The Federal Government's announcement of a referendum on recognition of local councils in the constitution is a sensible one, but that is not enough to guarantee success, write Nicola McGarrity and Lyndon Goddard.
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.
Hancock Prospecting's financial reporting practices are questionable, but what is more disconcerting is how little ASIC does to enforce the reporting requirements of the Corporations Act, writes Jeffrey Knapp.
It's a case of better late than never for the announcement of a referendum on recognising local government in the Australian Constitution, says George Williams.
Recognition of local government in the Australian Constitution can ensure that direct federal funding for local community infrastructure and services continues, writes George Williams.
Targeting Israel by boycotting products and people with Israeli connections is not only misguided but counterproductive to trade, international relations and regional peace, writes Tim Harcourt.
UNSW alumnus Damien Miller will become Australia’s first indigenous head of an overseas mission when he takes up his posting as Ambassador to Denmark this month.
International human rights lawyer Megan Davis has been elected in a landslide to a second term on the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.
