The Australian Institute of Policy & Science (AIPS) is an independent, non-partisan organisation that aims to help promote an understanding of the important political, economic and social issues facing Australia.
The Institute pursues
this aim by providing public forums such as seminars, conferences and lectures
to discuss and debate relevant public policy issues. The Institute's flagship
publication, AQ - Australian Quarterly (previously known as AQ - Journal of Contemporary Analysis) publishes articles which analyse political, cultural and social issues vital to Australia. The journal has been in continuous publication since 1931, a year before the Institute was formally established.
The Australian Institute of Policy & Science has a long
history being established in 1932. Many key figures in Australia’s political
history have been members of the organisation.
History
The Australian Institute of Policy & Science was established in 1932 as the Australian Institute of Political Science, to further public understanding of the political and economic situation and to further such understanding for the benefit of society.
Among the founders were
Norman Cowper and Kim Mackay. Cowper had stood
against William Morris Hughes in the 1931
federal election for the seat of North Sydney,
and his subsequent defeat became the catalyst
for the formation of the AIPS. Cowper and
Mackay realised during the election campaign
that the origins and effects of the Great
Depression were little understood by people
generally, even though its impact on Australia
was causing massive unemployment which in
less than six months exceeded 33% in New South
Wales alone.
Thus the AIPS was formally
incorporated on 12 September 1932 to help
educate concerned citizens towards a better
understanding of public issues and a more
informed and rational approach to national
problems.
Mackay was also instrumental
in the establishment of the famous AIPS Summer
Schools, which were influential in informing
public debate and political policy. The first
Summer School was held in 1933, when Robert
Menzies debated the Constitution. The 1964
Summer School marked a turning point in the
Vietnam conscription debate, and in the late
1960s the Schools were instrumental in forging
the policy agenda in the lead-up to the 1972
federal election.
Although the Summer Schools are no longer held, lectures,
debates and conferences have taken their place. These include the Norman
Cowper Oration, the annual Post
Budget Health Briefing, and the Peter
Wilenski Memorial Lecture, which carry on the incisive debate and challenging
thinking that has characterised the Institute since its inception.
The
Objectives of the Institute:
Promote the study of
political, social, economic and educational
issues
Hold conferences,
meetings and lectures for the discussion
of these issues
Publish AQ - Australian Quarterly
Promote a greater appreciation of the wealth of Australian
scientific and intellectual excellence and outstanding achievers in all fields
Structure
and Governance
The
main office of the Australian Institute of Policy & Science is located in Sydney
and the South Australian office is in Adelaide.
The Institute is governed by a Board of Directors
which meets four times a year.
