         Y         Marketing Director, IPA Review
Jim Hoggett    YYYYY          Senior Fellow
Georgina Hamilton       Y           Client Services Manager
Jason Briant       Y           Research Fellow
Gary JohnsYYYYYYY            Director, Governance Unit
Don D’Cruz    YYY            Senior Fellow
Ron Brunton YYY               Senior Fellow
Michael WarbyYYY                Fellow
Brian TuckerY                  Senior Fellow and Director, Environment Unit
Chris UlyattY                  Editorial Director
Rob BruntonY                  Director, Indigenous Issues Unit

IPA Board

Name199920002001200320042006200720092010201216People & associates,” Institute of Public Affairs. Archived January 12, 2012. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/bLmad2013201417Current & Historical Company Extract: Institute of Public Affairs,” Australian Securities and Investments Commission. Archived at DeSmog.201520162017Description
Harold CloughYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYDirector
Michael Folie YYYYYYYYYYYYYYDirector
Tim DuncanY  YYYYYYYYYYYYDirector
John Roskam      YYYYYYYYYExecutive Director
Michael Hickinbotham       YYYYYYYYDirector
Rod Kemp       YYYYYYYYChairman
William Morgan       YYYYYYYYDirector
Geoff Hone         YYYYYYDirector
Janet Albrechtsen            YYYDirector
Rod Menzies            YYYDirector
Maurice O’Shannassy              YDirector
Maurice O’Shannassy        YYYYYY Director
Bill Hetherington       YYYYY   Director
Michael Kroger       YYYYY   Director
Allan Pidgeon          YY   Director
Janet Barlow          YY   Director
Tom QuirkY    YYYYYY    Director
Ian Nethercote   YYYYYY      Director
Robert Officer YYYYYY        Director
Alan Stockdale   YYYY        Chairman
David Trebeck     YY        Director
David Karpin YYYYY          
Mike Nahan YYYY          Senior Fellow
Thomas Quirk YYYY          Chairman, Virax Holdings and Biota Holdings.
Kerran CampbellYYY            Managing Director CCD Australia.
Eric Windholz YY             
John B. Prescott YY            AC. President., Chairman, Horizon Equity Pty. Ltd.
Donna StauntonYY             Senior Vice President, AMP Limited.
Bruce Dyson Y             Director, Futuris Corporation, Limited.
Gregory Travers Y             Executive General Manager, Corporate Human Resources & Development, Western Mining Corp.
John P Simpson Y             Group Manager, External Affairs & Public Policy, The Shell Company of Australia Limited.
Richard St John Y             Group General Counsel, BHP Ltd.
Sidney Myer Y             Managing Director, Integrated Growth Capital Sdn Bhd.
Timothy Duncan Y             General Manager, Corporate Relations, Rio Tinto Ltd.
Bob OfficerY               
Bruce S. DysonY               
Clive Julian SmithY               
David S. KarpinY               
Elizabeth ProustY               
G Michael FolieY               
HM MorganY               
John B PrescottY               
Michael Robinson Y              Chairman
Richard Arthur St JohnY               
S. Baillieu MyerY               

IPA Research Committee

Name200020012004
Alan TapperYYY
Bob EwinYYY
Bob OfficerYYY
Brian BuckleyYYY
Campbell SharmanYYY
Frank HarmanYYY
John BrunnerYYY
John ForbesYYY
John FreebairnYYY
Ken ClementsYYY
Owen PowellYYY
Ted WattYYY
Chandran KukathasYY 
Richard SnapeY  

Actions

February 7, 2023

Discussing Tony Abbott’s appointment to the board of the Global Warming Policy Foundation, IPA’s John Roskam told Sky News it was a “very important move”:18Tony Abbott appointment to Global Warming Policy Foundation is a ‘very’ significant move,” sky News.com.au. February 7, 2023. Archived March 25, 2024. Archived .mp4 on file at DeSmog.

“It’s a very important move because it’s the opportunity not just to talk about the consequences of the policy, but to talk about the science, the basis of why we’re making these decisions,” Roskam said. He added, “it’s wonderful from Tony Abbott, and he’s going to have a global impact on the debate.”19Tony Abbott appointment to Global Warming Policy Foundation is a ‘very’ significant move,” sky News.com.au. February 7, 2023. Archived March 25, 2024. Archived .mp4 on file at DeSmog.

