The authors of ‘Happiness and the Human Development Index: The Paradox of Australia’ claim that Australia ranks highly in the Human Development Index (HDI), but relatively poorly in happiness. But when Andrew Leigh and Justin Wolfers compare that happiness data with the HDI, Australia appears happier, not sadder, than its HDI score would predict. Their...

Over the last 25 years neighbourhood economic outcomes have become increasingly polarised in Australia. The growing spatial dimensions of this inequality have generated discussion about the existence of ‘neighbourhood effects’, localised externalities and other endogenous processes, leading to underinvestment in education, lower levels of job-creation and economic activity, than might be expected in disadvantaged neighbourhoods.

Stewart Firth argues that while Australia's policies towards the Pacific are generally on the right track, we need to rethink our aid program and consider new initiatives, including seasonal work programs for unskilled islanders.

'Capacity development' has become a key concept in international development in recent years. Janet Hunt clarifies aspects of the term and draws on recent research and experience to draw out key international lessons, especially in relation to the 'enabling environment'. She raises questions about the implications of international development experience for thinking about capacity development...

Since it was established in 2002, the Community Development Fund of the Telstra Foundation has directed nearly 30 per cent of its projects and funding to Indigenous community development. Fourteen of these projects are evaluated in this report. The report demonstrates that community-identified programs are creating positive opportunities for Australia's Indigenous children and young people.