Dean Smith (WA, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

Since the Senate last met, in March, there have been two significant events that are worth reflecting on. The first of these occurred in Melbourne on Thursday 4 April, when the Institute of Public Affairs marked its 70th anniversary. I was privileged to attend, along with some of my colleagues on this side of the chamber. Alas, I did not see any senators from the Labor government or the Greens in attendance. Given that the evening was essentially a celebration of freedom, and given the recent record of those two parties in that area, particularly in relation to Australia's media, perhaps it is just as well they were not present! It was a significant occasion. Seventy years is long time for a think tank to be in business in this country, especially in this era of 'instant activism', where fly-by-night think tanks seem to spring up, launch a website and a wristband, make a YouTube video and then slip quietly back into obscurity.

The IPA has most definitely stood the test of time because, unlike so many of those organisations that are quick to grab the mantle of 'think tank' for themselves, the IPA actually makes thoughtful contributions to policy debate in our country. Throughout the evening we heard a variety of speakers, including the Leader of the Opposition, Tony Abbott, and the keynote speaker, Rupert Murdoch, reflect on the IPA's crucial role in protecting the freedom of Australia's many citizens. Indeed, the IPA, founded in 1943, predates the modern Liberal Party established by Sir Robert Menzies. Thus, it plays a leading role in informing the policy debate not only within the Liberal Party but in our community more broadly.

Senator Thistlethwaite interjecting—