February 14, 2022

IPA executive general manager Scott Hargreaves wrote an article at The Spectator Australia titled “The chilling effect of net zero dreams.”20Scott Hargreaves. “The chilling effect of net zero dreams,” The Spectator, February 14, 2022. Archived November 7, 2022. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/g8Uup

“Green policies imperil both the security and affordability of our domestic energy system,” Hargreaves wrote. “By capitulating to those promoting destructive and unnecessary Net Zero policies, the Prime Minister has rendered the Coalition unable to mount any consistent criticism of the Greens policy.”

July 17, 2018

DeSmog‘s Graham Readfearn reported that recent disclosures made to the New South Wales Supreme Court confirmed that Rinehart was a key donor to the Institute for Public Affairs (IPA). Her company, Hancock Prospecting Proprietary Ltd (HPPL) had donated $2.3 million to the IPA in 2016 and $2.2 million in 2017, according to the disclosures.21Graham Readfearn. “Billionaire Mining Magnate Gina Rinehart Revealed As Key Donor to Australian Climate Science Denial Promoter Institute of Public Affairs,” DeSmog, July 17, 2018.

The documents were revealed as part of a long legal dispute over HPPL‘s use of company funds, brought on by Gina Rinehart’s daughter Bianca.22Graham Readfearn. “Billionaire Mining Magnate Gina Rinehart Revealed As Key Donor to Australian Climate Science Denial Promoter Institute of Public Affairs,” DeSmog, July 17, 2018.

The court judgement reported Bianca’s solicitors had been provided with a schedule of “donations and sponsorships” from HPPL where it was disclosed “that HPPL paid or provided amounts to IPA in a total of $2.3 million for the 2016 financial year and $2.2 million in the 2017 financial year.”23Graham Readfearn. “Billionaire Mining Magnate Gina Rinehart Revealed As Key Donor to Australian Climate Science Denial Promoter Institute of Public Affairs,” DeSmog, July 17, 2018.

DesMog noted that the documents also brought into question the IPA‘s reporting of revenues. For example, according to the IPA‘s 2017 annual report, it had received “86 percent” of its total revenue of $6.1 million from individuals. However, the $2.2 million donation from HPPL that year would have been more than one-third of the IPA‘s income. In 2016, the IPA reported 91 precent from individuals, however HPPL‘s donation of $.23 million that year would constitute nearly half the IPA‘s $4.96 million reported income.24Graham Readfearn. “Billionaire Mining Magnate Gina Rinehart Revealed As Key Donor to Australian Climate Science Denial Promoter Institute of Public Affairs,” DeSmog, July 17, 2018.

When DeSmog asked HPPL about the donations, whether they were supporting specific work and if it was still a supporter, IPA spokesperson Evan Mulholland replied: “No comment.”25Graham Readfearn. “Billionaire Mining Magnate Gina Rinehart Revealed As Key Donor to Australian Climate Science Denial Promoter Institute of Public Affairs,” DeSmog, July 17, 2018.

May 2, 2018

DeSmog reported that Peter Ridd, who has consistently questioned established science suggesting the risks posed by climate change and other human activities to the Great Barrier Reef, was fired from James Cook University for breaching his employment’s code of conduct. According to a statement from Professor Iain Gordon, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Division of Tropical Environments and Societies at JCU:26Graham Readfearn. “Climate Science Deniers From Around Globe Rally Around Sacked Scientist Peter Ridd,” DeSmog, May 21, 2018. 27Statement by Professor Iain Gordon, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Division of Tropical Environments and Societies in response to Professor Ridd’s publication of matters relating to his termination and litigation,” James Cook University, May 20, 2018. Archived May 24, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.li/g3tzl

“Professor Ridd has on numerous occasions and in numerous ways seriously and repeatedly breached the Code of Conduct – his employment has been terminated on this basis. To suggest otherwise is simply wrong,” the statement reads.28Graham Readfearn. “Climate Science Deniers From Around Globe Rally Around Sacked Scientist Peter Ridd,” DeSmog, May 21, 2018.

