A comprehensive table presented in this article allows the reader to compare the revenue received by a range of organisations which influence educational policy including ACER, The Grattan Institute and the Centre for Independent Studies. The main premise of this article, to evaluate AERO’s independence, is supported by an examination of AERO’s status and structure. The authors state that ‘Scrutiny is a public duty’ as they examine funding bodies and the influence of individuals who through their networks are connected to both business and education. The authors warn ‘Make no mistake, AERO has influential and cashed-up backers.’ as they provide a timeline for the development of AERO and the ‘what works’ network which presents as independent but promotes marketable ideas benefitting business rather than education.
Reference: Sawatzki, C. & Rowe, E. (2025, July 18) Can we trust AERO’s independence now? Edu Research Matters.