At a time when the operation and reform of federal relations within Australia is squarely on the political agenda, this volume brings together eminent lawyers, economists and political scientists who explain, analyse and evaluate the theory and principles underpinning the Australian federal system. Topics covered include the High Court's approach to the interpretation of the Constitution and how this has influenced federal relations in practice; different forms of inter-governmental co-operative arrangements; fiscal relations between the Commonwealth and the States; and emergent...

Behind every government there is an impressive team of hard-working government lawyers. In Australia, the Solicitor-General leads that team. A former Attorney-General once said: "The Solicitor-General is next to the High Court and God." And yet, the role of government lawyers in Australia, and specifically the Solicitor-General as the most senior of government lawyers, is under-theorized and under-studied. This book goes behind the scenes of government - drawing from interviews with over 45 government and judicial officials - to uncover the history, theory, and practice of the Australian...