The problems faced by urban Australia have become more prevalent in recent years. They spring from the public cost of urban growth, the negative environmental impact of cities, the importance of global competitiveness, tensions between the three tiers of government and declining standards of living in our cities. This book, written by a team of leading authors, offers a fresh exploration of key issues in the debates about cities. Incisive and up-to-date, it will be an important contribution to discussion about urban planning and policy.

This lively and accessible book analyzes the role of journalism and the scope of its democratic purpose. Schultz examines key news stories, and looks at the attitudes of Australian journalists themselves. The ideal of the fourth estate has been impaired by concentrated media ownership and by commercial, political, ethical and occupational interests. Schultz argues for a revival of the fourth estate based on journalistic independence and political autonomy, together with increased accountability and responsiveness.

In this challenging book, Chilla Bulbeck examines the impact of feminism on ordinary Australian women. She argues that this has been significant, even for those women who shun feminism. The lives of sixty women of various ages and backgrounds, whose own words make up much of this book, are set against broader changes in society since the 1950s. Bulbeck explores growing up, education, work, marriage, motherhood and sexuality. Partly a history of feminism, the book also considers feminism's relevance beyond the white middle class.

This book evaluates the role and performance of the Australian parliament. It explores its institutional design and its principles and practices, presenting a compelling case for reform. Uhr looks at the place of representative assemblies in liberal political theory and examines ways in which deliberative democracy might be made more effective and meaningful in Australia. Combining political theory with first-hand knowledge of the Australian parliament, the author makes an important contribution to debates in Australia and internationally.

Inspired by Foucault's discussion of governmentality, this book makes a major contribution to our understanding of government. Interdisciplinary in approach, the book combines theoretical discussion with empirical focus. While a wide range of topics is discussed--from sexual harassment in the military to new contractualism--the contributors explore a range of shared concerns, giving the volume focus and rigor. The book includes a substantial introduction by the editors, and contains work critiquing the central notion of governmentality.

This original and provocative study of federalism identifies a new pattern of intergovernmental relations in Australia. Through his general discussion of the nature of the Australian federal system, and close analysis of recent developments in Australian politics and policy making, Painter argues that the federal system is being fundamentally reshaped as state and commonwealth governments cooperate more closely than ever before on joint policy-making schemes. The book includes both narrative accounts and detailed discussions of key examples.

This provocative study of federalism identifies a pattern of intergovernmental relations in Australia.