This roundtable examined the policy implications of behavioural economics – a relatively new field that applies insights from psychology to economic issues and analysis. Participants discussed the contribution that behavioural economics can make to a broader understanding of people’s motivation and behaviour in markets and the implications for policy and regulatory approaches. Behavioural economics has...

Issues relating to election finance were prominent in the lead up to the NSW general election in March 2007. This paper reviews proposals for reform and surveys arrangements in other states, federally and in some other comparable countries.

The NZAID Small Project Scheme for Vanuatu has been in operation for more than five years. It is timely to review how well the scheme fits with the aims and priorities of the NZAID Vanuatu Development Programme Strategy and what its development impact has been.

From the outset, the NSW Freedom of Information Act 1989 has been subject to amendment and criticism. While its introduction was accompanied by high expectations about improved democratic accountability, for many its actual operation has proved inadequate. Gareth Griffith surveys the major issues in FOI debate, along with the recent developments in this area of...

This background paper, which reflects the law as at 1 March 2007, discusses questions and issues in parliamentary privilege that continue to be the subject of debate or uncertainty. These include the law relating to: the execution of search warrants, the issuing of subpoenas and orders for discovery in Parliament; the 'effective repetition' of statements...