Australian Federalism: A Prospective Assessment

Alternative routes: Intergovernmental relations in Canada and Australia

“…The creation of the Council of Australian Governments in 1992 and the attendant economic reforms (for instance the national competition policy) were of major interest to Australian scholars, at least initially (Painter , Davis ). The Howard government's (1996‐2007) lack of attention to COAG reduced its salience (Galligan and Wright , Parkin and Anderson ), but its rebirth under the Rudd‐Gillard administration attracted renewed scholarship (Anderson , McQuestin ), which included critiques of its effectiveness as an institution (Kildea and Lynch , Menzies ). At around the same time, the inter‐state Council for the Australian Federation (modelled after the Canadian COF) also attracted some scholarly attention (Tiernan , Menzies ).…”

Blowing Hot and Cold - Intergovernmental Relations Capacity in the Commonwealth Government

“…Relationships with subnational jurisdictions are not always top‐of‐mind with an incoming prime minister, but the need to negotiate and persuade the states and territories to joint action or reform frequently becomes a cornerstone of prime ministerial activity. From Hawke through to Rudd the major reason for increased and institutionalised engagement with the states and territories was because of the need for continuing economic efficiency in the global economy (Galligan and Wright 2002:151). Successive prime ministers recognised the need to develop cooperative arrangements to drive efficiencies within areas of significant state jurisdiction (Galligan and Wright 2002:151).…”

“…From Hawke through to Rudd the major reason for increased and institutionalised engagement with the states and territories was because of the need for continuing economic efficiency in the global economy (Galligan and Wright 2002:151). Successive prime ministers recognised the need to develop cooperative arrangements to drive efficiencies within areas of significant state jurisdiction (Galligan and Wright 2002:151). Did these prime ministers have the capacity within PM&C to manage multi‐jurisdictional systemic change when required?…”

“…The election of the Howard Government in 1996 soon saw a further retreat from investment in this function. Federalism was not of great concern to Prime Minister Howard and he was not interested in giving leadership to COAG (Galligan and Wright 2002:153). COAG's utility as a forum for reform and cooperation initially diminished and this change of direction was quickly picked up within PM&C:…”

High Court Review 2006: Australian Federalism—Implications of theWorkChoicesDecision

“…Galligan and Wright (2002) argue that 'globalisation' has had discernible effects on Australian federalism's functioning.IMPLICATIONS OF THE WORKCHOICES DECISION 651…”