The Commonwealth Auditor-General provides an important link in the chain of accountability from the Executive to the Parliament. Consequently, the independence of this office is critical. This Research Note provides a brief introduction to the work of the Auditor-General, and outlines some key issues of independence. This Research Note tracks the trends in social security numbers and outlays in Australia over the past 30 years. It shows how the proportions of the population, the total Commonwealth Budget and GDP have changed and which new groups have come to be included within the social security 'safety net'.
Research Note No.
7 November 2000 Policy initiatives in the areas of social, economic and industrial relations have had a profound effect on the supply and demand for labour over the last 25 years. Despite ongoing vulnerability this government gave the ACT its longest period of political stability since the achievement of self-government in 1989. All of this ended for Chief Minister Carnell when she resigned on 17 October 2000. This paper discusses the background to the change of leadership. This Research Note examines the issue of farm fuel costs and shows that they are a significant but small part of average farm costs.