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LEGAL PROFESSIONADMISSION BOARD

LAW EXTENSION COMMITTEE

LAW EXTENSION COMMITTEE SUBJECT GUIDE

06 AUSTRALIAN CONSTITUTIONAL LAWWINTER SESSION 2016

This Guide includes the Law Extension Committee’s course information and teaching program and the Legal Profession Admission Board’s syllabus. The syllabus is contained under the heading “Prescribed Topics and Course Outline” and has been prepared in accordance with Rule 27H(a) of the NSW Admission Board Rules 2015.

Course Description and Objectives 1Lecturer 1Assessment 1-2September 2016 Examination 2Lecture Program 3-4Weekend Schools 1 and 2 4-5Texts and Materials 6Prescribed Topics 7Compulsory Assignment 7Assignment Question 7Course Outline 8-13Case List 14-18Lecture Outlines 19-28Sample Examination Questions 29-38

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LAW EXTENSION COMMITTEE WINTER 201606 AUSTRALIAN CONSTITUTIONAL LAW

COURSE DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVES

Australian Constitutional Law is a public law subject. The focus of the course is upon its primary source the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act 1900 (Imp). It is that document which created the Commonwealth of Australia and preserved the former colonies as technically autonomous entities called States. It is the Constitution that provides a definition of public power in Australia. It divides legislative power between the Commonwealth and the States by conferring on the Commonwealth Parliament power to legislate "with respect to" particular topics. In the event of "inconsistency", the Commonwealth legislation prevails and the State law to the extent of the inconsistency is invalid.

The aim of the course is to explore the concept of federalism as embodied in the Constitution by examining a selection of important powers vested in the Commonwealth Parliament and exploring the limitations on those powers. The course will examine the nature of federal judicial power and the separation of powers doctrine, and will consider the extent to which the doctrine is embodied in Australian constitutional law. Finally, the course will explore the relationship between the Commonwealth and the States in terms of legislative power.

The topics chosen for treatment raise questions about the operation of a federal system of government and illustrate the practical workings of a federation.

LECTURER

Mrs B Gray, BA, LLB, LLM (Syd)

Mrs Beatrice Gray holds the degrees of Bachelor of Arts (Sydney), Bachelor of Laws (Sydney) and Master of Laws (Sydney). A retired barrister, Mrs Gray has been involved in the Committee's teaching activities since 1972.

ASSESSMENT

To be eligible to sit for the Board’s examinations, all students must complete the LEC teaching and learning program, the first step of which is to ensure that you have registered online with the LEC in each subject for which you have enrolled with the Board. This gives you access to the full range of learning resources offered by the LEC.

To register with the LEC, go to www.sydney.edu.au/lec and click on the WEBCAMPUS link and follow the instructions. Detailed guides to the Webcampus are contained in the material distributed by the LEC, in the Course Information Handbook, and on the Webcampus.

Eligibility to Sit for Examinations

In accordance with the Legal Profession Admission Rules, the LEC must be satisfied with a student’s performance in a subject in order for the student to be eligible to sit for the examination, conducted by the Legal Profession Admission Board (LPAB). Assignments are used to assess eligibility.

Students are expected to achieve at least a pass mark of 50% in assignments to be eligible to sit for examinations. However, a category of “deemed eligible” has been introduced to offer students whose assignment mark is between 40-49% an opportunity to sit for the examination. In these circumstances

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students are often advised not to sit. A mark below 40% means a student is not eligible to sit for the examination.

Assignments as part of the Board’s Examinations

Assignment results contribute 20% to the final mark in each subject.

The Law Extension Committee (LEC) administers the setting and marking of assignments. The LEC engages the LPAB’s Examiners to assess or supervise the assessment of assignments.

Submission

Assignments must be received by 11:59pm on the due date unless an extension has been granted. Extensions must be requested by email prior to the due date. Specific supporting evidence must be provided. Assignments that are more than ten days late will not be accepted. Late assignments attract a penalty of one mark out of 20, or 5% of the total marks available, per day.

Assessment

Assignments are assessed according to the “Assignment Grading and Assessment Criteria” outlined in the Guide to the Presentation and Submission of Assignments. Prior to the examination, assignments will be returned to students and results posted on students’ individual results pages of the LEC Webcampus. Students are responsible for checking their results screen and ascertaining their eligibility to sit for the examination.

