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The
politics of proscription in Australia [PDF 157KB] Until recently, Australia could only proscribe those organisations which the UN had already identified as terrorist organisations, or create separate legislation for each individual group. Now that Australia has the power to ban organisations independently of the UN with the passing of the Criminal Code Amendment (Terrorist Organisations) Bill 2004 in March 2004, the question is, which ones should it proscribe? This Research Note briefly examines the recent proscription of Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the only organisation to have so far been banned using the new power, and looks at potential future candidates for proscription in the context of those organisations which have been proscribed by the US, the UK or Canada. (4 pages) BACK to Index What's New |
| Federal
government advertising [HTML][PDF 118KB] This research note sets out annual expenditures on government advertising since the early 1990s, the top-spending advertising programs of the past decade and the various arguments for and against the use of government advertising. It notes some of the recent reforms in systems of government advertising in the United Kingdom, Canada and New Zealand, and efforts to pursue similar reform in Australia. (4 pages) BACK to Index What's New |
Same-sex couples
by Commonwealth Electoral Division [HTML][PDF 159KB] Proposed amendments to the Marriage Act to define marriage and to prevent same-sex couples from adopting children from overseas have raised interest in the number of same-sex couples in Australia. This Research Note presents statistics from the 2001 Census on the number of same-sex couples in each Electoral Division. The paper also provides an explanation of how such data was collected in the Census. (2 pages) BACK to Index What's New |
| Where are you
now? Location detection systems and personal privacy
[HTML][PDF 76KB] Evolving technology now permits the tracking of persons but is this at the expense of personal privacy and civil liberties? This note looks at the new technologies. (2 pages) BACK to Index What's New |
| The
changing focus of Australia’s Aid Program: Budget 2004–05
[HTML][PDF 395KB] According to the budget statement1 Australia’s Official
Development Assistance (ODA) outlay for 2004–05 is an estimated
$2133 million, more than $239 million over the 2003–04 budget
figure of $1894 million. This represents a ‘real increase’
of 9.9 per cent. While this observation is technically correct it
does not indicate the actual increase in outlay. With the expected
outcome for 2003–04 to be $2019 million, the actual increase
in the aid budget in constant dollar terms is less that one third
of the announced figure, a mere $62.3 million or 3.1 per cent. (2
pages) |
| Time
limits on migration court appeals [HTML][PDF 66KB] Australian governments for the last ten years or more have tried
to reduce the use of the Australian court system by people refused
the right to stay in this country. Various methods have been tried
by governments of both persuasions—with limited success. This
research note focuses on the key method in the latest legislation
to address this issue: the Migration Amendment (Judicial Review)
Bill 2004. (2 pages) |
| Less
tax or more social spending: 20 years of opinion polling
[HTML][PDF 77KB] The debate over whether the Australian public wants tax cuts or
more spending on social services has been highlighted in the media
recently in the wake of new surveys on the tax-spend trade-off and
the tax cuts in the Budget. This Research Note looks at the results
of major surveys on the issue of less tax or more social spending
over the past 20 years. It considers the factors that underpin support
for each option and examines the date on Australians’ willingness
to pay for specific items of public expenditure through higher tax.
The paper concludes with an assessment of survey results in light
of the political and public policy challenges facing Australia.
(2 pages) (See also: Research
Paper No 13 2003-04) |
| Leaving
Australia: a new paradigm of international migration
[HTML][PDF 80KB] Three Research Notes derived from Research
Paper No 10 2003–04 - A new paradigm of international
migration: implications for migration policy and planning in Australia
- prepared for the Parliamentary Library by Professor Graeme Hugo.
Professor Hugo argues that the international context within which
Australia's migration program is planned and delivered has changed.
