The use of fuel ethanol-ethanol blended with petrol-has received considerable negative publicity. This paper examines the background to the controversy and the arguments for and against its use, including as a means of assisting the sugar industry, the environmental benefits and costs, the effects on car engines, and the consequences of mandating blending ethanol and...

The commitment of significant numbers of Australian forces to Operation Bastille for a potential war in Iraq marks a significant departure from recent practice. This could be the first time since World War II that Australian forces move to participate in a military conflict without either UN Security Council backing, or the invitation of a...

The North Korean decision to restart its nuclear program and to withdraw from the nuclear non-proliferation treaty could potentially destabilise the North East Asian region. The crisis re-emphasises the importance of the region to Australian trade and security interests.

The governments of New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia argue that current Commonwealth-state funding arrangements disadvantage them. Late in 2001, these states commissioned Professor Ross Garnaut and Dr Vincent Fitzgerald to review these arrangements and recommend changes. The authors' proposals are contained in their final report, which was issued in August 2002. This Research...

The present drought conditions foreshadow a serious bushfire season for southeastern Australia. After last summer's severe bush fires in New South Wales there were calls for more frequent and extensive use of fuel reduction burning of forests and other areas to enable firefighting agencies to protect life and property. The frequency and intensity of these...