Overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage 2009 is the fourth report in a series commissioned by heads of Australian governments in 2002, to provide regular reporting against key indicators of Indigenous disadvantage. In March this year, the terms of reference were updated in a letter from the Prime Minister. The new terms of reference reaffirm governments’ commitment to...

Australia's restrictions on the parallel importation of books result in higher local book prices and should be lifted according to the recommendations in this Productivity Commission report. {C} The Commission undertook extensive analysis of international book prices and concluded that the current restrictions create material upward pressure on book prices in Australia. The size of...

This roundtable looked at the effectiveness of current approaches to environmental issues; the strengths and limitations of market-based and cooperative solutions; and institutions and incentives for better policies and outcomes.

This study explores the scope for efficient financing to reduce the life-time cost of an infrastructure project and the potential of financing vehicles to improve the investment decision. It reports on the experiences of a number of countries following different approaches to help provide an assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the different options.

Governments should redirect funding for drought assistance programs to help farmers better manage risks, according to this draft report. In an assessment of existing drought programs, the Commission found that, when measured against policy objectives relating to self-reliance, preparedness and climate change management, the programs have many shortcomings: • The Exceptional Circumstances (EC) declaration process...