Gaming micro-transactions for chance-based items, called 'loot boxes' for the purposes of this inquiry, are included in some video games to provide players with away to obtain virtual items for in-game use.

The recent public debate on the matters being considered in this inquiry has been prompted, in the most immediate sense, by the disclosure of certain recommendations in a review on religious freedom commissioned by the federal government.

All Australian children deserve to feel safe and loved and to have a strong sense of identity and belonging. Unfortunately there are tens of thousands of Australian children in out-of-home care who need a family they can belong to. It is not acceptable that children are bounced around the system from one foster home to...

This inquiry examined the efficiency, effectiveness and coherency of Australian government funding for research. It focused on federally funded research agencies, their funding mechanisms and university collaborative research.

This report focuses on a number of key issues in the current consumer protection system. The list of key issues is not intended to be comprehensive; rather, the report provides a 'snapshot' of concerns raised in evidence about consumer protections, or the lack thereof, in particular areas of the banking, insurance and financial services sector.