This paper reports on trends in NSW State finances between 2002-03 and 2016-17 (inclusive). For most of the key indicators, the paper also shows trends by Parliament for the current (56th) Parliament and previous three Parliaments. Topics covered include: Budget result and net lending result Revenue Expenses Capital expenditure Assets and liabilities Credit rating metrics

Government policy to address illegal drug use and possession is an ongoing topic of debate both in Australia and internationally. One part of the debate surrounding illegal drug use and possession involves the question of whether or not recreational drug use should be decriminalised, as has occurred in overseas jurisdictions such as Portugal. Another, and...

Presents a summary of the existing laws in NSW, the proposed reforms, and some selected stakeholder views.

Introduction Currently there is much debate about housing affordability. Two of our recent publications have examined the need for more affordable rental housing. This e-brief looks at another related issue: security of tenure for the growing number of people who are long-term renters in the private rental market. A 2012 paper by the Australian Housing...

Introduction In recent years the farming community has been concerned about the increasing use by animal welfare activists of covert surveillance of farm properties. Several incidents have allegedly involved unauthorised entry and installation of hidden cameras; in one case, Animal Liberation used a drone (otherwise known as an “unmanned aerial vehicle”). Farmers complain that this...