Overview NSW has a pressing need for additional infrastructure. Projects such as WestConnex, NorthConnex, the light rail and Sydney Metro are being constructed to meet that need. In the process, they have become focal points of compulsory acquisition.

On 3 May 2016, the NSW Government released a draft Biodiversity Conservation Bill 2016, draft Local Land Services Amendment Bill 2016 and supporting products for public exhibition. The Government aims to introduce this legislation in October 2016, with the legislation to commence in two stages in 2017 if passed by Parliament. These Bills follow on...

The NSW Government is planning to introduce the Biodiversity Conservation Bill 2016 and the Local Land Services Amendment Bill 2016 to Parliament in October. To provide some background to these Bills, this e-brief examines the development of threatened species legislation in NSW. Three key NSW Acts are covered – the Endangered Fauna (Interim Protection) Act...

This paper reports on trends in NSW State finances between 2002-03 and 2016-17 (inclusive). For most of the key indicators, the paper also shows trends by Parliament for the current (56th) Parliament and previous three Parliaments. Topics covered include: Budget result and net lending result Revenue Expenses Capital expenditure Assets and liabilities Credit rating metrics

Government policy to address illegal drug use and possession is an ongoing topic of debate both in Australia and internationally. One part of the debate surrounding illegal drug use and possession involves the question of whether or not recreational drug use should be decriminalised, as has occurred in overseas jurisdictions such as Portugal. Another, and...