Review

Where a student’s overall mark after the Examination is between 40-49%, the student’s assignment in that subject will be included in the Revising Examiner’s review. The final examination mark is determined in accordance with this review. Assignment marks will not otherwise be reviewed.

SEPTEMBER 2016 EXAMINATION

Candidates will be expected to have a detailed knowledge of the prescribed topics:

Introduction; Federal legislative powers Constit. s51(i), s51(ii), s51(xx), s51(xxix) and provisions in tax laws Constit. s55; Separation of powers. Identification of judicial and non-judicial power; Jurisdiction and the Federal Judicature; Express and implied prohibitions Constit. s90 and s92; Implied freedom of political communication. Commonwealth/State matters including inconsistency between Commonwealth and State laws.

Candidates will be expected to have made a study of the prescribed materials in relation to those topics and to have made an analysis of the cases contained in the Case List.

All enquiries in relation to examinations should be directed to the Legal Profession Admission Board.

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LECTURE PROGRAM

Lectures in Australian Constitutional Law will be held on Mondays from 6.00pm until 8.30pm commencing on 9 May 2016. For the first half of the semester, lectures will be held in Carslaw Lecture Theatre 159 (CLT 159). Lecture venues for the second half of the semester have yet to be confirmed. A map of the University of Sydney’s main campus showing the location of lecture venues can be found on page 52 of the Course Information Handbook.

This program is a general guide and may be varied according to need. Readings are suggested to introduce you to the material to be covered in the lecture, to enhance your understanding of the topic, and to encourage further reading. You should not rely on them alone.

LECTURE TOPIC KEY READING

Wk 19 May

IntroductionHanks’ Australian Constitutional Law, 9th ed pp55, 116-141

Wk 216 May Trade and commerce power

Hanks’ Australian Constitutional Law, 9th ed pp239-262

Wk 323 May Taxation power & s 55

Hanks’ Australian Constitutional Law, 9th ed pp262-283; 589-600; 781-793

Wk 430 May

Taxation continuedCorporations power


Wk 56 Jun

Corporations continuedExternal affairs power


Wk 613 Jun No Lecture Scheduled – Queen’s Birthday Public Holiday

Study Break: Saturday 18 June – Sunday 3 July 2016

Wk 74 Jul

External Affairs continued

Wk 811 Jul

Separation of powers Hanks’ Australian Constitutional Law, 9th ed pp105-107; 967-977

Wk 918 Jul Judicial power of Commonwealth


Wk 1025 Jul

Federal jurisdiction Hanks’ Australian Constitutional Law, 9th ed pp1008-1108

Wk 111 Aug

Duties of exciseFreedom of interstate trade



Wk 12 Implied freedom of political Hanks’ Australian Constitutional Law, 9th ed

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8 Aug communicationInconsistency of laws

pp1210-1260Hanks’ Australian Constitutional Law, 9th ed pp463-491

Wk 1315 Aug Commonwealth–State Relations


WEEKEND SCHOOLS 1 AND 2

There are two weekend schools primarily for external students. Lecture students may attend but should be aware that weekend school classes aim to cover the same material as provided in weekly lectures and are primarily for the assistance of external students.

It may not be possible to cover the entire course at the weekend schools. These programs are a general guide and may be varied according to need. Readings are suggested to introduce you to the material to be covered in the lecture, to enhance your understanding of the topic and to encourage further reading. You should not rely on them alone.

Weekend School 1

TIME MAJOR TOPICS KEY READINGSaturday 28 May 2016: 4.00pm – 8.00pm in New Law School Lecture Theatre 101 (New LSLT 101)

4.10pm-5.20pm Introduction

Hanks’ Australian Constitutional Law, 9th ed pp 55,116-141

5.30pm-6.35pm Trade and commerce power


6.45pm-8.00pm Taxation power & s 55Hanks’ Australian Constitutional Law, 9th ed pp262-283; 589-600; 781-793

Sunday 29 May 2016: 4.00pm – 8.00pm in New Law School Lecture Theatre 101 (New LSLT 101)

