This background note provides a general overview of: the double dissolution process, including some unsettled issues; 'triggers’ for double dissolutions and legislation in the 42nd Parliament that could potentially constitute a trigger for a double dissolution election; double dissolutions and elections; the possible composition of the Senate following a double dissolution election, and proposals to...

After 13 years of Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) representation, Prime Minister John Key has said it is time to ‘kick the tyres’ and see how much support the system enjoys. New Zealand will hold a referendum on the electoral system coinciding with the next election, which may well be a close contest. With this referendum...

On 20 November 2007 then members of the Liberal Party were involved in the distribution of unauthorised election material. This report proposes changes to electoral law to strengthen the prohibition on such activity.

This conversation with political analyist and 2010 Parlimentary Fellow, Dr Peter Brent, discusses the changing relationship with Federal politicians and the media.

Referendums promised by Kevin Rudd and Tony Abbott are fraught with political risk, writes Norman Abjorensen.