The Institute of Public Affairs has already paid more than $6,000 towards Ridd’s legal fees, and also helped coordinate his funding campaign. DeSmog noted that IPA‘s executive director John Roskam and other staff have also promoted Ridd’s case on social media.29Graham Readfearn. “Climate Science Deniers From Around Globe Rally Around Sacked Scientist Peter Ridd,” DeSmog, May 21, 2018.

May 2018

set of over 24,000 pages of EPA documents released via a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the Sierra Club revealed that IPA had proposed to co-host a proposed Australian visit by Pruitt before it was cancelled when Hurricane Harvey hit the Texas gulf goast, The Guardian reported.30Adam Morton. “Climate sceptic group IPA suggested as co-host of Australian visit by Trump’s environment chief,The Guardian, May 4, 2018. Archived May 24, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.li/4bCYk

An email from IPA‘s executive director, John Roskam, proposed a two-hour roundtable with Pruitt and IPA representatives who disagree with the mainstream consensus on climate change including Peter Ridd and Jennifer Marohasy. Roskam wrote to Matthew Freedman: “All of these people are excellent and I know Scott and his team would learn a great deal from a discussion with them. Among other names, Roskam also recommended Pruitt meet Maurice Newman, who has described global warming as “a delusion.”31Adam Morton. “Climate sceptic group IPA suggested as co-host of Australian visit by Trump’s environment chief,The Guardian, May 4, 2018. Archived May 24, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.li/4bCYk

Roskam wrote that he had spoken to Brendan Pearson, then working for Minerals Council, who was “working with the [US] embassy” on the trip. In emails, Freedman described the IPA as a “very strong group for the administrator” and a potential co-host of the trip.32Adam Morton. “Climate sceptic group IPA suggested as co-host of Australian visit by Trump’s environment chief,The Guardian, May 4, 2018. Archived May 24, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.li/4bCYk

July 25, 2017

The Institute for Public Affairs (IPA) released “Climate Change: The Facts 2017.”33Donate to Climate Change: The Facts 2017,” Institute of Public Affairs. Archived October 31, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/KpLZh Prior versions of the book featured contributions from a range of prominent climate change deniers, and describes mainstream climate change research as “pseudo-science.”34Climate Change: The facts 2014,” Catallaxyfiles.com. Archived October 31, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/Trs4Y

According to the IPA‘s media release, “Climate Change: The Facts 2017 contains 22 essays by internationally-renowned experts and commentators, including Dr Bjorn Lomborg, Dr Matt Ridley, Professor Peter Ridd, Dr Willie Soon, Dr Ian Plimer, Dr Roy Spencer, and literary giant Clive James. The volume is edited by Dr Jennifer Marohasy, Senior Fellow at the Institute of Public Affairs. Fourteen of the contributors currently hold or have held positions at a university or a scientific research organisation.”35“NEW BOOK – CLIMATE CHANGE: THE FACTS 2017” (PDF), Institute of Public Affairs, July 25, 2017.

Jennifer Marohasy, quoted in the IPA press release, said:

[O]ur understanding of how the climate operates is incomplete and it is critically important to challenge the view that the planet is facing a global warming catastrophe.”

Contributors to the upcoming book include:

February 2016

The Institute of Public Affairs (IPA) sponsored Mark Steyn‘s speaking tour across Australia, Desmog reported.36Graham Readfearn. “Climate Science Denier Mark Steyn Tours Australia… And Other Reptilian Illuminati David Icke Weirdness,” DeSmog, February 16, 2016. IPA promoted Steyn as “the world’s greatest conservative commentator and writer.”37Mark Steyn Australian Tour,” Institute of Public Affairs. Archived September 27, 2016. Archive. is URL: https://archive.is/y4AIz

August 2015

The Institute of Public Affairs (IPA) was nominated by the Atlas Network for the Templeton Freedom Award for its work opposing the carbon tax in Australia. 

“Australia’s implementation of a deeply flawed carbon tax law looked like a precursor to a tide of heavy-handed regulation of energy use. The IPA, more than anyone else, stopped it in its tracks,” said Brad Lips, CEO of Atlas Network.

