This discussion paper is based upon a national poll, conducted in April and May 2017, to assess levels of direct engagement between Australians and their parliamentarians, and opinions on whether the number of federal parliamentarians should be increased or decreased.

Publics around the world overwhelmingly agree that the news media should be unbiased in their coverage of political issues, according to this Pew Research Center survey of 38 countries.

This paper draws on a detailed survey of Australian attitudes to democracy and government. It is also informed by input from about thirty eminent Australians from diverse backgrounds, who gathered in Melbourne last month for a special roundtable on democracy.

Transparent and accountable mining can contribute to sustainable development. Thisbegins with corruption-free approvals – the very first link in the mining value chainwhen decisions are made about whether, where, and under what circumstances topermit mining, including who is awarded licences or contracts.

Understanding the true meaning of Australian history, and debunking the perennial claims routinely made about the role our supposedly perpetual history of ‘racism’ allegedly continues to play in Australian society, is increasingly in the national interest today.