Briefing paper
Briefing paper
Chinese foreign policy brief
This brief examines China's statements on foreign policy issues in the six months to mid-May 2025. It covers trade restrictions between China and the US; Taiwan’s reunification with China; tensions between the US and Europe; and the Russia-Ukraine War.
Briefing paper
United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)
An overview of the response to recent allegations made against staff of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. It notes that Australia is putting in place new funding arrangements with more stringent staff neutrality conditions, as well as looking to diversify Australia’s aid funding.
Briefing paper
Red tape army: 2025-26 budget update
This paper provides an overview of staff and staffing costs for federal regulatory bodies and agencies across the 2025 and 2026 financial years. It finds there have been significant increases over the past few financial years. It forecasts that in 2026 over half the federal government workforce will be engaged in regulatory activity.
Briefing paper
Women, innovation and productivity
This brief discusses how unlocking the full economic potential of women requires tackling systemic barriers – from biased workplace cultures and underinvestment to gender gaps in education, leadership and funding – through inclusive policies, early education reform and diversity-focused business incentives.
Briefing paper
Foundational and disability supports available for children and young people in New South Wales
This briefing paper describes existing foundational and disability supports available for children and young people in New South Wales. It includes discussion of structural factors that shape the service system; best practice supports and interventions; and frameworks that can be used to evaluate service availability, accessibility and effectiveness.