In the 2003-4 budget, the government proposed changes to the excise (and customs duty) on some fuels. On 16 December 2003, the government announced changes to these proposals. In this research note Richard Webb sets out how the government now proposes to tax certain fuels.

In this research paper Richard Webb examines the rationale for Commonwealth government involvement in infrastructure provision, how it influences the provision of infrastructure, and trends in that influence. In particular, it seeks to delineate the role that the Commonwealth plays as distinct from that of state governments.

Richard Webb reviews developments in Commonwealth road funding in the 1990s and examines associated majorissues. The paper also contains the most recent data.

This document traces the long running debates and numerous proposals and government reviews going back over 50 years concerning the need for and possible locations of a second major airport to serve Sydney.

This Research Paper explains how the Commonwealth determines the level and distribution of financial assistance it provides to local government and examines some key issues in the provision of assistance.