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.
Australian supply chain regulation: practical operation and regulatory effectiveness. This project uses empirical research to examine the practical operation and effectiveness of three innovative Australian regulatory models designed to improve working conditions in supply chains in the clothing, long-haul transport and cash-in-transit industries. The project will result in proposals for reform and improved working conditions.
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 legal framework for resilient electricity infrastructure in Australia. This project aims to develop a legal and governance framework to enhance the resilience of Australia's electricity infrastructure in a changing climate. Building resilience reduces the total cost of disasters in Australia, a major share of which will come from replacing damaged critical infrastructure, without accounting for climate change impacts. This project aims to develop the legal and governance framework by addressin ....A legal framework for resilient electricity infrastructure in Australia. This project aims to develop a legal and governance framework to enhance the resilience of Australia's electricity infrastructure in a changing climate. Building resilience reduces the total cost of disasters in Australia, a major share of which will come from replacing damaged critical infrastructure, without accounting for climate change impacts. This project aims to develop the legal and governance framework by addressing both the integration of smart technologies and disaster risk reduction measures in the electricity system. This is expected to provide significant economic, social and environmental benefits to Australia.Read moreRead less
Terrorism and the international law of armed conflict. This project investigates the scope, effectiveness and legitimacy of the international law of armed conflict as it applies to terrorist and counter-terrorist violence in armed conflicts. It aims to improve understanding of the legal regulation of such violence and thus ultimately to diminish human suffering in war.
The role of proxy and governance advisers in corporate governance. This project analyses the role of proxy and governance advisers in corporate governance in Australia and the USA. Its outcomes will clarify the nature and extent of proxy and governance adviser influence over the conduct of institutional investors and listed companies, thus allowing for a more informed debate on the need for regulation.
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.
Intoxication Evidence in Rape Trials: A Double-Edged Sword? There is strong evidence that intoxication by alcohol and other drugs is frequently associated with sexual violence. Criminal law reforms in Australia have attempted to break the ‘rape myth’ nexus between intoxication and assumed consent. This project will subject the operation of relevant rules to systematic analysis. Focusing on intoxication evidence in rape trials, this project will undertake qualitative analysis of appellate judgmen ....Intoxication Evidence in Rape Trials: A Double-Edged Sword? There is strong evidence that intoxication by alcohol and other drugs is frequently associated with sexual violence. Criminal law reforms in Australia have attempted to break the ‘rape myth’ nexus between intoxication and assumed consent. This project will subject the operation of relevant rules to systematic analysis. Focusing on intoxication evidence in rape trials, this project will undertake qualitative analysis of appellate judgments, court transcripts and interviews with prosecutors and defence lawyers, in three Australian jurisdictions. It should produce significant new knowledge about whether existing laws and court room practices are optimally adapted to achieving the important objective of justice for sexual violence victims.
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Regulating Relations: Forming Families Inside and Outside of Law's Reach. Australia is wrestling with the complex challenges posed by the increase in cross-border reproductive care. This project asks: what are the causes and consequences of Australians being excluded from, or choosing to evade, regulated assisted reproductive treatment? The research aims to identify barriers to the pathways to licensed assisted reproductive treatment and motivations for evasion of regulation. It entails a series ....Regulating Relations: Forming Families Inside and Outside of Law's Reach. Australia is wrestling with the complex challenges posed by the increase in cross-border reproductive care. This project asks: what are the causes and consequences of Australians being excluded from, or choosing to evade, regulated assisted reproductive treatment? The research aims to identify barriers to the pathways to licensed assisted reproductive treatment and motivations for evasion of regulation. It entails a series of interlinked case studies reflecting the life-cycle of family formation in assisted conception. The aim is to develop solutions for more responsive legal frameworks that encourage beneficial clinical and ethical practices and contain harmful ones through inclusion rather than exclusion.Read moreRead less
Improving International Law Regulation of Maritime Autonomous Vessels . The use of maritime autonomous vessels (MAVs) is creating regulatory and enforcement opportunities and challenges under international law. The aim of this project is to fill a critical gap in current responses in international law in focusing on the challenges posed by MAVs to international maritime security law. MAVs are increasingly useful for states in peacetime military operations, in response to transnational crime, mar ....Improving International Law Regulation of Maritime Autonomous Vessels . The use of maritime autonomous vessels (MAVs) is creating regulatory and enforcement opportunities and challenges under international law. The aim of this project is to fill a critical gap in current responses in international law in focusing on the challenges posed by MAVs to international maritime security law. MAVs are increasingly useful for states in peacetime military operations, in response to transnational crime, maritime cybersecurity, and in promoting broader national security goals, but non-state actors may also use them for terrorist and transnational criminal activity. International law has not kept up with this technology so this project will redress that problem and propose law reform to enhance global maritime security.Read moreRead less