2020 was a year of rapid policy development in Australia. It brought twists and turns in decision-making, as governments responded to a crisis that remains with us in 2021, as nations keep working to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. This publication provides valuable analysis to help policy makers and business respond to critical issues.

This report acknowledges the enduring successes of Australian democracy. It is important to also understand the social changes that have posed new challenges to democratic participation and stability. The committee believes that this report demonstrates why Australia’s democratic institutions matter, and why reinvigorating them is an urgent task.

This paper looks at the primary challenges that Timor-Leste faces, on both the economic and political fronts.

At a critical time in the United States' history, this paper examines how polarised discussions on race, ethnicity, religion, immigration and gender stem from years of income inequality, geographic disparities, systemic racism and the rise of digital technology. The authors also propose policy solutions to chart Americans on a path towards national unity and reconciliation.

This report finds that safeguarding democracy and improving government responses to health emergencies requires us to strengthen legislatures. On this basis, it recommends that international donors, civil society groups and governments themselves should focus on five key areas of reform.