This Current Affairs Brief examines the "multiple functions" of agriculture -- including food security, environmental protection and the viability of rural areas -- and the debate underway for the present World Trade Organization Round. It considers the parties to the debate, summarises the underlying issues and discusses the components of multifunctionality -- putting all of...

This Research Note considers the international instruments dealing with free speech and notes the lack of an express legislative basis for freedom of speech either in the Constitution or in other legislation. Decisions of the High Court which have found an implied freedom of political expression are outlined. Attempts to legislate for freedom of speech...

Ministers hold positions of power and influence. Some of the knowledge they acquire might be of a confidential nature, or could confer on them advantages if subsequently, as private citizens, they were to work in an area related to their former responsibilities. This Research Note examines Australian and overseas examples of the regulation of post-separation...

Legalised gambling facilities and opportunities have expanded greatly in Australia over the last 30 or so years. This has led to substantial increases in amounts wagered, net losses and government revenues, both in nominal and real terms. This Paper concentrates on the financial aspects of gambling and shows how these amounts and the 'mix' of...

A major component of Australia's income support system is the provision of benefits for veterans (people who saw active service in wartime, usually overseas) and their dependants. This component is not administered by CentreLink but by the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA). It provides income support and compensation payments and medical treatment. This note shows...