This report provides estimates of expenditure on welfare services and social security benefits in Australia for the period 1998-99 to 2003-04. This expenditure totalled $20 billion in 2003-04. Estimates are reported by source of funding, whether from governments, from individuals in the form of fees for services or from non-government community service organisations. 'Welfare expenditure...

In this paper Kirsten Storry examines literacy levels and education programs in remote Aboriginal communities. Literacy rates among children and adults in these communities are appallingly low and cannot be reversed without genuine and innovative education reform. It is time to trial innovative solutions, including better reporting on existing literacy programs, enhanced community sector coordination...

This report covers various aspects of involvement in culture, the arts and cultural heritage relating to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population of Australia. It draws together data from the 2002 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Survey, the 2002 General Social Survey, the 2001 Community Housing and Infrastructure Needs Survey, and the...

Increasing cannabis availability in rural and remote areas has extended a thriving illicit drug trade to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander settlements in some of Australia’s most isolated regions. From little more than a trickle a decade ago, the fl ow of cannabis to outlying settlements is gathering momentum. Even very remote locations now have...

Terri Janke and Robynne Quiggin survey the major indigenous intellectual and cultural property issues and canvass some of the instruments and interventions which could be considered in respect of these issues.