It is undeniable that minerals and energy resource development is a key contributor to the Australian economy, and in particular to the state of Western Australia. The recent ‘mining boom’ has been much discussed in the last seven years or so and has brought considerable revenue to state and federal governments. As well as being...

As there are more independent members with a party background, it could be argued that the influence of the major parties continues to be very strong, even when non-aligned candidates are successful. The dominance of the major parties in Australian politics has lead to the portrayal of independent Members of Parliament as marginal or even...

This background note traces the genesis and development of the Rudd / Gillard Government's Fair Work policy and legislation. Updated: 24 September 2009, updated 22 January 2010, 10 June 2010, 7 July 2010, 21 July 2010

Senior business and technical consultant James Dellow of Headshift discusses Gov 2.0 strategies at the Parliamentary Library on 23 June 2010.

This background note provides a general overview of: the double dissolution process, including some unsettled issues; 'triggers’ for double dissolutions and legislation in the 42nd Parliament that could potentially constitute a trigger for a double dissolution election; double dissolutions and elections; the possible composition of the Senate following a double dissolution election, and proposals to...