This brief, by Luke Buckmaster, considers the historical development of Medibank Private, some legal issues relating to ownership of the fund and some policy arguments for and against the sale.

Significant fallout is likely from the NSW inquiry into the treatment of Australian asbestos victims by James Hardie Industries. Federal and State governments are already considering legislation to access James Hardie's overseas assets, and there are growing calls to 'lift the corporate veil' - fundamental to corporations law for 140 years - by restricting 'limited...

Should prisoners have the right to vote? This Current Issues Brief considers the arguments commonly used for and against the disenfranchisement of prisoners, both in Australia and internationally.