Overview: This edited collection includes eleven major case studies and one general review of rhetorical contest in Australian politics. The volume showcases the variety of methods available for studying political speech, including historical, theoretical, institutional, and linguistic analyses, and demonstrates the centrality of language use to democratic politics. The chapters reveal errors in rhetorical strategy...

Executive summary On 28 June 2014 the Office of the Prime Minister announced the ‘White Paper on the Reform of the Federation’. The White Paper was initially devised in the Office of Prime Minister and Cabinet following the swearing in of the Abbott Government on 18 September 2013. The development of the Terms of Reference...

This paper outlines the key reviews of Australia's counter-terrorism and national security legislation, followed by a more detailed comparison of the recommendations of the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor and Council of Australian Governments reports with each other and, where relevant, those of earlier reviews. Introduction Following the events of 11 September 2001 in the...

This paper examines the extent of an independent Australian foreign policy prior to World War I, why Britain’s declaration of war was considered to automatically include Australia, and the role of the parliament in committing Australia to war. Introduction On 31 July 1914 in an election speech at Colac in Victoria, the Opposition Leader Andrew...

This publication surveys lobbying codes of conduct and registers introduced by Australian federal and state governments and some overseas governments. Executive summary This publication surveys lobbying codes of conduct and registers introduced by Australian federal and state governments and some overseas governments. Although lobbying is a legitimate practice and part of the democratic process, the...