According to the IPA Press Release:38“IPA recognised in prestigious international award for work against carbon tax” (Media Release), Institute of Public Affairs. Archived September 1, 2015. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/UaAL3

“Between 1 January 2010 and 31 July 2014, IPA research on the carbon tax appeared on 209 occasions in print media, 363 occasions on radio and 261 occasions on television. The IPA hosted 34 events in nine cities between 2007 and 2014 aimed to educate and inform the public about the carbon tax. The IPA also published the best-selling books Climate Change: The Facts in 2010, and Climate Change: The Facts 2014.”

July 23, 2015

The Institute of Public Affairs (IPA) released  a report: The life saving potential of coal: How Australian coal could help 82 million Indians access electricity.”39Brett Hogan. “The life saving potential of coal: How Australian coal could help 82 million Indians access electricity” (PDF), Institute of Public Affairs, June, 2015.

According to DeSmogBlog‘s analysis, “It could have been written by the coal industry.”  

The IPA sent out copies of the report to Australian MPs and its author, the IPA’s director of innovation and energy policy, Brett Hogan, was featured in the opinion pages of The Australian newspaper.  Hogan wrote (PDF):40(Press Release). “Australian Coal Could Give 82 Million Indians Electricity” (PDF)Institute of Public Affairs, June 22, 2015. Archived September 1, 2015.

“New research from the IPA released today demonstrates how increasing Australian coal exports from the Galilee Basin by up to 120 million tonnes annually could allow at least 82 million Indian people to access a regular and reliable source of electricity each year. Coal is the world’s cheapest and most reliable source of electricity.”

June 17, 2015

Institute of Public Affairs Adjunct Fellow Father James Grant commented on Pope Francis’s encyclical on climate change, saying it “should not be treated as official Catholic doctrine binding on all Catholics, but rather a personal position of the Pope.”41“Pope Francis’ Climate Change Encyclical Not Binding on Catholics” (Media Release), Institute of Public Affairs, June 17, 2015. Archived September 1, 2015. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/EXStD

“Climate change is a scientific debate. It is entirely legitimate for people of faith to disagree on the science of climate change and what, if anything, should be done about it,” said Father James. 

May 2015

An IPA book produced with the help of Australian tax consessions is used by Canadian climate science denier and conservative commentator Mark Steyn to raise funds for a libel defence.  As DeSmog reported, Steyn was selling copies of the book “Climate Change: The Facts”, with proceeds helping to pay legal costs in an ongoing court case.

Steyn is being sued in the United States by climate scientist Professor Michael Mann over claims Steyn made that Mann’s work was “fraudulent”.

2014, 2010

In 2010, The Institute of Public Affairs (IPA) published a book titled “Climate Change:The Facts” (PDF) edited by Alan Moran.42Climate Change the Facts. Institute of Public Affairs, 2010.

After briefly talking about “Climategate,” the book introduces “the science of climate change” — A section that exclusively includes the works of noted climate change skeptics including the following:

The book features a section on “The Politics and Economics of Climate Change Policy, also authored by numerous notable climate change skeptics. Authors include:

  • Richard Tol  (“The impact of climate change and its policy implications”) 
  • Alan Moran (“Lower Emission Levels and Australian Energy Impacts”) 
  • Alex Robson (“What does the government’s CPRS modelling tell us?”)
  • Nigel Lawson (“The politics and economics of climate change”)

The IPA proceeded to publish a followup to the book in 2014 titled “Climate Change The Facts 2014.” DeSmogBlog reported how this second iteration also included noted skeptics and “contrarians picked from the blogosphere, conservative media outlets and the associates of secretly funded conservative think tanks.”43Graham Readfearn. “Tax Breaks In Australia To Fund Climate Misinformation Book,” DeSmog, April 14, 2014.

They include Nigel LawsonStewart FranksBill Kininmonth, Mark Steyn, Donna LaframboisePat Michaels, Jennifer Marohasy, Andrew BoltRichard LindzenJo NovaAnthony WattsJames DelingpoleBob CarterRoss McKitrick and Ian Plimer.

According to an email to supporters from IPA Executive Director John Roskam, the IPA raised $144,545 towards a $175,000 goal to publish the book. Roskam told supporters that their donation for the book would be “tax deductible” and those who spend more than $400 would get their name on the back cover.

