The three activities that account for much of Australia's relatively high per capita greenhouse emissions also present significant abatement opportunities, argues Hal Turton. The high levels of emissions from these sectors are not caused by underlying intractable physical or social constraints, nor are they based on economic imperatives. However, influencing these activities and bringing about...

The culture of long hours has been extensively debated in Australia in recent years with increasing focus on the implications for the health of the family. A survey in 2002 revealed a widespread uneasiness among Australians about how they live their lives and what life should be about. In this paper Clive Hamilton examines the...

Private school fees are not tax deductible in Australia. Nor are fees or levies paid to public schools. However, many private schools and some public schools operate building or library funds to which parents and ex-students are encouraged to make tax-deductible donations. These donations can increase substantially the funds available to the schools and thereby...

The debate over the 'values' that should be taught in public and private schools has been heated. However, in Australia today private schools have a wide range of exemptions from state anti-discrimination legislation allowing them to expel children on the basis of their sexuality or becuase they are pregnant. Deb Wilkinson, Andrew MacIntosh and Clive...

Downshifters are people who make a voluntary decision to reduce their income in order to improve the quality of their lives. In this study Christie Breakspear and Clive Hamiliton explore in detail the life changes and attitudes of downshifters by way of extensive interviews and focus groups. The study identifies four main reasons for downshifting...