This briefing paper is intended to be a progress report on alternatives to court for juveniles who commit criminal offences in New South Wales. Primary attention is paid to the system of cautions, warnings and youth justice conferences available under the Young Offenders Act 1997. Some non-statutory pilot programs that focus on rehabilitation and diversion...

Next time someone tells you how unfortunate it is that native title has not lived up to expectations, you might want to tell them about its treatment by its 'foster' family, argues Jennifer Clarke in this analysis of the High Court's decision in the Yorta Yorta case.

A survey has revealed that 52% of Australians believe the myth that Indigenous Australians are not disadvantaged. This report outlines the facts and provides the Government with concrete strategies to address the needs of Indigenous Australians - including employment, education and family support.

The clearing of native vegetation is one of the nation's most important, yet controversial, environmental issues. After many decades of governments uncritically promoting land clearing, the ecological ramifications of these actions are now understood. A variety of national programs and policies deal with or have ramifications for native vegetation management, but national goals of reversing...

In this report Roza Lozusic explores what youth gangs are, how and why they form, and how they're preceived by the public. She examines the ethnic gang debate in NSW, and outlines the legislative and other initiatives targeted at gangs, in particular those aimed at preventing the formation of youth gangs and youth gang criminal...