There is considerable scope to improve the way that regulations are developed and scrutinised by all governments, according to this draft report. In Regulatory Impact Analysis: Benchmarking - a report requested by COAG - the Productivity Commission compares the regulatory impact analysis processes of the Commonwealth, States and Territories and COAG, and identifies leading practices...

The 2012 survey of Australian Government agencies compliance with Information Publication Scheme (IPS) obligations was conducted between 30 April and 11 May 2012.

Fresh groundwater stored in Australian coastal aquifers constitutes an important resource for humans and the natural environment. However, many Australian coastal aquifers are vulnerable to seawater intrusion (SWI)—the landward encroachment of sea water into coastal aquifers—which can significantly degrade water quality and reduce freshwater availability. The increasing demands for fresh water in coastal areas and...

This report presents the results of a project aimed at improving understanding of palaeovalley groundwater resources. Palaeovalleys are geologically ancient, buried river valleys which no longer function as active surface water systems. These palaeovalley aquifers are often relied upon in regional Australia to supply water to pastoralists, mines, tourist centres and remote communities. Groundwater in...

This report examines the global response to climate change and considers how the world is heading toward reducing emissions of greenhouse gases and meeting the goal of avoiding the most damaging effects of climate change.