There are several significant drivers, such as climate change and water scarcity, that are changing the waste debate, according to this report. In the committee's view waste policy needs to address issues that are relevant to its own sphere and at the same time, complement policies in other spheres particularly in relation to environmental protection...

The committee received evidence from a variety of organisations and individuals that generally welcomed the Lobbying Code of Conduct. The majority of evidence received included comments of support, which viewed the Code as a significant step towards increasing the level of transparency surrounding lobbying activities.

Peacekeeping operations have become increasingly complex and multidimensional and today's peacekeepers face new challenges. This report identifies the main criteria against which Australian decision makers should assess whether or not to commit to a peacekeeping operation. The committee is of the view that the Australian government should be satisfied that the mission's mandate has: clearly...

It is nine years since the last referendum was held to amend the Australian Constitution, and it is over 30 years since there was a successful referendum to amend Australia’s Constitution. The present decade may be the first since Federation during which there is no referendum held. The lack of reform to the Constitution has...

In 2006, The Australia Institute published two discussion papers on the issue of the sexualisation of children in the contemporary media. The two papers prompted considerable public debate amongst parents, media and retail industry stakeholders, academics and interested parties more generally, indicating a high level of public interest in the issue. This report examines the...