4.10pm-5.20pm Corporations power


5.30pm-6.35pmCorporations continued

External affairs power


6.45pm-8.00pm External Affairs continued

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Weekend School 2

TIME MAJOR TOPICS KEY READINGSaturday 23 July 2016: 4.00pm – 8.00pm in the Eastern Avenue Auditorium (EAA)

4.10pm-5.20pmIntroduction to Chapter 111 – The Judicature

Hanks’ Australian Constitutional Law, 9th ed pp105-107;967-977

5.30pm-6.35pm Judicial power of CommonwealthHanks’ Australian Constitutional Law, 9th ed pp977-1007

6.45pm-8.00pm Federal jurisdictionHanks’ Australian Constitutional Law, 9th ed pp1008-1108

Sunday 24 July 2016: 4.00pm – 8.00pm in the Eastern Avenue Auditorium (EAA)

4.10pm-5.20pm Duties of excise


5.30pm-6.35pm

Freedom of interstate trade

Implied freedom of political communication



6.45pm-8.00pmInconsistency of laws

Commonwealth–State Relations



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TEXTS AND MATERIALS

Course Materials

● Guide to the Presentation and Submission of Assignments (available on the LEC Webcampus)

Prescribed Text

● Hanks’ Australian Constitutional Law: Materials and Commentary, 9th ed. LexisNexis, 2013

OR

● Tony Blackshield and George Williams, Australian Constitutional Law and Theory, 6th ed. Federation Press, 2014

Recommended Texts

● Joseph and Castan, Federal Constitutional Law: A Contemporary View, 4th ed. Thomson Reuters, 2014

● Keyzer Patrick, Principles of Australian Constitutional Law, 4th ed. Lexis Nexis, 2013

● Hanks, Gordon & Hill, Constitutional Law in Australia, 3rd ed. Lexis Nexis, 2012

● Stellios James, Zine’s The High Court and the Constitution, 6th ed. Federation Press, 2015

Statute

● Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act 1900 (Imp) (“The Constitution”)

LEC Webcampus

Once you have registered online with the LEC, you will have full access to all the facilities on the LEC Webcampus including links to cases and legislation in Constitutional Law. Regularly check the Course Materials section on the LEC Webcampus.

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PRESCRIBED TOPICS

Characterisation and interpretation Trade and commerce powerTaxation power and provisions in tax laws Corporations powerExternal affairs powerSeparation of powers Judicial power of the Commonwealth The Federal Judicature Prohibitions - Excise duties and freedom of interstate trade Implied freedom of political communication Inconsistency of lawsCommonwealth-State relations

COMPULSORY ASSIGNMENT

In Australian Constitutional Law, there is only ONE ASSIGNMENT. This assignment is compulsory and must be submitted by all students. Students must submit the assignment by the due date. A pass mark is 50%. Refer to the Guide to the Presentation and Submission of Assignments for the assignment grading and assessment criteria. Students who fail to satisfy the compulsory requirements will be notified through the Results screen on the Webcampus before the examination period of their ineligibility to sit the examination in this subject. The maximum word limit for the assignment is 2000 words (the word count includes footnotes but not bibliography).

The rules regarding the presentation of assignments and instructions on how to submit an assignment are set out in the LEC Guide to the Presentation and Submission of Assignments which can be accessed on the LEC Webcampus. Please read this guide carefully before completing and submitting an assignment.

The completed assignment should be lodged through the LEC Webcampus, arriving by 11:59pm on the following date:

Compulsory Assignment Tuesday 28 June 2016 (Due during study break)

ASSIGNMENT QUESTION

The Australian Constitutional Law assignment question for the Winter Session 2016 will be provided after 9 May 2016 and to obtain the problem please follow the instructions below:

1. Register online with the LEC (see page 26 of the Course Information Handbook for detailed instructions). Once you have registered, you will have full access to the facilities of the LEC Webcampus.

2. Then go into the Webcampus, select the Course Materials section and click on the link to the assignment question for this subject.

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The maximum word limit for the assignment is 2000 words (the word count includes footnotes but not bibliography).

