The Australian Bureau of Statistics has projected the nation's population to 2101, with the mid-case scenario indicating a population of 25.3 million in 2051, a peak of 25.5 million in 2063 and then a gradual declines. Population predictions for Sydney forecast it to grow from a population of currently 3.5 million to six million by...

The clearing of native vegetation is one of the nation's most important, yet controversial, environmental issues. After many decades of governments uncritically promoting land clearing, the ecological ramifications of these actions are now understood. A variety of national programs and policies deal with or have ramifications for native vegetation management, but national goals of reversing...

Drought in Australia is a natural occurrence, and there are a wide range of perceptions in the community about the nature and significance of drought. However, severe drought can have a debilitating effect on rural and regional communities and represent a major cost to the wider community. This paper discusses: the causes of drought; policy...

This paper explains what cloning and stem cell research are, canvasses the ethical issues associated with such work, and outlines the regulatory framework in which it operates. The issues of human cloning and stem cell research introduce terms which are not necessarily in every day use. It is important to understand that the human body...

This paper reviews the history of fire and bushfire in Australia, including the debate on bushfire hazard reduction burning. It outlines the provisions of the Rural Fire Service Act 1997, and provides a comprehensive summary of the fires which occurred in NSW during the 2001-2002 fire season. It is self evident that bushfires occur during...