This paper outlines the present system of judicial appointments in NSW and other Australian jurisdictions. It also summarises the debate about the appointments process and looks at recent discussion papers and reports in NSW and other Australian jurisdictions. In addition, an overview is presented of the judicial appointments system in the UK, and of recent...

This paper examines the regions of Murrumbidgee and Murray and asseses the implications of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan. The Murrumbidgee and Murray regions are one of Australia's recognised food bowls, growing and processing a significant proportion of all fruit and vegetables in NSW. For example, in 2005-06 the Murrumbidgee and Murray regions produced 66% and...

The Noxious Weeds Act 1993 regulates noxious weeds in NSW. These weeds have significant economic, environmental and social impacts for the State. Noxious weed control activities are undertaken by the NSW Government, local governments, industry and the community. In February this year, the NSW Government introduced the Noxious Weeds Amendment Bill 2012 to amend the...

The revised legislative crime control scheme would likely survive constitutional challenge in the High Court. On 15 February 2012 the NSW Attorney General, Greg Smith, introduced the Crimes (Criminal Organisations Control) Bill 2012 [the 2012 Bill] into the Legislative Assembly. The Bill was passed without amendment and transmitted to the Legislative Council on the same...

Over the past year, there have been a large number of shootings, including drive-by shootings, in South-Western and Western Sydney. This has given rise to great concern in the community. NSW Police have set up a special taskforce to tackle gun violence. In addition, on 14 February 2012, the NSW Government announced a number of...