How important is it to keep counting the number of women in public office and trying to increase their numbers? Recent controversy suggests that some people think the time for monitoring gender gaps is over, writes Marian Sawer.

This background note details the approach taken in Australia and some overseas parliaments to codes of conduct for ministers and members of parliament, registers of interests, the post-separation employment of ministers and the use of ethics commissioners in providing advice on and/or conducting investigations into breaches of codes.

Labor members want to repeal the Howard Government's electoral law changes. Coalition members want to retain them. It's time for a circuit-breaker, writes Peter Brent.

Who’s to blame for the sorry state of Question Time, asks Peter Brent.

John Howard made unexpected concessions last week to avert a backbench revolt in parliament. But why is crossing the floor seen as such a major step? Paul Rodan looks at the precedents.