Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE190100346
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$409,286.00
Summary
Reforming the Goods and Services Tax. This project aims to respond to the erosion of Australia’s revenue sources by addressing the future of the Goods and Services Tax (GST). The GST taxes less than half of consumer spending and up to $4.5 billion is lost to avoidance and evasion each year. This project expects to generate new knowledge in tax law and policy by using an innovative approach to assess whether possible reform options are viable, sustainable and equitable. Expected outcomes of this ....Reforming the Goods and Services Tax. This project aims to respond to the erosion of Australia’s revenue sources by addressing the future of the Goods and Services Tax (GST). The GST taxes less than half of consumer spending and up to $4.5 billion is lost to avoidance and evasion each year. This project expects to generate new knowledge in tax law and policy by using an innovative approach to assess whether possible reform options are viable, sustainable and equitable. Expected outcomes of this project include the formulation of achievable and defensible options that offer a clear path forward on GST reform. This should provide significant benefits to the community by contributing to a fairer and more sustainable tax system capable of meeting the needs of all Australians.Read moreRead less
Consultation Pathways For Australian Fishing And Seafood Industry Focused RD&E To Deliver Improved Economic, Environmental And Social Benefits To Australia’s Indigenous People Through The Indigenous Reference Group (IRG) And Indigenous RD&E Program Support
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$2,659,555.00
Summary
There remains a continuous need for the strategic planning and execution of targeted and efficient research, development, and extension (RD&E) initiatives that cater to the priorities of the Indigenous fishing and seafood sectors. The Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) plays a crucial role in addressing these needs by offering support and resources to the Indigenous Reference Group (IRG) through various projects and a dedicated Indigenous RD&E Program. Since the establishment ....There remains a continuous need for the strategic planning and execution of targeted and efficient research, development, and extension (RD&E) initiatives that cater to the priorities of the Indigenous fishing and seafood sectors. The Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) plays a crucial role in addressing these needs by offering support and resources to the Indigenous Reference Group (IRG) through various projects and a dedicated Indigenous RD&E Program. Since the establishment of the IRG, significant advancements have been made. However, challenges persist due to the limited capacity of most agencies, researchers, and stakeholders to interact with and engage effectively with the Indigenous sector, thus failing to fully leverage the available opportunities and benefits. The number of Indigenous individuals with the required expertise and interest in participating in this process is on the rise, yet it remains insufficient to meet the identified needs. Addressing this gap is a primary focus for the IRG moving forward, including the advancement of a formal capacity-building program aimed at enhancing the understanding and knowledge of research, management, governance, and agency operations. Opportunities for improvement include: 1. Increasing the number of Indigenous individuals with the expertise and motivation to engage in RD&E and related policy processes: This involves identifying and promoting educational programs, workshops, and mentorship opportunities that are specifically designed to build the necessary skills and knowledge among Indigenous communities. Such initiatives should be accessible and tailored to the unique cultural and societal contexts of Indigenous people, encouraging their active participation in research, development, and extension activities. As much as possible, opportunities for collaboration with Indigenous organisations and communities in designing these programs can ensure they are relevant and effective. 2. Developing mutual capacity by boosting the understanding and abilities of non-Indigenous stakeholders: This objective focuses on generating a deeper understanding and respect among non-Indigenous stakeholders for Indigenous knowledge systems, values, and practices. Identify sectoral needs for cultural competence training programs and facilitating collaborative projects can bridge the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous perspectives. This approach not only enriches the RD&E process but also ensures that research outcomes are more inclusive and beneficial for all parties involved. 3. Enhancing the availability of culturally relevant knowledge and data for the Indigenous fishing sector to meet the needs of Indigenous Australians, researchers, and managers: To enhance the availability of culturally relevant knowledge and data for the Indigenous fishing sector, the strategy includes collaborating with Indigenous communities to understand traditional fishing practices and ecological insights using participatory research. A digital repository will be created to store and disseminate this information, designed with user-friendly features and access controls to safeguard intellectual property. This platform will support the integration of Indigenous knowledge into sustainable practices and policy decisions, complemented by educational workshops and policy engagement initiatives. Continuous feedback from Indigenous communities and stakeholders will ensure the platform remains relevant and effective, fostering informed decision-making and sustainable use strategies that recognises Indigenous rights and contributions. 4. Moving research forward to yield actionable outcomes and advice for policymakers: This entails aligning research objectives with the practical needs and priorities of the Indigenous fishing community and policymakers. By focusing on applied research that addresses specific challenges and opportunities within the sector, the findings can directly inform and influence policy and management decisions. Effective communication and adoption strategies are essential to translate complex research findings into clear, actionable recommendations for policymakers and industry stakeholders. 5. Strengthening Indigenous led and codesigned projects at the jurisdictional level by improving the connection between the IRG and Regional Advisory Committees/Industry Partnership Agreements (RAC/IPA): Enhancing collaboration and communication between the IRG, RACs, and IPAs can lead to more coordinated and effective Indigenous-inclusive projects outcomes. This could involve systematic meetings, joint planning sessions, and shared platforms for project management and information exchange. By working closely together, these groups can leverage their respective strengths and resources to achieve greater all-round impacts on the ground. 6. Adjusting expectations to clarify that the IRG is not the sole source of support for all Indigenous-related issues within the industry by creating processes to broaden networks and engagement: This involves actively promoting the development of a broader ecosystem of support for Indigenous issues in the fishing and seafood sectors. The IRG can facilitate the creation of partnerships, alliances, and networks that include a diverse range of stakeholders, such as government agencies, academic institutions, non-profit organisations, and industry groups. By diversifying the sources of support and engagement, the reliance on the IRG as the sole conduit can be reduced, leading to a more robust and resilient support system for Indigenous fisheries. The IRG stands out from other programs by offering services that span several additional areas. One of its goals is to alter the current dependence as the only recognised channel for Indigenous fisheries advice.
