How to contribute to Inflection Points
Inflection Points is actively seeking writers, researchers, and experts interested in contributing essays on Australian public policy. We welcome new ideas, fresh perspectives, and rigorous analysis on building a more abundant and ambitious Australia. We encourage pitches from established experts, emerging voices, policy professionals, academics, journalists, and practitioners from all backgrounds.
We publish three types of articles:
Inflection Points feature essays: Long-form essays
Talking Points: Shorter, time-sensitive pieces
Reflection Points: Correspondence and letters
Inflection Points feature essays
Inflection Points feature essays are typically at least 2,000 words with no strict upper limit. Essays are published periodically in compiled issues, usually without a specific central theme.
If you’d like to write an essay for Inflection Points, please send us an email outlining your idea in a few sentences. Submit your pitches via email with the subject heading “Essay pitch – <your pitch title>” to: editors@inflectionpoints.work. Your pitch should succinctly summarise:
What your article will argue or advocate for
Why this topic is important for Australia’s future
What data you will draw on to support your argument
Why you are the right person to write about this
Who would likely object with your point of view
For example, a pitch for a piece advocating for raising the GST to 15% could read:
I’ll outline what a 15% GST could achieve. Raising the GST is often talked about as a solution to move Australia to a more sustainable tax base with a lower average marginal burden. However, the conversation often ends there. I’ll detail which less efficient taxes (like stamp duty) could be abolished, how substantial an efficiency dividend this would yield and what political trade-offs would need to be made for this to be a reality (e.g., other policy adjustments to address equity concerns). In my analysis, I’ll consider the history of GST reform, existing Treasury analysis of tax burdens, alongside the current state and federal budget positions. Critics of this apporach would question its equity implications; they would likely suggest that taxes with a higher average marginal burden (like income taxes) would be better placed to address Australia’s structural budget shortfall.
If we find your pitch compelling, we’ll ask for a more detailed outline that expands your argument, including sources, anecdotes, specific examples, and supporting data. Once we review and accept your outline, we’ll work together on a deadline, with milestones for a first draft and final publication. We are able to offer a modest payment for works, thanks to the support we receive from Emergent Ventures and Open Philanthropy.
Talking Points
Inflection Points will sometimes publish timely articles that respond to emerging policy realities. These might include responses to budget announcements, policy successes or failures, programme audit findings, and more.
Talking Points should be sent to editors@inflectionpoints.work. Full drafts of 1,000–2,500 words are preferred; and please note that we are unable to respond to every pitch. We are able to pay a small fee for Talking Points articles.
Reflection Points
Thoughtful policy debate demands we recognise trade-offs. In this spirit, the Inflection Points team commits to publishing correspondence in cases where expert opinions on optimal policymaking may differ.
Reflection Points should be sent to reflection@inflectionpoints.work, with “Reflection – <original article title>” in the subject. Include your response of between 300 and 500 words in-line in your email. We will readily publish Reflection Points if based on well-founded evidence or thoughtful analysis. Note that we are unable to pay for correspondence.