This research note updates the details of federal government expenditure provided in June 2004. The controversy over the Howard government's WorkChoices advertising campaign is also outlined, and the findings of the Senate inquiry into government advertising.

This background note details the approach taken in various Australian and overseas parliaments to codes of conduct for ministers and MPs. In 2009, for various reasons, the conduct of ministers and members of parliament has been the subject of much media attention. The Australian and United Kingdom governments have conducted major reviews of entitlements paid...

Senators and members of the Australian parliament receive an annual allowance by way of basic salary – $118,950 from 1 July 2006. Leanne Manthorpe explains the legislative basis, fixing and linking mechanisms for the allowance, and provides details of changes in the allowance since 1984.

Adrienne Millbank, Janet Phillips and Catherine Bohm provide an overview of Australia's settlement services for migrants and humanitarian entrants, and a guide to internet resources, research and comment on current settlement issues in Australia. They also provide information about the development of settlement and ‘integration’ services overseas.

In response to the need for new aircraft to replace the ageing F/A-18 and F-111, the Australian government foreshadowed the purchase of about 100 new aircraft to be in service in 2012. Since then, the estimated cost of the purchase has increased from about $10.5 billion to between $12 billion and $15.5 billion. Alex Tewes...