This book examines the impact of changes in higher education policy in Australia on equity for students and efficiency in resource allocation. This involves measuring the impact of the 2005 budgetary changes in the Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS) on the Private Rate of Return (PRR) and Social Rate of Return (SRR) to higher education for both males and females across different occupations and for different qualifications. This book study shows that the increase in HECS fees has coincided with a fall in the quality of university graduates and the demand for a university education by higher achieving and low income students. The findings suggest that there is an inefficient allocation of resources and a need for the Government to allocate relatively more funding to higher education in Australia especially in the discipline areas with high Social Rates of Return and graduate skills shortages.

An investigation into the equity and efficiency of Australia's higher education system is available from Greenacre Educational Publications, email gep@ihug.com.au or call 0414 775 046.

Retail Price: $195.00 + $11.00 postage and insurance, including GST. (Hardcopy Edition)

This book examines the impact of the 1996/97 budgetary changes in the Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS) on student participation from different socio-economic areas. This book discusses how rising HECS fees have increasingly discriminated against low-income students with the unequal access to higher education in 1996 worsening in 2001. The evaluation of results shows the proportion of students in university from higher socio-economic areas increased more than twice the proportion of students from lower socio-economic areas from 1996 to 2001. This under- representation of students from low-income areas suggests the need for effective Government policies to reduce the financial burden on students and families from lower socioeconomic areas.

The impact of changes in HECS on students from low socio-economic backgrounds by Sarah J. Wright. (Published in 2005) is available from Greenacre Educational Publications, email gep@ihug.com.au or call 0414 775 046.

Retail Price: $45.00 + $11.00 postage and insurance, including GST.

I AM A Professional Artist offers Artists who have chosen the professional path, practical steps in harnessing one’s creative abilities to succeed and survive in the Arts and enjoy your artistry at the same time. Including interviews with various professional Artists, "I Am a Professional Artist" combines a self-empowering practical guide in surviving and succeeding in the Arts with key business principles and spiritual nourishment. For artists of all genres, this book will certainly change the thinking of any professional artist who may doubt themselves or their art, who may feel pressured by the industry, or may feel the hardship of the roller coaster ride. Whether you are a musician, singer/songwriter, actor, screen writer, author, painter, film director, etc., this book is FOR YOU!

To purchase I AM a Professional Artist go to http://www.gilli.net/wgm/store/book

Jan Daisley’s story details her journey and that of her friends – and their battles and campaigns to gain equality, dignity, and access to full inclusion of people with disability in every aspect of social, political, economic and cultural life.

Jan and her friends helped lay the foundation stones which formed the Disability Rights Movement in Australia.

Rebels with a cause is the sequel to Captives of Care written by John Roarty in 1981, and I hear more than you see by Jan Daisley, published in 2005.

This is a truly moving and inspirational story about people with disability who have shown tremendous courage, sheer determination, and hope.

Copies of Rebels with a cause, $25 each, can be bought by phoning Elaine 0407 074 107 or Peter 0407 937 479

This is a facinating and moving autobiography, detailing Jan Daisley’s journey through a horrific accident, reabilitation, institutionalisation and finally to a home in the community.

Jan is portrayed with an immense resolve to regain her life after the accident, shown through the many battles and campaigns that she fights, along with the people she lived with in the institution, for fairer living conditions and basic human rights.

Throughout the book, the importance of family, friends and faith run as central themes. Several important relationships keep Jan grounded and supported in her struggles, and the unfolding of some extraordinary friendships show both the esteem in which she is held by others and the importance of those friendships in defining and redefining oneself.

Copies of I hear more than you see, $25 each, can be bought by phoning Elaine 0407 074 107 or Peter 0407 937 479

This book is the only one published to date on the subject. In World War Two, Horn Island, Torres Strait was the most advanced operational airbase Australia had to New Guinea, only a 30min flight away. The island was attacked by the Japanese, who dropped approx 500 bombs on the island, while 181 men lost their lives on or just around Horn Island. Japanese Reconnaissance flights flew overhead and sea mines riddled the area. It was home to the largest indigenous battalion ever formed, the Torres Strait Light Infantry Battalion, who along with 5000 men and 18 women served on Horn Island. For the first time, indigenous and non indigenous came together in such numbers for a common goal – the defence of Australia, practicing reconciliation long before the phrase was coined. The book contains information on all the units and squadrons that served on the island, and is accompanied by hundreds of photos. Nominal roles for some of the army units are included, a Roll of Honour, as well as a chapter on aircraft accidents and entertainment on the island.

To purchase Horn Islands: In Their Steps 1939 - 1945 email intheirsteps@bigpond.com

This book contains information on all aspects of Torres Strait culture in a bright and informative way. Containing vibrant photographs, there are chapters on pearling, early European settlement, military, and a historical timeline. Aspects of Torres Strait culture are included, eg. The Coming of the Light, and Bipotaim, which is Before time, a time before the coming of missionaries to Torres Strait in 1871.

To purchase Discover Thursday and Horn Islands email intheirsteps@bigpond.com