Edited by the Institute for Social Research, Swinburne University of Technology

New Research

Towards a more democratic political funding regime in New South Wales

08 March 2010This report includes a blueprint for reform, covering: a more robust disclosure scheme; election spending limits; contribution limits (with an exemption for membership fees); stricter regulation of fund-raisers; a Party and Candidate Support Fund; and enhanced accountability of government advertising.

Minority governments in Australia 1989-2009: accords, charters and agreements

08 March 2010Over the past two decades there have been at least ten examples of this political phenomenon in the Australian states and territories. This paper looks at those instances in which a minority government has been based on an agreement, charter or accord between major parties on one side and minor parties and/or Independents on the other.
Reforming the global order

Reforming the global order

05 March 2010Despite the many reasons to be pessimistic about the current world situation there are some distinguished optimists out there, with concrete plans for change for the better.

Do output contractions trigger democratic change?

05 March 2010Using data for 154 countries for the period 1963-2007, this paper examines the short-run relationship between economic growth and moves toward and away from greater democracy.

Child protection and freedom of speech online

01 March 2010Advocates of online child protection and freedom of expression share a deep-seated belief in the importance of protecting basic human rights. Yet these beliefs are often clouded by perceived (and real) opposition in the actual practice of law, policy, and regulation. This has restricted the policy options available for dealing with threats to both child safety and free speech online, and has often resulted in these interests being portrayed as diametrically opposed.
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Citizenship

Perspectives on migrants 2010

Perspectives on migrants 2010

05 March 2010Issues and debates relating to migrants, ethnicity and migration programs are common place within the Australian political and media landscape.

Inquiry into the implications of the Parliamentary Electorates and Elections Amendment (Automatic Enrolment) Act 2009 (NSW) for the conduct of Commonwealth elections

01 March 2010This report recommends that the Commonwealth adopts a system of automatic enrolment of voters similar to the proposed New South Wales system.

A stronger, fairer Australia

19 February 2010Launched on 28 January 2010, A Stronger, Fairer Australia sets out the Australian Government’s vision and strategy for social inclusion, now and into the future.

Public policy

National partnership agreement to deliver a seamless national economy: report on performance 2008-09

24 February 2010The report presents the council‘s assessment of progress against 2008–09 milestones as at 30 September 2009.

National compact between the Australian Government and the third sector - consultation report

24 February 2010This report summarises the feedback from consultation with stakeholders including a broad range of Sector organisations, state and territory governments, peak bodies, academics and individuals.

Commentary

Where's the payoff? Convincing citizens to engage with government

12 March 2010Governments regularly hold consultations with their public. Craig Thomler wants value given for value received.

Risky referendums

09 March 2010Referendums promised by Kevin Rudd and Tony Abbott are fraught with political risk, writes Norman Abjorensen in Inside Story

Health could prove terminal for the states

08 March 2010With the commonwealth holding the purse strings, co-operative federalism is wearing thin, writes Mike Steketee in the Australian
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Audio

Open government: the Information Commissioner

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12 March 2010Following on from the conversation last week on 'open government' this program hosts the head of the newly created Office of the Information Commissioner.

Open government: ideals and realities of 2.0

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06 March 2010A conversation about 'open government' in light of the recent report of the Government 2.0 Taskforce.

Government

Operating wind farms by Commonwealth Electoral Division

05 March 2010This paper lists all wind farms currently operating in Australia.

Video

John Pilger attacks the Australian Government

Listen to audio
26 November 2009As conflicts rage around the globe, Pilger argues that in Australia we have largely remained silent on injustices in the Middle East, Iraq, and Afghanistan, Aboriginal communities and refugees.

New media and world politics

Listen to audio
26 November 2009At this Lowy Institute talk held in Melbourne, Sam Roggeveen, editor of the Lowy Institute's influential political commentary site, The Interpreter, offers his perspectives on how new media is changing the world.

Democracy

Websites

Human Rights Act myth busters

02 March 2010Monash University's Castan Centre 'myth-busters' address claims made during the spirited debate following the 2009 National Human Rights Consultation Committee report recommending the adoption of an Australian Human Rights Act.

TweetMP

24 February 2010Find your MP, invite them to Twitter is the byline to this new site aiming to bring Australian politicians to the microblogging website

Asia Beyond Conflict

20 November 2009This site examines recent conflicts over history in Northeast Asia, and explores possible paths towards reconciliation.

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Books

Outrageous! Moral panics in Australia

Outrageous! Moral panics in Australia

  • Edited by Scott Poynting and George Morgan
  • ACYS Publishing
In this detailed examination of case studies, a distinguished group of experts demystifies the social processes of moral panic in Australia.
Malcolm Fraser: the political memoirs

Malcolm Fraser: the political memoirs

  • Malcolm Fraser and Margaret Simons
Malcolm Fraser is one of the most interesting and possibly most misunderstood of Australia's Prime Ministers. In this part memoir and part authorised biography, Fraser at the age of 79 years talks about his time in public life. From the Vietnam War to the Dismissal and his years as Prime Minister, through to his concern in recent times for breaches in the Rule of Law and harsh treatment of refugees, Fraser emerges as an enduring liberal, constantly reinterpreting core values to meet the needs of changing times.

Noticeboard

Australian Fabians young writers competition
24 November 2009

The Young Writers Competition is open to 18-28 year old Australians who have progressive and practical solutions to the big issues facing Australia today and can communicate that idea in a 700–1000 word opinion piece.

Alternative inquiries to Royal Commissions proposed
19 August 2009

The ALRC is calling for greater flexibility, more options for Royal Commissions and other official inquiries.

Ahead of its final report and recommendations, the ALRC is seeking public feedback and is asking a range of new questions on its ‘’Talk to Us” online forum  - about the power of Commissions and Inquiries, the rights of witnesses, and the treatment of sensitive information, among other issues.

The ALRC urges the public to join the forum and take part in this debate.

Government 2.0 Taskforce
24 June 2009

The Government 2.0 Taskforce is being formed against a backdrop of increased interest by governments worldwide in the potential uses of public sector information and online engagement.

Policy Guides

Privacy regulation across Australia

An annually updated guide to privacy legislation from Privacy Victoria.

28-09-09

Topics

APO