These changes are reflected through increasing levels and the increasing
importance of temporary movements, and increasing numbers of Australia
residents living and working in other countries. Against the background
of a changing international migration context, he looks also at
recent efforts to encourage new migrants to settle out of Sydney
and in regional areas. BACK to Index What's New |
| Casual
employment: trends and characteristics [HTML][PDF 79KB] More than a quarter of Australia’s workforce is made up of casual workers. This Research Note examines the growth in casual employment since 1988 and compares some of the characteristics of casual workers with ongoing employees. It shows that casual workers are younger, less well educated and more likely to be in a job with inferior working arrangements compared with ongoing employees. It also presents some findings which suggest that casual employment is mainly involuntary in nature and that many casual workers would prefer to be in an ongoing job. (2 pages) BACK to Index What's New |
| Interpreting
opinion polls: some essential details [HTML][PDF 96KB] BACK to Index What's New |
| Temporary
Protection Visas [HTML][PDF 76KB] Under Australia’s Temporary Protection Visa (TPV) regime
introduced in October 1999, unauthorised arrivals found to be refugees
and accepted into Australia are granted a three year TPV with the
option of applying for further protection at the end of the three
years. |
| Rail
freight agreement with New South Wales [HTML][PDF 213KB] In December 2003, the Commonwealth and NSW ministers for transport announced that they had reached an agreement which will result in investment of $872 million in the NSW section of the interstate rail freight network, the Hunter Valley coal lines, and the Albury–Melbourne line (see maps).1 The agreement will have important consequences for the rail and road freight industries as well as some broader consequences. This Research Note sets out the main elements of the agreement and identifies some likely consequences. (4 pages) BACK to Index What's New |
| Political
finance disclosure: party and donor annual returns 2002–03
[HTML][PDF 192KB] The Australian Electoral Commission made public the 2002–03 annual disclosure returns for political parties, associated entities and donors on 2 February 2004. A month later, the Senate resuscitated an inquiry into the disclosure of donations to political parties and candidates. This Research Note provides a guide to the returns, noting: the total receipts, payments and debts for the larger parties; how this compares to the 2001–02 totals; the difference within the receipts between ‘donations’ and ‘other receipts’, and how this complicates the calculation of total donations to political parties; and the limitations of the information supplied in donor returns. (4 pages) BACK to Index What's New |
| Small
business success on Section 46 of the Trade Practices Act 1974
[HTML][PDF 65KB] In March 2004, small business achieved a remarkable result in obtaining the unanimous support of the Senate Economics References Committee (Economics Committee) for a revision of a key provision in the Trade Practices Act 1974 which deals with misuse of market power. The key provision is section 46 and it was intended as a remedy to counter conduct by a corporation with a substantial degree of market power from taking advantage of that power to eliminate or harm a competitor. This recommendation runs counter to the government's endorsement of the independent Dawson Inquiry (2003) which recommended that section 46 remain untouched. There remains, however, a division of views within the Economics Committee has to the extent of revision necessary. This Research Note examines those divergent views. ( (4 pages) BACK to Index What's New |
| Taxpayers
in the top tax bracket [HTML][PDF 84KB] Currently, there is much debate regarding income tax rates and possible tax cuts. Part of this debate concerns higher income earners and whether they should receive tax cuts—either through lowering their marginal tax rate and/or increasing the income threshold at which their marginal tax rate takes effect. This Research Note provides statistics over the last 30–40 years relating to taxpayers in the top tax bracket. (4 pages) BACK to Index What's New |
| A
new paradigm of international migration: implications for migration
policy and planning for Australia [HTML][PDF 60KB] The last few years have seen a transformation of the scale, characteristics and significance of international population movements. There has been a massive increase in global movement and an increase in the complexity of the types of movement—permanent and temporary, legal and illegal, forced and voluntary. It is argued that much of the thinking and research on immigration in Australia neglects this new reality. International migration has been and remains a crucial component of Australia's economic, social and cultural development. It is important that policy is informed by research and thinking that takes full cognizance of the changed international context. ( (2 pages) BACK to Index What's New |
