About The Shadow SPI Initiative
The Shadow SPI is an initiative of the Susan McKinnon Foundation that builds on the work of the Evidence Based Policy Research Project.
It seeks to support Parliamentarians in the Legislative Council of NSW during the legislative consideration and voting process, to inform decision making and robust parliamentary debate, and highlight high quality Statements of Public Interest.
The Shadow SPI initiative seeks to raise expectations of what Parliamentarians should expect in an SPI. The objectives are to improve the quality of tabled SPIs and their usefulness, and to shine a light on the importance of transparency in legislative policymaking.
If SPIs better document and demonstrate sound policymaking processes, and if they are used to inform decision-making, NSW can set a new standard for evidence-informed policymaking in the public interest.
The Shadow SPI initiative will produce a companion SPI for substantive government bills in the Legislative Council. It is expected that up to 16 Shadow SPIs will be produced in 2024. Each Shadow SPI will be developed by a collaborative team from two ideologically differentiated think tanks (Per Capita and Blueprint Institute). The Shadow SPI will address the same six questions as the SPI, and be distributed to Members of the Legislative Council and made publicly available on this website.
The Shadow SPI initiative aims to create a constructive, public example of effective and transparent evidence-based policymaking and to support enhanced awareness, knowledge and skills to produce high quality SPIs. The initiative is not about providing commentary on the merits of legislation or advocating for MPs to vote on Bills in a particular way.
The Shadow SPI initiative seeks to raise expectations of what Parliamentarians should expect in an SPI. The objectives are to improve the quality of tabled SPIs and their usefulness, and to shine a light on the importance of transparency in legislative policymaking.
If SPIs better document and demonstrate sound policymaking processes, and if they are used to inform decision-making, NSW can set a new standard for evidence-informed policymaking in the public interest.
The Shadow SPI initiative will produce a companion SPI for substantive government bills in the Legislative Council. It is expected that up to 16 Shadow SPIs will be produced in 2024. Each Shadow SPI will be developed by a collaborative team from two ideologically differentiated think tanks (Per Capita and Blueprint Institute). The Shadow SPI will address the same six questions as the SPI, and be distributed to Members of the Legislative Council and made publicly available on this website.
The Shadow SPI initiative aims to create a constructive, public example of effective and transparent evidence-based policymaking and to support enhanced awareness, knowledge and skills to produce high quality SPIs. The initiative is not about providing commentary on the merits of legislation or advocating for MPs to vote on Bills in a particular way.
Project Partners
Blueprint Institute
Blueprint Institute is an independent Australian think tank that exists to influence policy and improve outcomes for Australia. Blueprint’s research is underpinned by a commitment to the classically liberal intellectual tradition.
Its philosophy is socially progressive and economically conservative, combining rigorous economic research with a pragmatic understanding of policy through regular engagement with key decision-makers.
Blueprint Institute collaborates with Per Capita on the development of the Shadow SPIs.
Per Capita
Per Capita is an independent public policy think tank. It works to build a new vision for Australia based on fairness, shared prosperity and social justice. Per Capita’s research and policy prescriptions are rigorous, evidence-based and long-term in outlook.
All its publications and activities are intended to deepen political, social and economic democracy, and are focused on challenges for the next generations rather than the next election cycle.
Per Capita collaborates with Blueprint Institute on the development of the Shadow SPIs.
Susan McKinnon Foundation
The Susan McKinnon Foundation was established in 2015 by Sophie Oh and Grant Rule to make a positive and enduring contribution to the Australian community. The Foundation is named after Grant’s mother, who instils the values of service and positive contribution in those around her.
With a focus on strengthening Australia’s democracy, the Foundation incubates, delivers and supports practical improvements to help Australia achieve a more fit-for-purpose political, policy and service delivery system.
With a focus on strengthening Australia’s democracy, the Foundation incubates, delivers and supports practical improvements to help Australia achieve a more fit-for-purpose political, policy and service delivery system.
The Susan McKinnon Foundation funds the Policymaking In the Public Interest Project, which constitutes a range of initiatives including the Shadow SPI.