New models of co-operative federalism in Australia: constitutional principles and practice. This project will research the effect of intergovernmental co-operation, through bodies such as the Council of Australian Governments, on Australia's system of constitutional democracy. It will determine how federal governance can be made more effective while respecting State autonomy and maintaining parliamentary and public accountability.
A comparative study of the prerogative and reserve powers in Commonwealth nations. This project will compare and analyse the exercise of unwritten executive powers (such as emergency powers and the power to dismiss governments) in Commonwealth countries with similar systems of government to ours. It will assist in developing good governance in our region and a better understanding of the limits of executive power in Australia.
A Federation of cultures? Innovative approaches to multicultural accommodation. This project examines how state and federal governments can better protect and support the values, beliefs and cultural practices of different cultural and religious groups, especially in matters concerning family life, community identity and freedom of conscience, within a framework of respect for human rights.
1989 and the rule of law revolution. This project explores three elements of the post-1989 worldwide rule of law revolution: constitutionalism, 'dealing with the past', and rule of law promotion. Australia increasingly seeks to promote the rule of law internationally, but these efforts draw on an inadequate base of knowledge and theory. This project work will expand that base.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE160101123
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,000.00
Summary
Conditional citizenship? Revocation's implications for Australians. This project aims to study the implications of the proposed citizenship changes in Australia. Spurred by a potential terrorist threat from citizens, the government has proposed expanded powers to strip a person of their Australian citizenship. Proposed as an instrument of counter-terrorism policy, the expansion of powers over citizenship also has significant implications for fundamental principles of Australian law and for the v ....Conditional citizenship? Revocation's implications for Australians. This project aims to study the implications of the proposed citizenship changes in Australia. Spurred by a potential terrorist threat from citizens, the government has proposed expanded powers to strip a person of their Australian citizenship. Proposed as an instrument of counter-terrorism policy, the expansion of powers over citizenship also has significant implications for fundamental principles of Australian law and for the very nature of Australian citizenship, which is a key legal link between individual and state. The project plans to draw on the experience of countries comparable with Australia and relevant theory. It aims to provide guidelines for policy makers and to benefit debate on the legal constitution and nature of the Australian community.Read moreRead less
Meeting the challenges of constitutional comparison. This project offers a more genuinely global approach to comparative constitutional law. It will deepen understanding of the operation and underlying assumptions of systems of government in countries around the world, assisting Australia in its dealings with neighbours and strategic partners and in developing its own constitutional arrangements.
Allegiance and citizenship in Australian law and history. This project aims to identify a coherent and stable concept of allegiance in Australian law. Allegiance lies at the heart of Australia’s citizenship law, but Australia does not have a clear legal definition of allegiance. It is the historical key to holding or losing citizenship, and the constitutional criterion for distinguishing between citizens and aliens. Conceptions of allegiance can affect individuals, conceptions of the national co ....Allegiance and citizenship in Australian law and history. This project aims to identify a coherent and stable concept of allegiance in Australian law. Allegiance lies at the heart of Australia’s citizenship law, but Australia does not have a clear legal definition of allegiance. It is the historical key to holding or losing citizenship, and the constitutional criterion for distinguishing between citizens and aliens. Conceptions of allegiance can affect individuals, conceptions of the national community, and policies of multiculturalism and minority rights. This project will trace and interpret references to allegiance and citizenship in Australian jurisprudence, case law, legislation, executive decisions and policy. The project aims to help the public understand the rules governing membership of the Australian community.Read moreRead less
The law of deliberative democracy: theory and reform. Deliberation is essential to the health of electoral and representative democracy. This project will evaluate and recommend the reform of the law underpinning democratic politics in Australia, to enhance its deliberative quality.
The court as archive: rethinking the institutional role of federal superior courts of record. This project examines the institutional role of federal superior courts of record to ground an analysis of their responsibilities as curators of a significant national archive. It will provide principles for the administration of court records that respond to the competing legal and civic demands of contemporary Australian society.
Reconceiving Australian federalism: fundamental values, comparative models and constitutional interpretation. Through systematic comparison with other federal systems, this project identifies the range of fundamental principles and values that could underlie the Australian system of government, explores their application to the interpretation of the Australian Constitution and scrutinises proposed reforms to the Australian system on the basis of that analysis.