Objectives: 1. Work with Indigenous peoples and other fisheries resource stakeholders, to facilitate the identification of Indigenous RD&E priorities annually and develop projects to address those priorities. 2. Assist FRDC with management of the Indigenous RD&E program and the portfolio of projects with significant benefit to, or impact on, the Indigenous fishing sector. 3. Develop and implement a fit for purpose communication plan to effectively communicate research results and share knowledge with Indigenous communities, organisations, groups or individuals. 4. Encourage coordination and co-investment in RD&E which benefits the Indigenous fishing community. 5. To provide advice, where appropriate, through the FRDC to researchers regarding how their projects might be improved to consider benefits for Indigenous people, cultural importance, or suggest consultation and communication protocols for working with Indigenous communities. 6. Assist FRDC to explore opportunities for Indigenous engagement, employment, skills transfer, sharing of knowledge and the increase of cultural awareness amongst all parties. Read moreRead less
The Australian Sea Country Conference is scheduled to be held at the Darwin Convention Centre on 25 - 26 September 2024.
The primary aim of the Conference is to develop strategies for enhancing First Nations involvement in matters concerning the protection and utilisation of sea country. Through a series of presentations, discussions, and collaborative sessions, our goal is to deepen the understanding of First Nations' perspectives, promote the recognition of First Nations rights in e ....The Australian Sea Country Conference is scheduled to be held at the Darwin Convention Centre on 25 - 26 September 2024.
The primary aim of the Conference is to develop strategies for enhancing First Nations involvement in matters concerning the protection and utilisation of sea country. Through a series of presentations, discussions, and collaborative sessions, our goal is to deepen the understanding of First Nations' perspectives, promote the recognition of First Nations rights in environmental contexts, and bolster the advancement of First Nations-led initiatives.
While Australia currently has national peak bodies representing the seafood industry, recreational fishers, and environmental interests in sea country, there is currently no representation for First Nations. This Conference aims to potentially lay the groundwork for establishing a First Nations Peak Body that represents interests in sea country-related matters. In doing so, it is intended that this conference provides guidance for consistency in recognition of Native Title rights between States/Territory/Federal governments.
