This paper considers changes to legislation, policy and law enforcement operations that occurred or were proposed in 2002-03. The starting point for the legislation reviewed is the Commonwealth's amendment of customs regulations, from 20 December 2002, to prohibit the importation of handguns and handgun parts for the purpose of sports shooting unless they conform to...

This paper examines the many events that have occurred since 2001 that have had an impact on medical litigation. There have been numerous legislative changes in NSW, including an overhaul of health care and civil liability law. United Medical Protection (UMP), the principal medical defence organisation (MDO) in NSW, has entered provisional voluntary liquidation and...

Over 1997-98 the Commonwealth Employment Service and its related agencies and labour market programs were terminated, with employment assistance services instead being delivered through a collection of for profit and community-based providers (the Job Network). The first contract with these providers came in at May 1998, the second early 2000, and the third contract commenced...

The cross-examination of complainants of sexual offences is a contentious issue. In one sense, it may be characterised as a conflict between the rights of a person accused of a serious crime with the rights of an alleged victim who may have already survived an extremely traumatic experience. Alternatively, the issue may be viewed as...

The expulsion of an MP is an example of the power of a parliament to regulate its own constitution and composition for the purpose of preserving its dignity and efficiency, as well as to preserve public confidence in the institution. It is an ultimate sanction that is rarely used. This Briefing Paper sets out the...