‘Magdalens and moral imbeciles’: Women's homes in nineteenth-century New Zealand

The potential for women's charitable work in nineteenth-century New Zealand was restricted by colonial women's initial isolation from each other and involvement in domestic life, and also by early government assumption of responsibility for welfare. Rescue work provided one of the few outlets for women's voluntary charity, and reflected the sanction given to women's role as a moral, civilising force in colonial society. It illustrates women's role in the development of social work, the limitations of this role in nineteenth-century New Zealand, and modifications to it in the space of three decades. The arguments used to justify women's involvement in rescuing ‘fallen’ members of their own sex were similar to those used in the later nineteenth-century, when women activists sought wider involvement in public life. It is argued that a power based upon moral influence was narrow in scope and ultimately restrictive in the New Zealand context.     

Major study commencing into genetic discrimination in Australia

This article describes a nationwide empirical study that will be undertaken during the next three years into the newly emerging phenomenon of genetic discrimination. In particular, the study aims to investigate the nature and extent of genetic discrimination in Australia across three key perspectives: consumers, third parties and the legal system. Further, the study aims to examine the social and legal implications of genetic discrimination, with a view to making recommendations for use in the Australian legal and policy context. It is anticipated that the data produced from this multifaceted investigation will assist in identifying areas where legal or other reforms are required. It will contribute significant baseline data for facilitating ongoing assessment of the nature and extent of the problem, as well as for longitudinal evaluation of the impact and effectiveness of any reforms which may be introduced in the future to address the issue.     

The regulation of lobbyists

The authors gratefully acknowledge helpful comments from Charles Rowley, Robert Tollison, and a referee of this journal.     

An exploration of the legal and socio-ethical implications of predictive genetic testing of children

This article explores the current position in relation to predictive genetic testing of children, highlighting some of the legal and socio-ethical issues and complexities that such testing presents. It evaluates the existing regulatory framework for predictive genetic testing of children in Australia, including the possible role of the Family Court in protecting children from inappropriate testing, and suggests that introducing a more interventionist approach would create its own difficulties. The article also considers a particular issue arising in the context of predictive genetic testing of children which the ALRC/AHEC inquiry canvassed concerning disclosure obligations to insurers. The article argues that creating an exception to established principles of disclosure would mitigate the impact of predictive genetic testing of children and would be consistent with international instruments which seek to protect against unfair genetic discrimination.