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.

This is the twelfth in a series of triennial reports on maternal deaths dating back to 1964. Under-ascertainment of maternal mortality is of national concern. In an effort to improve ascertainment of maternal deaths, this report has used two data sources: states and territories confidential maternal death enquiries and Australian Bureau of Statistics death data...

Significant fallout is likely from the NSW inquiry into the treatment of Australian asbestos victims by James Hardie Industries. Federal and State governments are already considering legislation to access James Hardie's overseas assets, and there are growing calls to 'lift the corporate veil' - fundamental to corporations law for 140 years - by restricting 'limited...

This paper discussed a range of issues raised by the government's announcement in April 2004 that it would abolish the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission, and the Labor opposition's announcement a few weeks earlier that it would do likewise in government. They provide a brief history of the administration of Indigenous affairs before ATSIC...

August 2004 sees the thirtieth anniversary of the joint sitting of Parliament held shortly after the double dissolution election of 18 May 1974. in this Research Note Scott Bennett looks at how the joint sitting was organised and discusses the politics surrounding this event.