Today I am pleased to announce the establishment of a new G20 Studies Centre within the Lowy Institute for International Policy.
This is a joint initiative between the Lowy Institute and the Federal Government to build on the Lowy Institute's existing G20 work.
The G20 Studies Centre will put Australia at the forefront of G20 research in our region and across the world.
The Gillard Government is providing initial funding of $4 million over four years to support the G20 Studies Centre.
As the weight of global economic influence shifts to our region, it is critical we continue to strengthen links across governments, business and importantly our research institutions.
The Lowy Institute's involvement in the Think 20 and Shadow G20 networks mean it is already well placed to strengthen our academic links across the region and the world.
As G20 host in 2014, Australia will be at the centre of world economic policy making, which presents a valuable opportunity to help shape the global economic agenda. This Studies Centre will inform the Government's G20 work program.
To encourage engagement with the G20 in our national debate, the Studies Centre will host major events, website forums and blogs which will bring together experts on the global economy and global governance.
The Studies Centre will provide analysis on the changing landscape for global economic governance and the G20's role from an Australian perspective. It will take advantage of the Lowy Institute's existing connections and networks to establish an Asian G20 think tank network, creating closer ties with regional partners.
In the lead up to hosting the G20 in 2014, the Government will be building closer dialogue between governments, academics, think tanks, business and non-government organisations on G20 issues. Establishing a G20 Studies Centre within one of Australia's pre‑eminent international policy think tanks is an important step and will help develop an even stronger voice for Australia in the big global economic policy debates.
For more information please visit the Lowy Institute website.