The Institute of Public Affairs was established in October 1942 to promote the concept of free enterprise during postwar social and economic reconstruction as a balance against proponents of the 'new social order' who advocated socialism and the nationalisation of Australian industries. The inaugural Council was drawn from the Melbourne business community and included members G J Coles, Sir Walter Massy-Greene and Sir Keith Murdoch. Charles Kemp was appointed as its Economic Adviser in 1942 and wrote the influential publication Looking Forward: A Post-war Policy for Industry. He subsequently became its Director from 1948 to 1976 and acting Director 1979 to 1982. Branches were formed in Western Australia in 1985 and in the Australian Capital Territory in 1987 and in 1992 it merged with the Perth-based Australian Institute for Public Policy. It operates as an independent, non-profit public policy research and educational institute, with specific research areas such as the environment, deregulation, workplace relations, energy, political governance, intellectual property, telecommunications, technology, housing, education, health and agriculture. It has published the IPA Review since 1947, and also publishes research papers and hosts conferences and lectures.