Australian governments of both political persuasions have sought to reduce challenges in the courts to decisions under the Migration Act 1958. Two techniques to achieve this are considered by Jennifer Nicholson in this Research Note: the inclusion in the Migration Act of a privative clause and the codification of the requirements of procedural fairness.

Like any other contract or agreement, free trade agreements can be a source for disputes. In this Research Note Thomas John outlines the resolution process spelt out in the Australia-US Free Trade Agreement.

This resource guide provides links to statistics and information about the world's refugees, asylum seekers and others 'of concern'. It focuses on key agencies and materials that track recent developments and explore current issues. It aims to enable comparisons to be made between Australian and international refugee and asylum seeker responses and policies.

In the Philippines national elections of 10 May 2004, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (in office since 2001) secured re-election and pro-Arroyo parties also gained majorities in both chambers of Congress. The new Arroyo administration, however, faces formidable challenges, particularly in confronting institutional 'gridlock', pursuing economic reform and seeking to resolve ongoing insurgencies, some with links to...

Every federal budget raises a host of issues and generates a good deal of discussion. In this paper David Richardson examines just a few of the issues arising out of the 2004 budget.