| Road
funding changes [HTML][PDF 60KB] On 22 January 2004, the Federal Government announced proposed changes to road funding.1 They have two elements. The first is that the Roads to Recovery program is to be extended, with modifications, for four more years. The second is that funds will be redirected from the Fuel Sales Grants Scheme to land transport infrastructure in regional and outer metropolitan areas. This Research Note examines some of the likely consequences of these proposals. (2 pages) BACK to Index What's New |
| Fuel
tax changes [HTML][PDF 84KB] In the 2003–4 Budget, the Government proposed changes to the excise (and customs duty) on some fuels. On 16 December 2003, the Government announced changes to these proposals. This Research Note sets out how the Government now proposes to tax certain fuels. (2 pages) BACK to Index What's New |
| Labour
hire: issues and responses [HTML][PDF 50KB] Labour hire is an alternative form of employment to the direct employer-employee relationship. Labour hire involves relationships between a principal, an employment agency and the person performing the tasks. While labour hire arrangements have been a feature of the Australian labour market for decades, the relatively recent data now being compiled on this sector suggests it is a growth industry, with many large employers increasing their use of labour hire arrangements in preference to direct employment. (2 pages) BACK to Index What's New |
| Excisions
from the Migration Zone—Policy and Practice
[HTML][PDF 123KB] One of the strategies the Australian Government has put in place since 2001 for dealing with the arrival of unauthorised people by boat is the excision of islands around northern Australia from the migration zone. The Government claims this deters people from making the trip and frustrates the activities of people smugglers, thus protecting and controlling Australia's borders. (2 pages) BACK to Index What's New |
| Commonwealth
Funding for Schools Since 1996: An Update [HTML][PDF 133KB] This Research Note updates an earlier Research Note. It briefly explains the system of Commonwealth funding for schools and describes some of the trends in Commonwealth funding for schools since 1996. (2 pages) BACK to Index What's New |
| Avian
Influenza– is Australia a Sitting Duck? [HTML][PDF 487KB] Although avian flu viruses usually only cause mild symptoms in wild birds, some (most notably the H5 and H7 strains) cause widespread, highly contagious and fatal disease (referred to as 'highly pathogenic avian influenza' (HPAI), or 'avian flu') in domestic poultry. A strain of HPAI known as 'H5N1' is currently sweeping across much of Asia. (2 pages) BACK to Index What's New |
| Enhancing
Competition in Telecommunications: Accounting Separation of Telstra's
Operations [HTML][PDF 70KB] Accounting separation provides separate accounts for wholesale and retail operations. The accounting separation regime has evolved into its current form over a number of years. Its legislative basis is section 151BU of the Trade Practices Act 1974 (TPA) which enables the ACCC to make record keeping rules (RKR) that require Telstra (and other telecommunications carriers) to provide the ACCC with information to carry out its regulatory responsibilities. (2 pages) BACK to Index What's New |
| A
Question of Fault: A Short History of Australian Divorce Law Since
1959 [HTML][PDF 68KB] The purpose of this research note is to examine the main legislative provisions of the system of fault-based divorce which existed under the Matrimonial Causes Act 1959 (Cwlth) and the main legislative provisions of the current system of no-fault divorce under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cwlth). It is not the purpose of this research note to discuss post-separation (or post-divorce) arrangements for children and/or property settlement. (2 pages) BACK to Index What's New |
| Taiwan's
First Referendum: Democratic Milestone or Diplomatic Millstone?
[HTML][PDF 365KB] Taiwan is due to hold its first national referendum on 20 March 2004. Timed to coincide with Taiwan's third direct presidential election, the referendum will ask voters for their views on two issues:
Despite the seemingly innocuous wording, the 'peace referenda' has aroused great controversy both domestically and internationally. (2 pages) BACK to Index What's New |
| Lashkar-e-Taiba
(LeT) and the Threat to Australia [HTML][PDF 106KB] The Attorney-General declared that the Government had received advice that 'Lashkar-e-Taiba has links with Australia, and therefore does pose a threat to Australia and Australian interests'. Although the Attorney-General did not elaborate on the nature of the advice or the threat, the Indian High Commissioner to Australia also claimed India had intelligence reports linking the LeT with Australia. (2 pages) BACK to Index What's New |
| Electoral
