Per Capita


Per Capita is an independent progressive Australian think tank. The think tank was launched on 11 April 2007 by Will Marshall of the US Progressive Policy Institute and Patrick Diamond of the UK’s Policy Network.

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.

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. An observer has noted that the think tank has influenced thinking about economic reform within the Gillard government.

Research program

Per Capita's research program is focussed on addressing inequality and its impact. 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.

Board of directors

Helen Conway
Tom Bentley
Joshua Funder
Geoff Gallop
Maxine McKew
Jacob Varghese
Marion Webster

Fellows

Dennis Glover
David Hetherington
Stephen Koukoulas
Tim Lyons