Let the games begin

It's been an inspiring start to my time at CIS. My first fortnight as a Research Fellow here gives me a glimpse of the road ahead: a relentless battle in the market for ideas, spreading the word of individual sovereignty as the only truly progressive agenda.
 
I feel blessed to be part of such an extraordinary team with no lack of passion and diligence for their work. And here at CIS we share the conducive environment and wholehearted support for the broader mission to enhance Australia's public policy debate. This week, for instance, CIS hosted an internal breakfast session with Janan Ganesh, well-known as an active political columnist for the Financial Times and previously a correspondent for The Economist – no further introductions needed.
 
Among many topics discussed, I would like to highlight one in particular: What are the policy prospects for Australia? That question started a lively debate on both sides of the argument. A half-empty glass view would stress political partisan bickering and the lack of urgency among many Australians for tackling the unsustainable 'age of entitlement' path.
 
Indeed, one could rightly point that the widening budget deficit and the misconception that Australians have a birthright to an effortless road to success are eroding the very true tenet of our prosperous society, namely a meritocratic and hardworking foundation.
 
Nonetheless, I would dispute for a half-full glass on Australia's policy prospects towards a progressive agenda. Yes, we do have great challenges ahead and it is hard to sell responsible policies without the sugar-coated flavour of populist fiscal spending. Yet Australia's mainstream politics already recognise that something has to be done to tackle the current perilous growth trend of public debt. We might not agree on what and how to deal with the budget deficit, for example, but at least the topic is on the forefront of our minds – and political discourse.
 
Besides, I would like to argue that the end of the mining investment bonanza and skyrocket commodity prices shortens the gap between our economic and political cycles. We can no longer afford the luxury of reckless handouts and other fiscal profligacies without soon facing their economic disastrous consequences. This pushes us back to the basics. That is, in order to sustain a vigorous economic progress, we need to return and strengthen the values that made Australia one of the richest societies in the world.
 
In short, we need to deepen our commitment to the free initiative and individual responsibility, values that are paramount to the CIS mission as Australia's leading public policy research institute. Once again, I am very glad to join the battle – and let the games begin!

Patrick Carvalho is a Research Fellow at the Centre for Independent Studies.