Pendulum 2004 [HTML][PDF 141KB] The Government would lose its majority in the House of Representatives if it were to lose eight seats at the next election. Conversely, for the Labor Party to win a majority it would need to win an additional 13 seats. The Labor Party requires a uniform swing of 2.2 per cent to win the necessary 13 seats. This Research Note shows the notional swing required for each seat to change hands at the next election. The pendulum takes into account recent redistributions in Victoria, Queensland and South Australia. (2 pages) BACK to Index What's New |
| Iraq's
Special Tribunal for Crimes Against Humanity [HTML][PDF 64KB] On 10 December 2003 the Iraqi Governing Council issued the Statute of the Iraqi Special Tribunal, establishing a court (the Tribunal) to try Iraqis accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity during the Ba'athist era. Four days later the former dictator Saddam Hussein was arrested by US forces. Recent comments by Paul Bremer, the US Administrator in Iraq, suggest that Hussein will be handed over to the Tribunal. Regardless of what happens to Hussein himself, the Tribunal is likely to deal with the bulk of human rights and war crimes cases arising from the Ba'athist era. (2 pages) BACK to Index What's New |
| Deporting
British Settlers [HTML][PDF 67KB] The High Court in Shaw v Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs (December 2003) has decreed that all British settlers who arrived in Australia after 1949 are 'aliens' unless they have become Australian citizens. Any non-citizen British migrants can now be expelled from Australia if, for example, convicted of a serious crime. (2 pages) BACK to Index What's New |
| Free
Trade Negotiations, the PBS, and Pharmaceutical Prices
[HTML][PDF 68KB] There has been ongoing speculation as to whether, and if so how, the Commonwealth Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) might be affected by US–Australian Free Trade negotiations. The US pharmaceutical industry has been concerned about the role played by the PBS, and other arrangements in Australia, in lowering the profitability of the US industry in Australia. (2 pages) BACK to Index What's New |
| Public
Servants Speaking Publicly: The Bennett Case [HTML]
[PDF 67KB] What should a public servant be able to say publicly about government matters? In August 2001, both civilian and military arms of Defence issued new instructions severely restricting staff contact with the media. Even tighter restrictions were imposed on Operation Relex, which interdicted people-smuggling operations on Australia’s northern borders. Concern was expressed at the time that the new restrictions were not appropriate in a liberal democracy.They were relaxed in February 2002, to the apparent relief of some within the defence forces, as well as more broadly. (2 pages) BACK to Index What's New |
| Electing
the US President [HTML] [PDF 62KB] The campaign for the US Presidency is well under way. The winner will be an American-born citizen, aged at least 35 years. The popular vote is held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November—2 November in 2004. A Presidential term is four years. (2 pages) BACK to Index What's New |
| How
Much Will the PBS Cost? Projected Trends in Commonwealth Expenditure
[HTML][PDF 79KB] This note discusses some recent projections of future costs to the Commonwealth Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. It observes that care should be taken in (i) basing future projections on past PBS growth trends; and (ii) comparing PBS growth with growth in other areas of Commonwealth health expenditure. (2 pages) BACK to Index What's New |
| Australia–US
Free Trade Agreement: Overview of Potential Legal Issues
[HTML][PDF 65KB] While much of the AUSFTA negotiations involve 'market access' issues—direct and explicit trade barriers such as tariffs and quotas—domestic laws that discriminate against the other party's goods and services or are otherwise considered unfavourable to the other party's producers are also on the negotiating agenda. This Research Note provides a brief overview of some potential areas of Australian law that may be affected. (2 pages) BACK to Index What's New |
| Road
Safety and 4WDs [HTML] [PDF 93KB] 'A bull bar in the bush is worth a pedestrian in the city' claims a provocative Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) sticker. But is it really indicative of the dangers that 4WD vehicles represent, both to their occupants and to other road users? The stagnating national road toll is defying further attempts to reduce the risk to life and limb from our traffic behaviour, with a notable and growing threat from 4WD accident types, both here and overseas. (2 pages) BACK to Index What's New |
| Corporate
Citizenship and the Role of Government: the Public Policy Case
[HTML] [PDF 100KB] In mid-October 2003, the Attorney-General announced the creation of a new National Threat Assessment Centre (NTAC), to be housed within ASIO and staffed by secondees from police, security and other relevant agencies. As a 24-hour unit dedicated to analysing threats to the security of Australian interests here and overseas, the establishment of the NTAC is a positive move. However, the unexplained omission of several agencies critical to the fight against terrorism is somewhat puzzling. (2 pages) BACK to Index What's New |
