Introduction : This backgrounder features two timelines; the first includes major bushfires, bushfire inquiries and related legislative reforms in NSW between 1926 and 2014. The second identifies recent bushfires and bushfire inquiries in the other States and Territories, as well as relevant Commonwealth Parliamentary inquiries. Key sources used to put together the timelines include a...

This paper outlines the results of recent Australian research studies on public attitudes to sentencing. Introduction The former NSW Chief Justice, James Spigelman AC QC, commented that “sentencing engages the interest, and sometimes the passion, of the public at large more than anything else judges do”. Public opinion on sentencing is important for two main...

This paper brings together research findings on poverty, social exclusion, childhood development, and health and wellbeing to create a picture of child disadvantage in New South Wales over the last five to ten years. Introduction Children born into disadvantage are more likely to have health problems and develop behavioural issues; they are also likely to...

This paper summarises policies, and public debates, about end-of-life care in New South Wales. Introduction End-of-life care has been a topic of debate in Australia for several years and, with a rising aged population, is an issue that will only increase in importance. One part of the debate arises from the fact that persons approaching...

This briefing paper analyses, at a theoretical level, the potential economic benefits of secondary airport competition in the Sydney context. Introduction On the 3rd April 2014, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) published their latest airport monitoring report which found that Sydney Airport had again performed the worst across a number of areas in...