Susan Harris Rimmer examines the relevant agency powers and finds the use of consent in this incident raises several issues of concern such as bypassing the need for search or computer access warrants, restricting freedom of speech in relation to publishing and the accountability of Australia’s national security officials.

The adequacy of Australia’s superannuation savings is a topic of ongoing concern. The common perception is that Australians, in general, have not saved enough for their retirement and that the current level of compulsory superannuation guarantee contributions made by employers on behalf of employees will produce an inadequate level of benefits for current and future...

1 July 2000 saw major changes to Commonwealth–state financial relations, notably the introduction of the goods and services tax (GST) and the payment of the revenue from this tax to the states. Richard Webb examines developments since the changes were implemented and some issues in Commonwealth–state financial relations.

Ray Jordan provides background on the 1980s proposal by the Labor government to introduce a national identity card (the Australia Card), its subsequent defeat, and on current initiatives by the Coalition government to consider an ID card in an effort to deter crime and terrorist activity. Links are provided to some key documents and internet...

Despite not developing either a domestic nuclear power industry or a nuclear weapons capability, Australia has had a long involvement in nuclear science and technology. In this chronology Ian Holland and Matthew James outline the history of radioactive waste management in Australia, including the management of radioactive medical, scientific and industrial waste, spent nuclear fuel...