This paper provides an overview of the operation of the Commonwealth of Australian Governments (COAG) and other aspects of intergovernmental relations in Australia. Summary In 2006, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) adopted a new national reform agenda and established the COAG Reform Council, developments which were later used as a foundation for the first...

The growing number of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder is an issue of concern both in Australia and overseas, argues this report. Summary The growing number of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is an issue of concern both in Australia and overseas. This concern is reflected in the 2008 resolution of the...

This paper argues that inaugural speeches provide a window on the evolving parliamentary culture in New South Wales, along with the broader political context in which it operates. With many new members elected to the NSW Parliament at the 2011 general election, the start of the 55th Parliament was remarkable for the making of inaugural...

The global financial crisis (GFC) significantly affected the house/office building and engineering construction industry in Australia. From the December 2007 quarter to the December 2008 quarter, for example, owner occupied housing commitments fell by 22%. Although (in early 2009) the Rudd government launched the $42 billion Nation Building and Jobs Plan (70% of which was...

This updated version (of an October 2010 issues backgrounder) takes account of the recent introduction of the Rights of the Terminally Ill Bill in New South Wales. Recent cases in Australia are canvassed as are proposed reforms and recommendations in selected jurisdictions, notably South Australia, Tasmania and the United Kingdom. New sections on Canada and...