Tax reform should be added to the eternal certainties of death and taxes. A medium-sized open economy in an increasingly integrated and competitive global trading system, Australia must always improve and update its tax system in response to economic change here and abroad. Such need was highlighted last August when the Reserve Bank governor, Ian Macfarlane, noted "the nature of a first-rate democratic country" involved constancy in economic reform A tax reformer's job is never done
Eye on Politics & Law Lords: Fifteen judges join secret summit on terrorism
The High Court judge Michael Kirby and ASIO chief Dennis Richardson have presented powerful, conflicting views on the balance between fighting terrorism and individual rights in an extraordinary closed-door conference in Sydney.
Senior judges, top public servants and lawyers joined Mr Richardson, the Federal Police Commissioner, Mick Keelty, and the air force chief, Air Marshal Angus Houston, to discuss the implications of the war on terrorism for the rule of law. The unprecedented meeting at the weekend covered highly sensitive issues including the right of terrorist suspects to an open trial, detention without charge, the doctrine of pre-emptive strike and even the use by the Bush Administration of targeted assassinations on terrorist suspects.
• Doctrine of pre-emptive strike [Carr funding spin offers little light at end of tunnel ; Professor Ed Blakely, who was appointed to the panel in 2003 after he helped rebuild New York in the wake of the September 11 attacks, said long-promised strategies to revive under-performing road and rail corridors and suburban centres were urgently needed City overhaul loses fizz, says Carr's planner ]
• · In Melbourne Confidential Chris Masters profiles the murder of Terence Hodson and his wife, and reveals new evidence that links gangland killings with the corruption that has plagued the Victoria Police. For legal reasons, two versions of this program will be screened – one in Victoria, the other throughout the rest of Australia Melbourne Confidential – Four Corners ; Controversy follows the US giant Halliburton wherever it goes but little is known about its Australian operation A profit powerhouse
• · · This Sunday Jana Wendt looked at Cornelia Rau's tragic 10-month journey through our prison and immigration detention system Cornelia Rau: A case of neglect ; Millions for programs, but results are sparse ; Tensions between the supporters of two Sydney football clubs who clashed violently on the weekend escalated overnight when a car was firebombed and a clubhouse was peppered with bullets. Sydney Club riot
• · · · With the Federal Government introducing legislation this week to safeguard Telstra services in the bush, and the Communications Minister talking up a proposal on the separation of the telco's retail and wholesale divisions in a bid to boost investor confidence Interview: Helen Coonan ; Closer communication is needed between intelligence agencies and the federal police about when intelligence services should provide assistance, a parliamentary report recommends Spies and police need to get along
• · · · · Context is all for Hitler's swastika ; The mask slips ... Looks like Germany's getting itchy to take over the world again Hitler Revisited ; The Mongers Among Us: Where Do Civilians Get Off Leading Us into War? by Russ Wellen Speaking truth to cowards
• · · · · · Webdiary: Iran Crisis ; A medium for everyone’s voice ; The Nature of Democracy ; The State Government has big plans to redevelop areas of the city Psst: Sydney's future is on the line