By bringing together diverse voices and perspectives, we aspire to contribute to a future where First Nations governance models, traditional knowledge, and leadership are central to shaping Australia's marine environment. Read moreRead less
Undocumented Migrants- Unearthing Knowledge on a Key Source of Farm Labour. The Australian horticulture industry has endemic labour challenges, both in terms of labour supply challenges and a systemic problem of non-compliance with labour standards. A core component of both problems is the entrenched reliance on undocumented migrants. Given complex supply chains transiting fresh fruit and vegetables from the farm to the consumer, undocumented workers are largely invisible. There is very little ....Undocumented Migrants- Unearthing Knowledge on a Key Source of Farm Labour. The Australian horticulture industry has endemic labour challenges, both in terms of labour supply challenges and a systemic problem of non-compliance with labour standards. A core component of both problems is the entrenched reliance on undocumented migrants. Given complex supply chains transiting fresh fruit and vegetables from the farm to the consumer, undocumented workers are largely invisible. There is very little research on undocumented workers on farms. Addressing this critical Australian and international knowledge gap, this project is the first study to comprehensively analyse the role of undocumented migrants in the horticulture industry from a multi-stakeholder approach, involving government, employers and workers.Read moreRead less
Reclaiming copyright's lost cultural value for authors and the public. This project aims to develop new empirical understandings of the cultural value lost through current approaches to copyright. Copyright rules that favour one party do necessarily need to imply losses for another. By changing the scope and division of rights it is possible to improve outcomes for multiple stakeholders. The project will result in new understanding of how this can be achieved within the confines of an unamendabl ....Reclaiming copyright's lost cultural value for authors and the public. This project aims to develop new empirical understandings of the cultural value lost through current approaches to copyright. Copyright rules that favour one party do necessarily need to imply losses for another. By changing the scope and division of rights it is possible to improve outcomes for multiple stakeholders. The project will result in new understanding of how this can be achieved within the confines of an unamendable treaty framework by exploring fuller protection of authorship as a mechanism for securing a fairer go for creators, unlocking new opportunities for publishers, generating new sources of arts funding and improving access for the public. The project should provide significant benefit by informing law reform debates at domestic and international levels.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE220101189
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$444,851.00
Summary
Fast-track Asylum Procedures: Balancing Fairness and Efficiency. Governments around the world are implementing measures to fast-track the processing of asylum claims. This project aims to identify if this can be done in a way that is both fair and efficient. It will use an innovative interdisciplinary approach, which combines doctrinal and empirical methods, to compare and evaluate current laws in Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom and Switzerland. Project outcomes will include evi ....Fast-track Asylum Procedures: Balancing Fairness and Efficiency. Governments around the world are implementing measures to fast-track the processing of asylum claims. This project aims to identify if this can be done in a way that is both fair and efficient. It will use an innovative interdisciplinary approach, which combines doctrinal and empirical methods, to compare and evaluate current laws in Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom and Switzerland. Project outcomes will include evidence-based law reform and policy recommendations to improve the efficiency and quality of Australia’s asylum process. A fair and more efficient asylum process will secure the integrity of Australia's borders and save the government money while ensuring refugees can access protection promptly.Read moreRead less
Small States' use of law of the sea litigation against greater powers. This project will investigate how small States are using law of the sea dispute settlement mechanisms to gain political advantages in conflicts with greater powers, including Security Council permanent members. It is important to understand how the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea can be leveraged to defend coastal State rights in strategic disputes concerning sovereign rights, unresolved boundaries, and military affairs. ....Small States' use of law of the sea litigation against greater powers. This project will investigate how small States are using law of the sea dispute settlement mechanisms to gain political advantages in conflicts with greater powers, including Security Council permanent members. It is important to understand how the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea can be leveraged to defend coastal State rights in strategic disputes concerning sovereign rights, unresolved boundaries, and military affairs. This research will better equip lawyers and policy makers to understand how such strategic litigation strengthens or undermines the rules based order at sea. The project will assist Australia to maintain its leading role in defending that maritime order and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea as its cornerstone.Read moreRead less
Australian Laureate Fellowships - Grant ID: FL160100136
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,841,908.00
Summary
Balancing diversity and social cohesion in democratic constitutions. Balancing diversity and social cohesion in democratic constitutions. This fellowship project aims to address the need to reconcile the tensions between the pursuit of diversity and the promotion of social cohesion. This critical problem becomes increasingly urgent as nations grapple with the challenges of highly diverse multi-cultural societies. The project aims to build a team of researchers who draw on the experience of const ....Balancing diversity and social cohesion in democratic constitutions. Balancing diversity and social cohesion in democratic constitutions. This fellowship project aims to address the need to reconcile the tensions between the pursuit of diversity and the promotion of social cohesion. This critical problem becomes increasingly urgent as nations grapple with the challenges of highly diverse multi-cultural societies. The project aims to build a team of researchers who draw on the experience of constitutionalism throughout the world to investigate how Constitutions, in their design and in their application, can unify while nurturing the diversity appropriate for a complex, modern society. This project is intended to help governments, judiciaries and the public resolve intense controversies over ideals.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE180100279
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$354,205.00
Summary
Work in franchises: searching for solutions at the regulatory frontier. This project aims to provide empirical and theoretical insights into the effective regulation of work-related rights and responsibilities of franchise workers, franchisees and franchisors. By combining comparative doctrinal analysis of labour and competition and consumer laws with mixed methods research, this project will expand our knowledge of the way in which public and private regulatory mechanisms influence the regulato ....Work in franchises: searching for solutions at the regulatory frontier. This project aims to provide empirical and theoretical insights into the effective regulation of work-related rights and responsibilities of franchise workers, franchisees and franchisors. By combining comparative doctrinal analysis of labour and competition and consumer laws with mixed methods research, this project will expand our knowledge of the way in which public and private regulatory mechanisms influence the regulatory behaviour of key stakeholders. This will contribute to the development of a normative framework designed to inform enforcement strategy, policy-making and work quality within franchises.Read moreRead less