Ben Saul assesses the federal government’s proposed counter-terrorism laws.

Proposed laws on strikes and lockouts tip the playing field further against employees, argues Chris Briggs.

There’s no justification for taxpayer dollars being used to fund party political activity by governments, argues Greg Barns.

Canberra’s latest campaign underlines the need for controls over government advertising, according to Graeme Orr and Joo-Cheong Tham.

John Howard made unexpected concessions last week to avert a backbench revolt in parliament. But why is crossing the floor seen as such a major step? Paul Rodan looks at the precedents.