There is now a large disparity between the responsibilities of the Commonwealth and the states and their relative capacities to fund those responsibilities, writes Shipra Chordia.
By backtracking on Gonski, the Coalition is undermining the trust inherent in intergovernmental agreements, with serious ramifications for planning in our most critical policy areas, argues Shipra Chordia.
Tony Abbott has promised a new way forward for federal-state relations if the Coalition wins government. But will he find the federal lever of power too tempting not to pull, ask Andrew Lynch and Shipra Chordia.
The role of local government has expanded over the last century, assuming greater responsibilities in service-delivery. In light of this, formal recognition in the Constitution is seen by many as a must, writes Shipra Chordia.
