During 2000-01 the Department of the Parliamentary Library published 'Four-year terms for the House of Representatives?', a paper that was well-received by readers inside and outside the Parliament. This paper is now being re-issued with changes made as a consequence of events that have occurred since publication.

Australia's 24th Governor-General was sworn in on 11 August 2003. This Research Note looks at questions that are frequently asked about the office of Governor-General, including the selection, appointment, dismissal, tenure and powers and functions of the Governor-General.

This chronology outlines the history of radioactive waste management in Australia. It documents the drawn-out policy processes associated with the management of Australia's small amount of radioactive waste material. It also outlines some of the key stages in the process of replacing Australia's only nuclear reactor - the research reactor at Lucas Heights near Sydney...

The uncertainty about North Korean nuclear ambitions have spurred consideration of whether Australia should consider the development of ballistic missile defences. This Research Note presents the details of current developments as well as some of the concerns associated with the missile defence program.

The inquiry into the 1996 election by the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters reported that its 'most contentious topic' was that of electoral fraud. In particular, the enrolment procedure was seen as being open to abuse. In 2001 the Shepherdson Inquiry in Queensland indicated that the Commonwealth-State joint electoral roll can be manipulated due...