The overall aim of the Australian retirement income system is to reduce poverty in retirement and produce a higher income in retirement than can be achieved by reliance on the age pension alone. Recently, a third goal has begun to emerge, that of prolonging a person’s workforce attachment. The success of the retirement income system...

Angela Pratt provides links to information and key resources on avian influenza and the potential for an avian influenza pandemic, including general information on avian influenza; information about Australia and international preparations for an avian influenza pandemic; information on Australian research on influenza; commentary in the public domain on avian influenza and the prospects of...

Leslie Nielson finds that the co-contributions scheme has delivered a number of benefits - in particular, that low income employees, particularly women, appear to have gained significant contributions to their superannuation fund balances - and that these benefits will compound over time via increased investment earnings. However, the scheme is not necessarily a panacea for...

In 2004-05, Australia had an average annual unemployment rate of 5.3 per cent, the lowest rate in 28 years. Despite a low rate of general unemployment, there are still many groups in the community for whom the unemployment rate is well into double digits, or more than twice the average rate. Tony Kryger looks at...

Scott Bennett describes the origins of compulsory voting in Australia and its use in Commonwealth elections, outlines the arguments for and against compulsion, discusses the political impact of compulsory voting and refers to suggested reforms.