The 42nd Parliament faces a significant work agenda across a diverse range of public policy issues following Labor?s decisive win at the 2007 election. A change of government inevitably means a change of direction and a significant program of policy development and legislative work. In addition, as with every Parliament, some work will flow from...

The extent to which journalists' careers are intertwined with political fortunes is rarely examined, writes Rodney Tiffen.

Australia is at the forefront of professional and independent electoral administration, especially when assessed in international comparative studies. However, while there is often debate about the levels of fairness provided by the various electoral systems in use throughout Australia, less scrutiny has been applied to the electoral management bodies charged with administering these systems. Although...

Is it our constitution, grounded as it was on fear and Empire dependency and the interests of the home country, that is a millstone around our neck, or is it simply that we lack the confidence and the courage to live up to the opportunities offered by this magnificent land? John Sanderson, former chief of...

'Give back our seat' is a common cry in Australia when a Senator or Member chooses to quit the party on whose platform s/he was elected while retaining the seat in Parliament. This paper examines many of the issues surrounding party jumping in Australia and overseas, including the debate on who has the right to...