According to retailers Amazon and Kobo, the book’s publisher is not the IPA but “Stockade Books” – a venture that’s actually owned by Mark Steyn. DeSmogBlog reports the book is also part of “The Steyn v The Stick Big Climate Special,” available on Mark Stein’s website, which sells books and merchandise that also goes towards financing Steyn’s libel defence.44Graham Readfearn. “Australian Tax Breaks Help Fund Climate Science Denier Mark Steyn’s Libel Defense in the US,” DeSmog, May 14, 2015.

May 2014

Alan Moran, Director of the “Deregulation Unit” at the Institute of Public Affairs, made a submission (PDF) to the Renewable Energy Target Review Panel in Australia, opposing subsidies for renewable wind and solar power while supporting coal power.45Alan Moran. “Submission to the Renewable Energy Target Review Panel” (PDF) Institute of Public Affairs, May, 2014. Archived September 1, 2015.

According to Moran, “The privileged position of beneficiaries from renewable energy subsidies is so onerous that it is having an economically debilitating impact on the economy at large. The renewable regulations perform no positive function and therefore should, accordingly, be discontinued with immediate effect.”

March 2013

The Institute of Public Affairs (IPA) researcher Alan Moran, who directs the organisation’s deregulation unit, published a document calling for almost all climate change functions and policies across Australian federal government agencies to be abolished, including the country’s carbon price legislation and climate change department.46Graham Readfearn. “Climate Denial Think Tank’s Plans To Abolish Climate Change Departments in Australia,” DeSmog, March 21, 2013.

The original document (PDF) was mentioned by The Australian, however the paper failed to note detailed the document’s plan to eliminate nearly all climate change functions in the country’s public sector. In one section the document outlines the think tank’s recommendations for public sector departments. In dealing with the future of the “Climate Change and Energy Efficiency” department, Moran writes simply: “Abolish.”47“Programs Identified with Negative Benefits” (PDF), Retrieved from catallaxyfiles.com. Archived September 1, 2015. 48Adam Creighton. “Aid, rights body, public sector to be slashed,” The Australian, May 16, 2013. Archived April 1, 2013. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/2c9Nf

Several of the IPA‘s suggested cuts, which also included cutting funding for the independent Climate Commission, were adopted by the Tony Abbott-led conservative government after its election in September 2013.

August 2012

Canadian blogger, author and climate skeptic Donna Laframboise was flown to Australia by the The Institute of Public Affairs (IPA) for a multi-city speaking tour to promote her book The Delinquent Teenager Who Was Mistaken For The World’s Top Climate Expert – IPCC Expose.49Graham Readfearn. “Donna Laframboise Flown To Australia By Climate Science Denying Think Tank,” DeSmog, July 8, 2012.

April 2012

The The Institute of Public Affairs (IPA) paid for UK-based climate science denier and commentator James Delingpole to tour Australia to promote his book, “Killing the Earth to Save It” which was published by Connor Court, where IPA executive director John Roskam sits on the editorial advisory board.  The IPA also paid for copies of the book to be sent to Australian members of parliament,50Graham Readfearn. “The Undiscerning Climate Science Bookshelf,” DeSmog, September 15, 2013. and hosted a launch event for the book.51Book Launch of Taxing Air: Facts & fallacies about climate change by Bob Carter,” Institute of Public Affairs, September 5, 2013. Archived August 31, 2015. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/ayrSN

Delingpole repaid the favor later in 2012 by launching a public appeal for people to donate to the IPA. Delingpole said: “The IPA must take a lot of the credit for changing the attitudes of Australians to global warming.”52A personal appeal from James Delingpole,” Institute of Public Affairs. Archived August 31, 2015. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/rxK8f 53Graham Readfearn. “James Delingpole Raising Cash for Australian Climate Sceptic Think Tank,” DeSmog, September 12, 2012. 

August 1, 2011

The Institute of Public Affairs (IPAsponsored a talk by climate change skeptic (and president of the Czech Republic) Vaclav Klaus entitled “Climate change: a new ideology.”

IPA has also hosted numerous other talks by Vaclav Klaus including “Threats to freedom in the 21st century” (July 22, 2011), “Climate change: the dangerous faith” (July 25, 2011), and “The mass delusion of climate change,” (July 28, 2011).54Archived events for July 2011,” Institute of Public Affairs. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/rvZE9

May 16–18, 2010

The Institute of Public Affairs was a cosponsor (PDF) of the Heartland Institute’s Fourth International Conference on Climate Change (ICCC4).554th International Conference on Climate Change Conference Program (PDF), The Heartland Institute.

