The 42nd Parliament faces a significant work agenda across a diverse range of public policy issues following Labor’s decisive win at the 2007 election. A change of government inevitably means a change of direction and a significant program of policy development and legislative work. In addition, as with every Parliament, some work will flow from the unfinished business of the previous Parliament.

This briefing book has been written to assist senators and members to prepare for significant issues that are expected to arise in the early months of the 42nd Parliament. It presents a brief introduction to areas of key public policy concern, outlines the context for those concerns and discusses possible new policy and legislative directions.