COURSE OUTLINE

Introduction

1. The Constitution General considerations Approaches to interpretation and characterisation:-

a. scope of head of power b. characterisation

c. restrictions

Federal powers

2. Trade and commerce power: Constitution, s 51(i)

s 51: “The Parliament shall, subject to this Constitution, have power to make laws for the peace order and good government of the Commonwealth with respect to:

(i) Trade and commerce with other countries, and among the States.”

a. Understanding what is “trade and commerce” b. Overseas trade and commerce c. Interstate trade and commerce d. Regulation of intrastate trade and commerce

3a. Taxation power: Constitution, s 51(ii)

s 51: “The Parliament shall, subject to this Constitution, have power to make laws for the peace order and good government of the Commonwealth with respect to: …

(ii) taxation; but so as not to discriminate between States or parts of States: …”

a. Identification of tax b. Characterisation of tax laws c. Revenue or regulation d. Meaning of discrimination and preference

3b. Provisions in taxation laws: Constitution, s 55

s 55: Tax Bills “Laws imposing taxation shall deal only with the imposition of taxation, and any provision therein dealing with any other matter shall be of no effect.

Laws imposing taxation, except laws imposing duties of customs or of excise, shall deal with one subject of taxation only; but laws imposing duties of customs shall deal with duties of customs only,

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and laws imposing duties of excise shall deal with duties of excise only.”

a. Operation of the two limbs of s 55 b. Consequences of breach of s 55

4. Corporations power: Constitution, s 51(xx)

s 51: “The Parliament shall, subject to this Constitution, have power to make laws for the peace order and good government of the Commonwealth with respect to: …(xx) foreign corporations, and trading and financial corporations formed within the limits of the Commonwealth: ….”

a. Identification of corporation as “trading” and/or “financial” corporation b. Ambit of powerc. Incorporation case d. Liquidation e. Incidental scope of power

5. External affairs power: Constitution, s 51(xxix)

s 51: “The Parliament shall, subject to this Constitution, have power to make laws for the peace order and good government of the Commonwealth with respect to: …(xxix) External affairs: …”

a. Matters within "external affairs"; relations with other countries; matters external to Australia; international law

b. Treaties and Conventions c. Subject matter of treaty; historically the differing views d. Implementing the treaty into municipal law e. Obligations and/or recommendations f. Relationship between treaty and municipal law g. Possible limitations h. Matters of international concern

6. Separation of powers

s 1: “The legislative power of the Commonwealth shall be vested in a Federal Parliament…”

s 61: “The executive power of the Commonwealth is vested in the Queen and is exercisable by the Governor-General as the Queen’s representative, and extends to the execution and maintenance of this Constitution, and of the laws of the Commonwealth.”

s 71: "The judicial power of the Commonwealth shall be vested in a Federal Supreme Court, to be called the High Court of Australia, and in such other federal courts as the Parliament creates, and in such other courts as it invests with federal jurisdiction ...."

Boilermakers’ case and its significance: Constitution, s 71

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Executive power of the Commonwealth: Constitution, s 61

a. General considerations b. Width of power to delegate legislative authority to executive

7. Judicial power of the Commonwealth: Constitution, s 71

s 71: "The judicial power of the Commonwealth shall be vested in a Federal Supreme Court, to be called the High Court of Australia, and in such other federal courts as the Parliament creates, and in such other courts as it invests with federal jurisdiction ...."

s 72: “…The Justices of the High Court and of the other courts created by Parliament –(i) Shall be appointed by…(ii) Shall not be removed …(iii) Shall receive such remuneration…

The appointment of a Justice of the High Court shall be for a term expiring upon his attaining the age of seventy years, and a person shall not be appointed as a Justice of the High Court if he has attained that age.

The appointment of a Justice of a court created by the Parliament shall be for a term expiring upon his attaining the age that is, at the time of his appointment, the maximum age for Justices of that court and a person shall not be appointed as a Justice of such a court if he has attained the age that is for the time being the maximum age for Justices of that court.

Subject to this section, the maximum age for Justices of any court created by the Parliament is seventy years.

