This paper measures government acceptance of parliamentary committee recommendations: one of the ways in which a committee can demonstrate its effectiveness. Of the reports in this sample recommending new action by the government, 60.0 per cent demonstrated a minimum level of effectiveness in that at least one of their recommendations was accepted. The most important...

While most Australians live well, there are some groups who are doing it very tough, according to this report. Approximately 5% of Australians aged 15 years and over experience three or more types of disadvantage. While most Australians are employed, 15% of all Australian children live in jobless families. Most Australians have high life expectancies...

This draft plan identifies the research required to help Australian governments, organisations and communities better understand the social, economic and institutional dimensions of effective climate adaptation responses. It outlines priority areas for research that can better inform decisions about adaptation to ensure effective, efficient, and equitable outcomes. Comments on the draft plan may be submitted...

This report recommends that corporate governance should be strengthened through the introduction of independent remuneration committees, measures to promote board accountability and shareholder engagement, enhanced pay disclosure and increased pressure on those boards that are unresponsive to shareholder concerns. Strong growth in executive remuneration from the 1990s to 2007, and instances of large payments despite...

There is a need for wide-ranging reforms and a reduction in compliance costs faced by the not-for-profit sector, according to this draft research report. The Commission's proposed reforms would bring together the multiplicity of governance, taxation, and fundraising regulatory requirements to create a much stronger foundation for this expanding sector. Proposed changes to government funding...