Strengthening
Australia’s Democracy

We incubate, deliver and support practical improvements to help Australia achieve a more fit-for-purpose political, policy and service delivery system.

Effective government is the crucial enabler of opportunity.

Our goal is for governments to be more transparent, accountable and inclusive. The foundation supports practical programs that deliver tangible progress and our work is motivated solely by the long-term public good. Our approach is non-partisan and is undertaken in cooperation with all sides of politics.

We want Australia to have the world’s most effective governments focused on the long-term interests of the Australian community.

We invest in long-term transformational initiatives, support bold ideas, and enlist the cooperation of Australians from across the political system.

We focus on three areas – fostering robust state institutions, developing and inspiring effective leaders, and encouraging quality policy dialogue.

Effective Elected Representatives

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We believe positive leadership is crucial in a high-functioning democracy.

Robust State Institutions

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We believe strong, effective and apolitical public institutions are vital assets for a thriving democracy.

Quality Policy Dialogue

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We believe that good policy making is rigorous, non-ideological and implementation focused.

Latest news and releases

6 March 2025
Research

Discussion Paper: Four-Year Terms for the Commonwealth House of Representatives

Many commentators have observed that it has become increasingly difficult for governments in Australia to pursue reforms that are in the community’s long-term interests. This has prompted calls for Australia to extend the length of the term of the Commonwealth House of Representatives from three to four years to give governments additional time and stability […]
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13 February 2025
News

Assessing and Improving Policymaking Practices

How the Sausage is Made SMF has commissioned the ‘How the Sausage is Made’ series to examine policymaking practices in Australia. This series of reports will provide insights into patterns of the good and poor dimensions of policy development, to identify key barriers to delivering quality policy. This supports SMF’s wider agenda on identifying and […]
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17 December 2024
Research

‘Truth in Political Advertising’ Laws: Operation and Effectiveness – Final Report

Introduction Concern about the truthfulness of political communication has increased significantly in recent years, as untruths can undermine the ability of citizens to make informed choices in casting their votes, and is detrimental to electoral integrity and democratic processes. South Australia and the Australian Capital Territory have enacted ‘truth in political advertising’ laws to prohibit […]
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