The appointment of former high profile Greens federal housing spokesperson and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s arch nemesis, Max Chandler-Mather, as executive director of the party’s think tank – the Green Institute – raises several important questions.

First, what are party think tanks and what purpose do they serve in Australia’s party system?

And second, what does the decision to appoint Chandler-Mather signal for the future strategic direction of the Greens?

What are party think tanks?

Despite party think tanks operating in Australia since the late 1990s, it’s likely most Australians are unaware of their existence and the role they play in our democracy.

Party think tanks are organisations that operate for the benefit of a particular political party. They perform a range of functions, including conducting research, undertaking policy development, member and public outreach and events, and training.

Read more: The rise of think tanks in Australian politics

Party think tanks are distinct from other think tanks, such as the right-leaning Institute of Public Affairs and left-leaning Australia Institute. While the former are official think tanks affiliated to a party, the latter are independent organisations, even if they may enjoy a close relationship with particular parties.

Australian party think tanks are also state-funded. Grants are awarded to the governing party and the........

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