The Parliament may make a law fixing an age that is less than seventy years as the maximum age for Justices of a court created by Parliament and may at any time repeal or amend such a law, but any such repeal or amendment does not affect the term of office of a Justice under appointment made before the repeal or amendment. …”

a. Identification of judicial power of the Commonwealth. b. Factors to distinguish it from non-judicial power c. Exceptions to Boilermakers – power to delegate; designated person rule; other exceptions d. Significance of Boilermakers e. Practical consequences of separation of powers

The judicature: Constitution , Ch III

8. Federal jurisdiction: Constitution, s 71

a. Nature of "federal jurisdiction" b. Nature of "matter"

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High Court's appellate jurisdiction: Constitution, s 73

s 73: “The High Court shall have jurisdiction, with such exceptions and subject to such regulations as the Parliament prescribes, to hear and determine appeals from all judgments, decrees, orders, and sentences-

(i) Of any Justice or Justices exercising the original jurisdiction of the High Court;(ii) Of any other federal court, or court exercising federal jurisdiction; or of the Supreme Court

of any State, or of any other court of any State from which at the establishment of the Commonwealth an appeal lies to the Queen in Council;

(iii) Of the Inter-State Commission, but as to questions of law only;

and the judgment of the High Court in all such cases shall be final and conclusive.

But no exception or regulation prescribed by the Parliament shall prevent the High Court from hearing and determining any appeal from the Supreme Court of a State in any matter in which at the establishment of the Commonwealth an appeal lies from such Supreme Court to the Queen in Council.

Until the Parliament otherwise provides, the conditions of and restrictions on appeals to the Queen in Council from the Supreme Courts of the several States shall be applicable to appeals from them to the High Court.”

a. Prerequisites for s 73 jurisdiction b. Parliamentary power to make exceptions and regulate

High Court's original jurisdiction: Constitution, s 75(iii) and s 75(v); s 76(i) and s 76(ii)

s 75: “In all matters …

(iii) In which the Commonwealth, or a person suing or being sued on behalf of the Commonwealth, is a party … the High Court shall have original jurisdiction.

… (v) In which a writ of Mandamus or prohibition or an injunction is sought against an officer of

the Commonwealth … the High Court shall have original jurisdiction.”

s 76: “The Parliament may make laws conferring original jurisdiction on the High Court in any matter …

(i) Arising under this Constitution or involving its interpretation.(ii) Arising under any laws made by the Parliament.”

a. Sections 75-76 specialised original jurisdiction b. "Commonwealth" or person within extended phrase "being sued . . ." in s 75(iii) c. "Officer of the Commonwealth" and relevant remedies under s 75(v) d. Matter "arising under or involving the interpretation of the Constitution" within s 76(i) e. When a matter "arises" within s 76(ii)

Power to define jurisdiction: Constitution, s 77

s 77: “With respect to any of the matters mentioned in the last two sections the Parliament may make laws:

(i) Defining the jurisdiction of any federal court other than the High Court:

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(ii) Defining the extent to which the jurisdiction of any federal court shall be exclusive of that which belongs to or is vested in the courts of the States:

(iii) Investing any Court of a State with federal jurisdiction.”

a. "Any court of a State" b. Role of administrative officers and implications of Harris v Caladine c. Repository of federal judicial power - Kable v DPP

Prohibitions

9a. Prohibition of a State from imposing duties of excise etc: Constitution, s 90

s 90: “On the imposition of uniform duties of customs the power of the Parliament to impose duties of customs and of excise, and to grant bounties on the production or export of goods, shall become exclusive …”

a. "Excise duty" b. What is a duty of excise? The history. c. What is excluded? d. Reason s90 included in Constitution e. The Dennis Hotels anomaly and restrictions on it f. The broad view has triumphed

9b. "Absolute freedom" of trade, commerce and intercourse: Constitution, s 92:

s 92: “On the imposition of uniform duties of customs, trade, commerce, and intercourse among the States, whether by means of internal carriage or ocean navigation, shall be absolutely free…”

a. The fresh start to the interpretation of s 92 in Cole v Whitfield b. The application of the fresh start c. Absolutely free and legitimate local interest d. Marketing legislation

Implied freedom

10a. The implied freedom of communication

a. Freedom of political discussion b. The Lange modifications c. Broad view of political discussion

Federalism

11. Inconsistency between Commonwealth and State laws: Constitution, s 109

s 109: “When a law of a State is inconsistent with a law of the Commonwealth, the latter shall prevail, and the former shall, to the extent of the inconsistency, be invalid.”

a. "Laws"

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b. "Invalid" c. "Inconsistency"

