Migrants are a disadvantaged group in the Australian labour market. Apart from rates of unemployment that are much higher than those experienced by the Australian born, they also have far lower rates of labour force participation. While lower rates of participation by migrants may be attributed to such factors as their birthplace (language skills) and...

Australia was the first country to recognise the right to conscientious objection to military service in legislation as part of the Defence Act 1903. Recognition has developed from objections based on religious belief to more secular philosophical and ethical convictions and has developed in Australia to include, for conscripts, selective conscientious objection to particular conflicts.

On 12 February 2003, the federal government released a White Paper on Foreign Affairs and Trade: Advancing the National Interest. This Brief provides a concise overview of the paper and discusses some key issues arising from it.

'Give back our seat' is a common cry in Australia when a Senator or Member chooses to quit the party on whose platform s/he was elected while retaining the seat in Parliament. This paper examines many of the issues surrounding party jumping in Australia and overseas, including the debate on who has the right to...

The High Court is divided about the status of many thousands of British nationals living in Australia who have not formally become citizens of this country. At stake is the right of such people to freely remain in Australia. The federal government is currently attempting to deport a British migrant who has lived here since...