Trade & IP Unit
Economics & Deregulation / Trade & IP Unit
The purpose of the Trade and Intellectual Property Unit is to educate policymakers and the public about the value of intellectual property to Australia's economy, and the importance of expanding free trade across the world. Institute of Public Affairs publications have focused on developing the case for intellectual property, examining the significance of the 'fair trade' movement, and looking at looming treats to free trade.
Sub-topics of Trade & IP Unit
Publications
New evidence of old concerns: Fair trade myths exposed... Again
This paper outlines new evidence questioning the benefits of fair trade; and demonstrates that concerns about fair trade's environmental, social and economic benefits are not merely differing ‘interpretations'.
Labor flirting with neo-protectionism in trade policy
It is only early days, but the Rudd government's pro-growth reform credentials are already being put to the test. Since the 1980s, both major parties have favoured free trade. At the last federal election, then Shadow, now Minister for Trade,...
Submission to the Review of the National Innovation System
Intellectual Property Matters
Low emissions technology under threat
At the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change meeting hosted in Bali last December, NGOs were falling over themselves to have their favourite causes included in the proceedings. NGOs have successfully ticketed climate change as the...
20 years reveals gigantic strides in international trade
The politics of trade policy often obscures what should be an unambiguously positive story about the globalisation of the world economy. Goods which were previously produced on a single site are now produced in a virtual international factory-each...
How not to win government
Who prices petrol? Why petrol costs are not a corporate conspiracy
No retail product draws as much scrutiny as petrol. Petrol operates in a dynamic marketplace based on supply, demand and competition. Yet every time there is a shift in petrol prices consumers, politicians and regulators cry foul. The irony is...
HIV/AIDS medicines for all?
There are few more important issues facing developing nations than the HIV/AIDS crisis. HIV/AIDS destroys lives, consumes scarce resources, and provides yet another unneeded brake on the path to growth for many developing nations. The developed...
The Failure of Aid and the Promise of Trade
Aid and trade are not mutually exclusive and both have a role to play in the fight against poverty. In developing future aid policy, it is imperative that policy-makers learn from previous failures. Likewise, the promise of trade can only be...
