The Department of Family and Community Services makes, or has made in the past, a number of payments for children and child carers. This paper provides a short history of the development of these payments and a chronology of changes to each payment from their introduction to the present day. First published 5 July 2006...

Australia has an estimated six per cent of the world’s recoverable resources of black coal, and also accounts for about six per cent of current world coal production. This paper provides information on production of liquid fuel from coal and its potential as an alternative to petroleum-based transport fuels in Australia. Australia has an estimated...

Since the early 20th century radio has been an important source of information and entertainment for people of various ages and backgrounds. Almost every Australian home and car has at least one radio and most Australians listen to radio regularly. The introduction of new radio technology—digital terrestrial radio—which can deliver a better listening experience for...

There has been a significant proliferation of bilateral free trade agreements. This background note examines the impact of the agreements thus far concluded and their trade impact on Australia.There has been a significant proliferation of bilateral free trade agreements (FTAs) in recent history, particularly FTAs struck between governments in the same region, notably in the...

As leader of the opposition before the 2007 election, and now as prime minister, Kevin Rudd promised that a constitutional referendum to introduce fixed House terms would be held on the same day as the next Commonwealth election. The fact that Australian prime ministers have the power to call an election before the expiry of...