While Australia's consumer policy framework has considerable strengths, parts of it require an overhaul. The first step in this process should be the introduction of a single generic consumer law applying across Australia, based on the consumer provisions in the Trade Practices Act, modified to address gaps in its coverage and scope. Responsibility for regulating...

This outlines two key areas where the government plans to introduce new measures: the way it supports elite sport; and the way sport is used to boost participation and physical activity to help build a healthier nation. The report alos outlines projects the government will pursue this term, including the promotion of the position of...

This discussion paper identifies existing arrangements for access by people with a hearing and or vision impairment to electronic media, such as the availability of captioning and audio description for free-to-air television, subscription television and film, outlines arrangements in some overseas jurisdictions, and invites comments on a number of key issues.

Control orders have been part of Australian anti-terrorism legislation since December 2005. A control order is issued by a court (at the request of the Australian Federal Police) to allow obligations, prohibitions and restrictions to be imposed on a person, for the purpose of protecting the public from a terrorist act. The types of obligations...

Over the last 30 years there have been major economic, demographic and social changes in Australia. These changes, together with associated government income support policy responses, have been important factors driving trends in the proportion of workforce age people receiving income support. This background note outlines these income support policy developments. It also provides data...