Following a Productivity Commission review of Australia's consumer policy framework, all Australian governments agreed to a new consumer policy framework, comprising a single national consumer law and streamlined enforcement arrangements. An Australian Consumer Law will significantly enhance consumer protection, reduce regulatory complexity for businesses and encourage the development of a seamless national economy. Greater enforcement...

In health policy debates in recent years, a range of different models have been proposed for reforming the Australian health system. When presented in isolation, these models can be confusing, particularly for those for whom the health system is unfamiliar territory. This Background Note is intended as a guide to some of the main recent...

Around 70 per cent of Australian households own or are purchasing their home. The rate of home ownership has remained remarkably stable at this level for over four decades according to data collected by the Australian Bureau of Statistics in its Census of Population and Housing and its Survey of Income and Housing (SIH). The...

This evaluation finds that Australia's six symphony orchestras have made a smooth transition to become fully independent companies following their divestment from the ABC. The evaluation concluded that since divestment from the ABC to independent company status the orchestras have made great strides artistically and financially in developing distinctive cultural identities and business models, although...

In light of freedom of information laws and other modern moves towards greater openness and accountability on the one hand, and the current international security environment on the other, are secrecy laws still relevant and necessary? Is a statutory duty on Commonwealth officers not to disclose information necessary or desirable? Are general law obligations sufficient...