Beginning by by examining the numbers of women in Australian parliaments, particularly in NSW and at federal level, this paper looks at the extent to which women are represented in various political parties and in more senior political positions. The paper explores why women remain underrepresented despite numerous national and global initiatives to improve the...

This Briefing Paper provides a brief overview of the influence of law and order issues on politics and surveys the latest trends to have emerged regarding the rate of crime. It reviews relevant legislation passed between 1999 and 2002 in each state and territory. Reference is made throughout to briefing papers that contain further information...