| Opinion
Polls: Important Issues and Preferred Party [HTML][PDF 125KB] Opinion polls have become an accepted component of political life. Poll results are perceived to be an accurate gauge of the public's mood and arguably influence all aspects of politics, from party leadership to policy proposals. These two research notes form the basis for a new regular series compiling and comparing results from two major polling organisations: Newspoll and Roy Morgan Research. The first note traces shifts in voting intentions from June 2001 to November 2003 and the second explores changes in how voters have ranked issues of importance to them and the party they prefer to handle these issues. (2 pages each) BACK to Index What's New |
| The
New National Threat Assessment Centre [HTML]
[PDF 89KB] In mid-October 2003, the Attorney-General announced the creation of a new National Threat Assessment Centre (NTAC), to be housed within ASIO and staffed by secondees from police, security and other relevant agencies. As a 24-hour unit dedicated to analysing threats to the security of Australian interests here and overseas, the establishment of the NTAC is a positive move. However, the unexplained omission of several agencies critical to the fight against terrorism is somewhat puzzling. (2 pages) BACK to Index What's New |
| Protecting
Australia's Borders [HTML]
[PDF 182KB] BACK to Index What's New |
| Tightening
the Mortgage Belt [HTML]
[PDF 182KB] BACK to Index What's New |
| Interest
Rates, Home Loans and Repayments [HTML][PDF 49KB] The cash interest rate rise earlier this month has again drawn particular attention to home loans. This Note looks at cash rate rises since 1990, home loan interest rates since WW2 and average new home loans and repayments over the last 15 years. Also, a ready reckoner table is provided to help calculate loan repayments. (2 pages) BACK to Index What's New |
| Australia's
New Main Battle Tanks [HTML][PDF 49KB] The Australian Army is in the process of acquiring a new main battle tank (MBT). They will give Australian troops more protection and more capability in any conflict scenario against an identifiable enemy. However, arguably we already have light forces suitable for coalition operations and interventions to support regional neighbours. (2 pages) BACK to Index What's New |
| Caring
for the Kids—Commonwealth Funding for Child Care
[HTML][PDF 28KB] Commonwealth funding for child care has risen from $6.5 million in 1972 to almost $1.7 billion in 2002–03. This Research Note looks at Commonwealth funding for child care over the past decade and uses three different measures—Commonwealth expenditure in total, Commonwealth expenditure per approved child care place and Commonwealth expenditure on child care as a proportion of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The data shows that total expenditure on child care has risen substantially over the period 1991–92 to 2002–03, but that expenditure per child care place and as a proportion of GDP has tended to fluctuate over that time. (2 pages) BACK to Index What's New |
| The
5 Per Cent Tariff on Four-Wheel-Drive Vehicles [HTML][PDF 28KB] A Customs duty anomaly that has periodically attracted interest is the 5 per cent tariff on imported four- wheel-drive vehicles (4WDs) as compared to a 15 per cent tariff on imported passenger motor vehicles (PMVs). The tariff rate differential exists because there is no tariff classification that deals specifically with 4WDs. This Research Note examines the rationale for the lower tariff rate on 4WDs and its impact on passenger car sales. (2 pages) BACK to Index What's New |
| 'Mortgage
Stress' [HTML][PDF 33KB] More than one in ten Australian homebuyers are experiencing mortgage stress, defined as a situation in which homebuyers are paying more than one third of their income in home loan repayments. This Research Note looks in more detail at this finding and shows that stress is more prevalent among low income earners than high income earners and that there are significant differences between electorates. (2 pages) BACK to Index What's New |
| Protecting
Small Business from Misuse of Market Power [HTML][PDF 182KB] Small businesses in Australia have been disappointed by what they perceive as the limited effectiveness of protection from alleged misuse of market power by more powerful firms. The relevant statutory provision is section 46 of the Trade Practices Act 1974. The Dawson Committee review and decisions of the courts have fuelled further debate on amendments to section 46. The matter is currently before the Senate Economics References Committee. This Research Note argues that it may be time to consider a specific new section to address the concerns of small business. (2 pages) BACK to Index What's New |
| The
Amrozi Bali Bombing Case: is Indonesia's Anti-terrorism Law Unconstitutional?
