The Future of Australian Federalism Comparative and Interdisciplinary Perspectives

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 ethno-cultural and socioeconomic diversity within the Australian Federation. Comparative perspectives from Germany, America, Canada, Switzerland, India and the European Union provide unique prisms through which to view the operation of the Australian system and to contemplate its reform.

• Examination of contemporary Australian federalism clarifies the state of contemporary relations between the Federal, state and territory governments

• Interdisciplinary contributions from leading jurists, legal academics, political scientists, economists and demographers provides a nuanced understanding of the different facets of Australia's federal relations

• Comparisons with various other federal systems help readers understand those systems and provide unique perspectives from which to consider Australia's federal relations and options for reform

• Innovative reform proposals will be of interest to those who work in politics, government, the legal profession and academia