As the official think tank of the Australian Labor Party, our mission is to champion a Labor culture of ideas.
Named in honour of Labor’s hero Prime Minister, Ben Chifley, and inspired by his words that “Labor must not only desire to win, it must deserve to win”, we seek to advance the principles of democracy, equality and opportunity by undertaking a rich program of progressive thinking.
Our diverse program of social democratic policy work and thought leadership is our distinctive contribution to the task of building a fairer Australia.
Chifley’s program of work is designed around a number of landmark activities, including:
Chifley Conversations – showcasing the best ideas from both domestic and international thought leaders, this ongoing event series helps shape debate and thought in Australia and beyond. These events are locked in to the diaries of both Labor supporters and Labor leaders as “must attend”.
Research and Publications – the starting point for good progressive policy is to understand change. To that end, we’re raising funds for research on significant policy challenges for Australia. Our policy work is aimed at reviewing current policy directions and developing new policy prescriptions for Australia.
New Progressive Thinking – publishing hundreds of progressive ideas, opinions, commentary, and findings, New Progressive Thinking is our signature blog encouraging and promoting the latest in social democratic thought from Australia and around the world.
CRC Conference – an ideas conference held after each Federal election. This conference brings together the best progressive minds in Australia and abroad, to champion a long-term vision for our country.
Labor History – dedicated to preserving the stories and achievements of Labor Government’s throughout history, this online museum holds hundreds of never-seen-before photographs and videos, including Australia’s greatest progressive Prime Ministers.
In addition to the above program of work, the Chifley Research Centre also provides strategic advice to the Federal Parliamentary Labor Party, and works in conjunction with other research and intellectual bodies to promote better understanding of the Australian political and policy environment.
About the Centre’s governance
The activities of the Chifley Research Centre are overseen by a Board of Directors.
The day to day operations of the Chifley Research Centre are managed by a small staff who are passionate about the mission of the Centre.
About the Centre’s finances
The Chifley Research Centre is supported by the Commonwealth Government through a grant in aid administered by the Department of Finance. It has Deductible Gift Receipt status under the Income Tax Act 1997, making all donations to the Centre tax deductible. Almost all of the activities listed in our program of work above are funded by supporter donations and our funding partners.
