This study aimed to determine whether being referred to the Court Referral of Eligible Defendants into Treatment (CREDIT) pilot program reduces re-offending. Method: Using propensity score matching, adult defendants referred to the CREDIT program, who had their matter finalised in court by 30 June 2011, were matched to control defendants on a large number of...

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...

This report covers trends in crime across 154 Local Government Areas (LGAs) over the 24 months to March 2013. The report shows falls in assaults on licensed premises, robberies without firearms, break and enter from non-dwellings and motor vehicle thefts. Most other categories of crime (including non-fatal shootings) are stable; however fraud and domestic assault...

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...