[HTML][PDF 61KB] In August 2003, Amrozi bin Nurhasyim was found guilty of various
charges arising from the 2002 Bali bombing and sentenced to death.
One of the issues at trial was whether Indonesia's anti-terrorism
law is unconstitutional because of its retrospective application.
This research note looks at the relevant legal issues that are likely
to be raised in Amrozi's appeal against his conviction. (2 pages) |
| The
Use of Cannabis for Medical Purposes [HTML][PDF
168KB] The Premier of New South Wales has proposed that a four-year trial
of the medicinal use of cannabis be conducted in NSW. This research
note examines the background to the medicinal use of cannabis, recent
overseas experience and areas of possible Commonwealth involvement
with the NSW trial. (2 pages) |
| Governors-General—Salary
and Pension [HTML][PDF
249KB] Australia’s 24th Governor-General was sworn in on 11 August
2003. This Research Note discusses the salary of our first Governor-General
and the introduction of a vice-regal pension scheme in 1974. The
Note explains how salary is set and pensions are calculated. A table
of salaries since 1974 is included. (2 pages) |
| A Rare
Form of Law Making: Legislation Made Outside Parliament
[HTML][PDF 218KB] This Research Note examines a rarely used form of law making by
the Government—the passing of regulations and ordinances by
Royal Letters Patent and not under an Act of Parliament. Examples
of this legislation are given and issues of Parliamentary scrutiny,
public access and judicial review are discussed. (2 pages) |
| Frequently
Asked Questions About the Office of Governor-General
[HTML][PDF 199KB] Australia's 24th Governor-General was sworn in on 11 August 2003.
This Research Note looks at questions that are frequently asked
about the Office of Governor-General including the selection, appointment,
dismissal, tenure and powers and functions of the Governor-General.
(2 pages) |
| Distribution
of Wage and Salary Income by Electorate [HTML][PDF 503KB] The average wage and salary income of electorates ranges from a
low of $26 000 in Mallee to a high of $54 000 in Bradfield. In addition
to analysing the distribution of earnings income by electorate,
this Research Note also looks at the relationship between income
and party support and income and the unemployment rate. (2 pages) |
| Missile
Defence for Australia: Vital Development or Strategic Snake Oil?
[HTML][PDF 219KB] Research Note No. 8 2003–04 Alex Tewes, Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Group 18 August 2003 The uncertainty about North Korean nuclear ambitions have spurred
consideration of whether Australia should consider the development
of ballistic missile defences. This Research Note presents the details
of current developments as well as some of the concerns associated
with the missile defence program. (2 pages) |
| Proof
of Identity of Electors at Enrolment [HTML][PDF
292KB] For about a decade there has been debate concerning the electoral
roll, and whether or not the requirements for enrolling or changing
an enrolment are sufficient to avoid fraud. The Parliament may be
on the verge of tightening the provisions for enrolment. (2 pages) |
| Computer
Crime and Compromised Commerce [HTML][PDF 285KB] The growth of on-line security problems and spam threaten the viability
of e-commerce and the Internet's operation.(2 pages) |
| ATSIC Review:
Complex Challenges, No Simple Solutions [HTML][PDF
191KB] Research Note No. 5 2003–04 Angela Pratt, Australian Parliamentary Fellow 11 August 2003 This Research Note provides a brief guide to the major themes and
issues covered in the public discussion paper released by the ATSIC
Review Panel in June of this year. It also discusses media coverage
of the discussion paper's release, and briefly outlines the review
process from hereon in. (2 pages) |
| Solomon
Islands: One Deployment Too Many [HTML][PDF 290KB] |
| A North
Korean Nuclear Test? [HTML][PDF
176KB] |
| Behind the
Solomons Crisis: A Problem of Development [HTML][PDF 148KB] BACK to Index What's New |
| Choice of
superannuation fund, are the financial planners ready? [HTML][PDF 181KB] In February 2003 the Australian Securities and Investments Commission
and the Australian Consumers Association released a report, based
on a survey they conducted, concerning the quality of financial
advice provided by financial planners. This Note examines the outcomes
in that report in light of the proposed choice of superannuation
fund regime that is currently stalled in the Senate and addresses
the question: are financial planners ready for choice of superannuation
fund? (2 pages) |