DeSmogBlog concluded 19 of the 65 sponsors (including Heartland itself) had received a total of over $40 million in funding since 1985 from ExxonMobil (who funded 13 of the organizations), and/or Koch Industries family foundations (funded 10 organizations) and/or the Scaife family foundations (funded 10 organizations).56Brendan DeMelle. “Denial-a-palooza Round 4: ‘International Conference on Climate Change’ Groups Funded by Exxon, Koch Industries,” DeSmog, May 13, 2010.

October 1, 2010

Together, the Heartland Institute, Americans for Tax Reform, the Property Rights Alliance, and the Institute of Public Affairs sponsored the Heartland Institute’s Fifth International Conference on Climate Change (ICCC5) in Sydney, Australia.57ICCC – 5,” Climateconferences.heartland.org. Archived September 1, 2015. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/pwiXD

November 2009

The Institute of Public Affairs (IPA) hosted a conference by climate denier Christopher Monckton.

“Those who have been fostering what is essentially a baseless scientific scam have being trying to make the obvious sound absurd and the absurd sound obvious, and we are now going to turn the tables on them,” Monckton said at the conference.58Daniel Flitton. “Lord of climate change sceptics hot under collar,” The Age, November 11, 2009. Archived August 21, 2015. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/4JGGC

March 8–10, 2009

The Institute of Public Affairs was a cosponsor of the Heartland Institute’s Second International Conference on Climate Change (ICCC2).59Co-Sponsors,” The 2009 International Conference on Climate Change. Archived April 28, 2011. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/8pEf7

DeSmogBlog researched the funding behind Heartland’s Second International Conference on Climate Change and found that sponsor organizations had received over $47 million in funding from energy companies and right-wing foundations.60Heartland Institute’s 2009 Climate Conference in New York: funding history of the sponsors,” DeSmog.

May 2008

The Institute of Public Affairs (IPAfacilitated a $350,000 donation to the University of Queensland from a climate change skeptic. While the university insisted that the money should come with no strings attached, IPA suggested topics for research with the hope that “the results of the research will inform public policy.”61Andrew Trounson and Greg Roberts. “Dispute over climate sceptic uni grant,” The Australian, May 7, 2008. Archived August 31, 2015. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/xXXjt

The money was donated by donated by Bryant Macfie, a long-standing IPA member. In a speech in Brisbane to launch the scholarships, Macfie “likened what he called ‘environmental activism’ to a new religion infecting science. ‘The crucifix has been replaced by the wind turbine,’ he said.”

2006

The IPA was a co-sponsor of a five-day speaking tour by conservative Canadian commentator Mark Steyn. Steyn was funded under the international media visits (IMV) program carried out by the Department of Foreign affairs.

The program was “targeted at senior foreign journalists with ‘the capacity to influence editorial content and/or generate informed international media coverage of Australia’.”62Govt funds right-wing neo-con’s visit,” The Sydney Morning Herald, October 23, 2006. Archived August 31, 2015. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/XSgtK

December 2004

The IPA hosted the “Eureka Forum” dedicated to “Reclaiming the Environment.” According to the Forum’s website (archived), IPA believes that “Environmental fundamentalism is denying farmers, foresters, fishermen, prospectors, miners, beekeepers, 4WD enthusiasts and others access rights, property rights, water rights.

It is also generating excessive red tape and harming the environment. The wrong-headed ‘hands off, leave it to nature’ approach is destroying our National Parks.”63Inaugural Eureka Forum,” retrieved from eurekaforum.org.au. Archived February 13, 2005. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/PefjQ

Institute of Public Affairs Contact & Location

As of June 2016, the Institute of Public Affairs (IPA) listed the following contact information on its website:64Contact,” Institute of Public Affairs. Archived June 29, 2016. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/rnvRw

Institute of Public Affairs
Level 2, 410 Collins Street
Melbourne Victoria 3000
Australia

Telephone +61 3 9600 4744
Facsimile +61 3 9602 4989

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