Although it was once believed that courts simply declare authoritatively what the law is - leaving any change in the law to our elected representatives - that myth was exploded long ago. The courts make law, and the High Court makes more than most. How, then, does this sit with the law-making responsibility of the...

Over 1997-98 the Commonwealth Employment Service and its related agencies and labour market programs were terminated, with employment assistance services instead being delivered through a collection of for profit and community-based providers (the Job Network). The first contract with these providers came in at May 1998, the second early 2000, and the third contract commenced...

The Premier of NSW 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.

This brief analyses the current conundrum surrounding the exercise of ministerial discretion in migration matters in historical context.

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. It explains how salary is set and pensions are calculated. A table of salaries since 1974 is included.