Electricity is a fundamental necessity for both households and businesses, making electricity price regulation a topic of universal relevance. In this episode, CEO Paul Hyslop engages in a discussion with Richard Lenton, Executive Director of ACIL Allen Queensland and an electricity market expert. Together, they delve into the nuances of retail electricity price regulations, breaking down a complex subject into simpler terms.

Richard, drawing from his extensive experience in supporting regulatory bodies such as the Queensland Competition Authority (QCA) and the Australian Energy Regulator (AER), provides invaluable insights into the latest developments in regulated electricity prices, emphasising that the system is far from perfect.

As Paul aptly puts it, "Richard knows more about the intricacies of how tariffs are calculated than anyone I know." Throughout the conversation, Richard demystifies the process behind determining regulated tariffs, uncovers how retailers procure electricity from the wholesale market and explains why price regulation still happens.

Listen to this episode of Underscore to learn more.

In this episode, two ACIL Allen experts uncover the intricacies of national tax reform. Alex Gash, Executive Director, ACT and Jerome Fahrer, Director, Victoria provide their insights alongside host and CEO, Paul Hyslop.

Together, they discuss and reframe the four pillars of tax reform: Commonwealth government taxes, state government taxes, vertical fiscal imbalance and horizontal fiscal equalisation. Gash and Fahrer explore the interactions between these pillars, emphasising the critical need for comprehensive reform.

This episode explores the challenges of tax reform in Australia, including constitutional hurdles and the High Court's influence on state-based taxes. Our guests discuss the potential to reform taxes at state level, such as stamp duty and payroll tax independently, while also addressing the political barriers to implementing new taxes.

Listen to this episode of Underscore to learn more.

In this episode, ACIL Allen Executive Director, Amy Mehrton, joins CEO, Paul Hyslop, to discuss the benefits of engaging youth voice in policymaking to drive collaborative and transformative change.

This episode examines the resilience of today’s young people, discussing key protective factors that contribute to their strengths.

As Hyslop and Mehrton examine technology’s role as both an enabler and inhibitor for youth, they also discuss intergenerational perspectives that shape young people’s experiences today, for better or worse. They suggest that “age is not the only voice we should listen to” and that creating a more contemporary platform for the younger generation to engage is the next step forward.

Listen to this episode of Underscore to learn more.

ACIL Allen's CEO Paul Hyslop invites Dr Andy Chiang to discuss justice reform, its problems and possible solutions. The two discuss the issues that can lead to a criminal justice system under pressure and explain how that can lead to poorer outcomes for those who encounter the criminal justice system. 

With his experience working with Victorian reforms, Dr Chiang explores lessons learnt from reforms in other human services sectors and suggests multi-agency approaches and tailoring individual solutions as important ways to increase the efficacy of the criminal justice system. 

Listen to this episode of Underscore to learn more.

In this episode, ACIL Allen principal, Cara Chambers joins CEO, Paul Hyslop in to discuss their recent article "The root cause of electricity price rises".

Hyslop and Chambers consider the influence of changing demand and foreign wars on the gas, oil and coal markets. They also examine the recent Australian coal market figures, and dive into how coal prices are major influences on electricity prices.

As Hyslop and Chambers discuss possible government interventions, they touch on three potential solutions: capping coal prices, domestically reserving a proportion of coal for electricity generation and providing subsidies as rebates to reduce the effective price paid for internationally linked coal.

Listen to this episode of Underscore to learn more.

In this episode, ACIL Allen’s CEO Paul Hyslop discusses Australia’s food security and supply chain with guest and colleague, JP van Moort.

This episode explores the many external interruptions that can influence a country’s food supply and therefore the effect on its food security. Van Moort and Hyslop delve into the concept of food insecurity and introduce factors that are usually not considered such as access to food and degree of hunger.

As van Moort and Hyslop describe Australia’s strong presence as the world’s 'bread basket', they analyse Australia’s increasing food prices, sustainable food security, technology’s impact on food supply and how the value of food produced can be increased.

Listen to the episode now to find out more.