Organisations
Government agencies
Government departments and agencies are an excellent source of information resources such as annual reports, budget papers, speeches, policy documents, legislation and statistical data. See the following Government portals to start your search:
- Australian Government Directory
Your guide to the structures, organisations and key people in the Australian Government.
- SA.GOV.AU - About SA
Includes links to South Australian government contacts and directories including SAcommunity, South Australia's community information directory.
- Indigenous.gov.au
This agency celebrates the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and is a gateway to information on Australian Government Indigenous initiatives and programs.
Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
NGOs are independent organisations focused on particular issues, often working with government partners to provide advice and assistance, or campaigning governments to take action. They can be a great source of facts, figures and reports. These are just a few:
Through their detailed research and determined campaigning, we help fight abuses of human rights worldwide.
Greenpeace is an independent campaigning organisation that uses non-violent direct action to expose global environmental problems and to force solutions which are essential to a green and peaceful future.
Oxfam is working to create an equal world without the inequalities that keep people in poverty.
Watch the following video to find out more about Greenpeace.
Video length: 2.18min
Organisations and websites
- Democracy's Watchdogs
A non-profit organisation which aims to honour the work of Australian investigative journalists by providing an oral and visual history through video interviews.
- Transparency International Australia
Aims to build a better system by shining a light on the illegal practices and unfair laws that weaken our democracy. Works collaboratively with businesses, government agencies and community groups to close the loopholes on corruption.
- OpenAustralia Foundation
A charity whose vision is to transform democracy in Australia to give all Australians the tools they need to affect the change they want. We create technologies that encourage and enable people to participate directly in the political process on a local, community and national level.
- RMIT ABC Fact Check
Determines the accuracy of claims by politicians, public figures, advocacy groups and institutions engaged in the public debate.
- European Union
Find information by different institutes and bodies across Europe as well as facts, figures and policies.
- Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
A forum where governments from around the world work together to improve the economic and social well being of people.
- Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
Established in 1989, APEC is the premier Asia-Pacific economic forum that uspports sustainable economic growth and prosperity within the region.
- Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM)
Occuring every 2 years, Commonwealth Leaders meet to discuss both Commowealth and global issues looking at different policies and initiative to implement.
- U.S. Government
A portal to all things to do with the United States Government
Think tanks
Think tanks or policy institutes are research centres that focus on particular issues such as social policy and national security. They are an excellent source for policy documents and reports. They can be biased towards a particular political ideology, political party or funded by corporations or individuals.
Resources from the Library collection
The digital interactivity of US think tanks’ communications by Publication Date: 2025
Think Tanks in Australia : Policy Contributions and Influence by ISBN: 9783031270444Publication Date: 2023
Australian Think Tanks
TAI was launched to develop and conduct independent research and policy analysis and actively participate in public debates.
Common Cause Australia is a growing network of people working to engage cultural values to create a more equitable, sustainable and democratic society.
The McKell Institute is a progressive research institute dedicated to providing practical and innovative solutions to contemporary policy challenges.
Video length: 1.48min