This issues paper examines the issues raised by the terms of reference for this inquiry, which asked the ALRC to consider whether it would be desirable to modify or abrogate legal professional privilege in some areas in order to achieve more effective performance of Commonwealth investigatory functions, clarify and harmonise existing provisions, and introduce or...

In Australia the federal and state/territory governments share provision and regulation in education. Federal/state roles have accumulated ad hoc, there are no binding agreements on a lasting basis, and there is a lack of synchrony between the legal, policy, administrative and funding frameworks. The states are strongest in the legal dimension and weakest in funding...

The Australian federal system, established in 1901, is one of the oldest functioning federal systems in the world. It grew out of a political culture in which separate colonies operated as independent units and was an integral part of the Federation deal between the colonies. However, in recent years the system has come under increasing...

This brief study addresses a number of questions about pragmatism and principle in the context of recent electoral competition between the Australian Labor Party and the Liberal Party of Australia, particularly at the 2004 election. Some of these questions are about priorities, and some are about meanings. How strongly has the incentive to be pragmatic...

This report dispels many common misconceptions about federalism. The authors draw on international comparisons and political and economic analysis to identify a range of benefits that flow from federal systems, including checks and balances on power to protect the individual; more efficient, innovative and responsive governments; and increased economic growth and higher GDP per capita.