John Cain Foundation

The John Cain Foundation was registered by a small group of progressive thinkers in Melbourne in 2013, led by former Deputy Prime Minister Brian Howe AO. The former Premier of Victoria agreed to the use of his name, widely recognised as representing integrity in politics, and the Cain family were closely involved in the work of the Foundation. This work involved research and policy development, with emphasis on issues of immediate importance to Victorian and Australian citizens. The organisation maintained an overarching objective of advancing the values of social democracy in its work. During its period of operation, the John Cain Foundation frequently partnered with other progressive think tanks and with Victorian universities. The close relationship with Per Capita suggested an opportunity to combine resources in pursuit of similar goals and the merger was effected in the first half of 2020.