In this background paper to its current inquiry, the commission describes the history of sedition, outlines the current state of the federal law on sedition and unlawful associations, and outlines the position in the states and territories. It surveys the relevant international laws and considers their influence on Australian law, and sets out the key...

A number of papers from the conference, held in February 2006, are available online. They include: • Alex Reilly, Macquarie University – Appropriations and Expenditures: Where do the Limits Lie? Combet v Commonwealth • David Bennett QC, Solicitor-General of the Commonwealth – The High Court on Constitutional Law: The 2005 Term • Dr Andrew Lynch...

Australia’s ‘tough on drugs’ policy has failed to significantly reduce domestic drug markets or confront drug-related mental health disorders, according to Andrew Macintosh. He finds that strict drug law enforcement policies have failed to dent illicit drug markets and have exacerbated the social cost of illicit drug use.This report calls on governments to shift the...

The Hon Alastair Nicholson explores the nature of justice under the current government, looking at examples such as the mandatory and unlimited detention of asylum seekers, the provisions of Australia’s new security legislation and the limited access to justice of people who are facing the disadvantages of poverty, illness, or the prejudices of age, gender...

The provision of funding and requiring disclosure of donations and expenditure are thought to strengthen Australia’s democratic institutions, enhance the political process, and dampen the influence of money on politics. The extent to which the various regimes achieve these purposes is debateable, as are the changes considered necessary. Talina Drabsch provides an overview of the...