12. Commonwealth-State relations

a. Power of the Commonwealth and the States to make laws binding on each otherb. Commonwealth regulation of States c. State regulation of Commonwealth d. Does Commonwealth have any general immunity?e. Commonwealth subjecting itself to State laws

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CASE LIST

1. Introduction

Amalgamated Society of Engineers v Adelaide Steamship Co Ltd (“Engineers' Case”) (1920) 28 CLR 129 Leask v Commonwealth (1996) 187 CLR 579 Melbourne Corporation v Commonwealth (“Melbourne Corporation Case”) (1947) 74 CLR 31 Murphyores Inc Pty Ltd v Commonwealth (1976) 136 CLR 1 Austin v Commonwealth (2003) 215 CLR 185

2. Trade and commerce power: Constitution , s 51(i)

A-G (WA) v Australian National Airlines Commission (“Ansett Transport Industries Case”) (1976) 138 CLR 492 Airlines of New South Wales v New South Wales (No 2) (“Second Airlines Case”) (1965) 113 CLR 54 Australian National Airways v Commonwealth (1945) 71 CLR 29 Huddart Parker v Commonwealth (1931) 44 CLR 492 Murphyores Inc v Commonwealth (1976) 136 CLR 1 O'Sullivan v Noarlunga Meat (1954) 92 CLR 565R v Foster: ex parte Eastern and Australian Steamship Co (1959) 103 CLR 256 Redfern v Dunlop Rubber Australia (“Redfern's Case”) (1964) 110 CLR 194 Wragg v New South Wales (1953) 88 CLR 353

3a. Taxation power: Constitution , s 51(ii)

Air Caledonie International v Commonwealth (1988) 165 CLR 462 Austin v Commonwealth (2003) 215 CLR 185Australian Tape Manufacturers Association v Commonwealth (“Blank Tape Royalty Case”) (1993) 176 CLR 480 Elliott v Commonwealth (1936) 54 CLR 657 Fairfax v FCT (1965) 114 CLR 1 Fortescue Metals Group Ltd v Commonwealth (2013) 250 CLR 548Harper v Minister for Sea Fisheries (1989) 168 CLR 314Logan Downs v FCT (1965) 112 CLR 177 Northern Suburbs General Cemetery Reserve Trust v Commonwealth (“Training Guarantee Case”) (1993) 176 CLR 555 Osborne v Commonwealth (1911) 12 CLR 321 Pape v Federal Commissioner of Taxation (2009) 238 CLR 1R v Barger (1908) 6 CLR 41 Roy Morgan Research Pty Ltd v Commissioner of Taxation (2011) 244 CLR 97South Australia v Commonwealth (First Uniform Tax Case) (1942) 65 CLR 373 Victoria v Commonwealth (Second Uniform Tax Case) (1957) 99 CLR 575

3b. Provisions in taxation laws: Constitution , s 55

Air Caledonie International v Commonwealth (1988) 165 CLR 462 Australian Tape Manufacturers Association v Commonwealth (1993) 176 CLR 480 Cadbury-Fry-Pascall v FCT (1944) 70 CLR 362 Collector of Customs (NSW) v Southern Shipping Co (1962) 107 CLR 279Luton v Lessels (2002) 210 CLR 333Permanent Trustee Australia Pty Ltd v Commissioner of State Revenue (2004) 220 CLR 388 (pars 55-74)

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Re Dymond (1959) 101 CLR 11

4. Corporations power: Constitution , s 51(xx)

Actors and Announcers Equity Association of Australia v Fontana Films (“Actors Equity Case”) (1982) 150 CLR 169 Commonwealth v Tasmania (“Tasmanian Dam Case”) (1983) 158 CLR 1 Re Dingjan; ex parte Wagner (“Dingjan's Case”) (1995) 183 CLR 323 Fencott v Muller (1983) 152 CLR 570 New South Wales v Commonwealth (“Incorporation Case”) (1990) 169 CLR 482New South Wales v Commonwealth; Western Australia v Commonwealth (2006) 229 CLR 1 (“Work Choices Case”) R v Australian Industrial Court: ex parte C L M Holdings (1977) 136 CLR 235 R v Federal Court of Australia: ex parte Western Australian National Football League (“Adamson's Case”) (1979) 143 CLR 190 State Superannuation Board v Trade Practices Commission (1982) 150 CLR 282 Strickland v Rocla Concrete Pipes (“Concrete Pipes Case”) (1971) 124 CLR 468 Victoria v Commonwealth (“Industrial Relations Act Case”) (1996) 187 CLR 416

