Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) has highlighted the potentially severe threat posed by infectious diseases to modern economies. This Research Note surveys the evidence.

This brief provides an overview of the trafficking of women and children into the Australian sex industry in the context of the global trade in people trafficking. It examines why there have been no prosecutions of traffickers under existing Commonwealth laws. It explains how Australia's emphasis on border control is working against the prosecution of...

Australia was the first country to recognise the right to conscientious objection to military service in legislation as part of the Defence Act 1903. Recognition has developed from objections based on religious belief to more secular philosophical and ethical convictions and has developed in Australia to include, for conscripts, selective conscientious objection to particular conflicts.

On 12 February 2003, the federal government released a White Paper on Foreign Affairs and Trade: Advancing the National Interest. This Brief provides a concise overview of the paper and discusses some key issues arising from it.

'Give back our seat' is a common cry in Australia when a Senator or Member chooses to quit the party on whose platform s/he was elected while retaining the seat in Parliament. This paper examines many of the issues surrounding party jumping in Australia and overseas, including the debate on who has the right to...