Every federal budget raises a host of issues and generates a good deal of discussion. In this paper David Richardson examines just a few of the issues arising out of the 2004 budget.

In this electronic brief Adrienne Blunt provides links to websites of various countries that have national elections in 2004. Elections may be presidential or legislative. Information will be current for six months prior to and six months after the election date.

In the Philippines national elections of 10 May 2004, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (in office since 2001) secured re-election and pro-Arroyo parties also gained majorities in both chambers of Congress. The new Arroyo administration, however, faces formidable challenges, particularly in confronting institutional 'gridlock', pursuing economic reform and seeking to resolve ongoing insurgencies, some with links to...

Significant fallout is likely from the NSW inquiry into the treatment of Australian asbestos victims by James Hardie Industries. Federal and State governments are already considering legislation to access James Hardie's overseas assets, and there are growing calls to 'lift the corporate veil' - fundamental to corporations law for 140 years - by restricting 'limited...

This paper discussed a range of issues raised by the government's announcement in April 2004 that it would abolish the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission, and the Labor opposition's announcement a few weeks earlier that it would do likewise in government. They provide a brief history of the administration of Indigenous affairs before ATSIC...