The Centre for Independent Studies is Australia's leading public policy research free market institute.

Founded in Sydney in 1976 by Executive Director Greg Lindsay, its major concern is with the principles and conditions underlying a free and open society, with particular focus on Australia and New Zealand. The Centre’s activities cover a wide variety of areas dealing broadly with social and economic policy. It emphasises the role of the free market in an open society and other voluntary processes in providing many of the goods and services normally supplied by the compulsory methods of government.

The Centre prides itself on being independent and non-partisan in its funding and research.

Since 1976, the CIS has produced valuable research that has shaped and influenced public policy. Our overall research agenda is set by our Executive Director, in consultation with the research staff, and the CIS Academic Advisory Council.

The CIS runs an extensive range of events including lectures, forums and conferences.  We seek to engage with the general public, business, media, academics, policymakers and politicians across the political spectrum.

As an independent think tank, we do not undertake any research on request.