In Australia, community concerns strongly influence the way the minerals industry operates and how governments regulate it. The industry is required to fulfill its formal regulatory conditions (its licence to mine) as well as taking into consideration these community concerns (its social licence to operate). This research explores what it means to hold a social...

This report argues that the operations of Australia's diplomatic network are challenged by a lack of funding, the shift of global power towards Asia, the impact of technology, and the rising importance of public diplomacy. It argues that there is an urgent need to rebuild Australia’s diplomatic network. This report follows the findings of two...

The Federal Government's new Asia policy argues that in order to thrive in the Asian century, Australia needs a clear plan to seize the economic opportunities that will flow and to manage the strategic challenges that will arise. Foreword Asia’s rise is changing the world. This is a defining feature of the 21st century—the Asian...

This background note outlines the types of communications data generated by use of the Internet, email and phones, why law enforcement agencies want it retained, and what existing access law enforcement agencies have to such data. The Government’s interest in establishing a data retention scheme appears to date back to at least early 2010 when...

This draft report was released to assist participants in preparing a submission to the public inquiry into Electricity Network Regulation. Australia’s electricity sector is facing a number of challenges over the coming years. This includes a large investment requirement for networks to replace ageing assets, meet growing levels of peak demand, reliability requirements and to...