National security studies is a relatively new term and a new concept in Australia. Where has it come from? What is the role for it? How does national security studies differ from international relations, strategic studies and other related disciplines? And does it make sense to apply focused intellectual effort to national security studies in...

This series of breifing papers details the new budget's impact on a range of policy areas. These policy briefs are being gradually uploaded by the Parliamentary Library as of 11 May 2012, and cover the following areas: Arts and media Climate change, energy and the environment Commonwealth-State relations Corporate governance Defence Education Foreign affairs Health...

In a recent survey The Australia Institute conducted they asked whether respondents considered Australia to be a high tax country compared to other developed nations. 66 per cent said yes! The OECD tells us that Australia is the 6th lowest taxing country. But even though we think taxes are high, a majority would prefer better...

The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) plays a critical role as the alternative dispute resolution scheme for the telecommunications industry. Since its establishment in 1993, the TIO has performed well at resolving individual complaints between consumers and carriage service providers (CSPs).

Climate change and water management are two of the most important public policy issues facing Australia. Adding to existing water management challenges is the fact that climate change, and policies aimed at mitigating and adapting to climate change, can strongly affect water management outcomes. The National Water Commission’s 2011 biennial assessment of progress under the...