Lobbying is a legitimate act of democratic participation which can support informed and inclusive decision making. However, lobbying may lead to specific interests being favoured over the public interest. This brief outlines proposed international standards for lobbying regulation, investigates how Australia’s current federal scheme compares, canvasses developments across other jurisdictions and highlights avenues of reform.

Evidence shows that gambling advertising is contributing to increasing individual and social harms. Many Australians are also frustrated by current levels of gambling advertising, and especially about children’s exposure to it. This policy brief outlines the drivers behind the Murphy inquiry recommendation, the current state of gambling advertising regulation, and possible avenues for change.

The Australian Government has set itself a busy agenda of media regulatory reform. It has already implemented several changes since coming to office, however numerous promised media policies remain unrealised. This paper briefly outlines key pieces of media policy and regulation that may be expected in 2026.

A collection of nine articles provides short analyses of issues that may be considered over the course of the 48th Parliament. Each article gives a high-level perspective of significant public policy issues, covering background, context and legislative history, as well as some of the policy and legislative directions raised in the public debate.