The Centre for Independent Studies (CIS) is an Australian think tank founded in 1976 by Greg Lindsay.[4][5] The CIS specialises in public policy research and publishes material in areas such as economics, education, culture and foreign policy. Although there are no explicit ties between the CIS and the centre-rightLiberal Party, the CIS is politically aligned with the Liberal Party, praising Liberal Party founder Robert Menzies,[6] hosting various Liberal Party politicians and holding very critical views of the Labor Party.[7][8] However, it has also hosted Labor prime ministers and politicians,[9] and often also criticises the Liberal Party's policies.[10][11][12]
Philosophy
The CIS describes itself as a "classical liberal think tank."[13]
CIS is affiliated with the United States-based Atlas Network, which advocates free market economic policies across the world.[14][15][16]
The CIS is funded by donations, membership subscriptions, and book and event sales from individuals, companies and charitable trusts. It does not accept government funding.[18]
Staff
Tom Switzer has been executive director of CIS since 2018, succeeding founder Greg Lindsay who had held the position for forty-two years. In 2019, Nicholas Moore was appointed chairman of the CIS board, succeeding Peter Mason.[19]
^ ab"History – The Centre for Independent Studies". cis.org.au. Founded in 1976 by Greg Lindsay, a young schoolteacher with an interest in classical liberal ideas, CIS was established in a period marked by much social and political discontent. The turmoil and controversy of the Whitlam years had given way to disappointment and stagnation under the Fraser government, yet the notion that governments were the solution to any problem prevailed, particularly in the media.
^"Think tank secrets". The Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax Media. 12 August 2003. Retrieved 30 June 2023. Greg Lindsay, from the leading right-wing Centre for Independent Studies