1The new Ministry of Women's Affairs has embarked on a series of forums for women around the country to discuss issues of importance to them. However, both men's groups and conservative women's groups have criticised the forums for stifling discussion, inaccurately reporting back to the seat of power and essentially "rubber-stamping" existing Government policy. Jean Stevens, the President of the Country Women's Institute (CWI) debates the effectiveness of the forums and the MInistry itself, with the Minister for Women, Ann hercus.

2Last week, the Costigan Report into serious crime sent shockwaves throughout political and business circles in Australia. The report links media mogul Kerry packer with criminal activities, and although Packer denies any involvement, his name has been tarnished. A look back at the Costigan Commission's original brief to investigate the criminal activities, including violence, associated with the Painters and Dockers Union and its broadening away from union activities towards investigation of so-called "bottom of the harbour" tax evasion schemes. These involved the asset-stripping of companies to avoid tax liabilities and, although facilitated by criminals among the Painters and Dockers Union, the practice benefited wealthy individuals.