Resilient Liberalism

Classical liberalism in Australia encompasses a tradition of political and economic thought that emphasises individual liberty, the rule of law, free markets, and limited government. At its heart lies the belief that individuals- rather than the state - are the primary agents of human flourishing, innovation and responsibility. Over the course of Australia’s history this philosophical current has waxed and waned, and in the modern era it is sustained by a relatively small but influential network of scholars, commentators and institutions.Within the broader history of classical liberalism, the aim of CIS when established in the 1970s was to challenge Australia’s prevailing postwar consensus favouring bigger government and higher state intervention, and to revive the liberal tradition of individual freedom, markets and the rule of law.CIS has always focused on connecting philosophical ideas with the policy-making world. Classical liberalism can sometimes appear abstract or marginalised in an age of large-scale government, but CIS publications - including those in this anthology - make the case that ideas about economic freedom, restrained government and individual rights have direct relevance to issues such as national productivity, housing affordability, tax burden and retirement savings. Doing so helps ensure that the liberal tradition remains visible and competitive in Australia’s policy discourse.