5. External affairs power: Constitution , s 51(xxix)

Airlines of New South Wales v New South Wales (No 2) (“Airlines No 2”) (1965) 113 CLR 54 Bradley v Commonwealth (1973) 128 CLR 557 Commonwealth v Tasmania (“Tasmanian Dam Case”) (1983) 158 CLR 1 Koowarta v Bjelke-Petersen (1982) 153 CLR 168 New South Wales v Commonwealth (“Seas and Submerged Lands Act Case”) (1975) 135 CLR 337 Pape v Federal Commissioner of Taxation (2009) 238 CLR 1Polyukhovich v Commonwealth (“War Crimes Act Case”) (1991) 172 CLR 501 Queensland v Commonwealth (“Tropical Rainforest Case”) (1989) 167 CLR 232 R v Burgess: ex parte Henry (1936) 55 CLR 608 R v Poole: ex parte Henry (No 2) (1939) 61 CLR 634 Richardson v The Forestry Commission (1988) 164 CLR 261 Victoria v Commonwealth (“Industrial Relations Act Case”) (1996) 187 CLR 416

6a. Executive power Constitution , s 61

Pape v Federal Commissioner of Taxation (2009) 238 CLR 1Victorian Stevedoring and General Contracting Co and Meakes v Dignan (1931) 46 CLR 73Williams v Commonwealth (2012) 248 CLR 156

6b. Separation of powers: Constitution , s 71

Grollo v Palmer (1995) 184 CLR 348Harris v Caladine (1991) 172 CLR 84 Hilton v Wells (1985) 157 CLR 57 R v Joske: ex parte Australian Building Construction Employees and Builders Labourers Federation (1974) 130 CLR 87 The Boilermakers Case (1956) 94 CLR 254; (1957) 95 CLR 529 Waterside Workers Federation of Australia v J W Alexander (1918) 25 CLR 434 Wilson v Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affair (1996) 189 CLR 1

7. Judicial power of the Commonwealth: Constitution , s 71

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Attorney-General (Cth) v Breckler (1999) 197 CLR 83Attorney-General (Cth) v Alinta (2008) 233 CLR 542Australian Communications & Media Authority v Today (FM) Sydney Pty Ltd [2015] HCA 7 (4 March 2015)Brandy v Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (“Brandy's Case”) (1995) 183 CLR 245 Cominos v Cominos (1972) 127 CLR 588 Farbenfabriken Bayer Aktiengesellschaft v Bayer Pharma (1959) 101 CLR 652 Huddart Parker v Moorehead (1909) 8 CLR 330Lane v Morrison (2009) 239 CLR 230Precision Data Holdings v Wills (1991) 173 CLR 167 R v Commonwealth Industrial Court: ex parte Amalgamated Engineering Union Australian Section (“Shearer's Case”) (1960) 103 CLR 368 R v Davison (1954) 90 CLR 353 R v Joske: ex parte Australian Building Construction Employees and Builders Labourers Federation (1974) 130 CLR 87 R v Quinn: ex parte Consolidated Foods (1977) 138 CLR 1 R v Spicer: ex parte Australian Builders Labourers Federation (1957) 100 CLR 277 R v Spicer: ex parte Waterside Workers Federation of Australia (1957) 100 CLR 312 R v Trade Practices Tribunal: ex parte Tasmanian Breweries (1970) 123 CLR 361 Re Tracey: ex parte Ryan (1989) 166 CLR 518Rola Co (Australia) v Commonwealth (1944) 69 CLR 185Thomas v Mowbray (2007) 233 CLR 307

8a. Courts and federal jurisdiction: Constitution , s 71

R v Bevan: ex parte Elias (1942) 66 CLR 452 In re Judiciary and Navigation Acts (1921) 29 CLR 257 Re Wakim; ex parte McNally (1999) 198 CLR 511 R v Hickman; ex parte Fox and Clinton (1945) 70 CLR 598 The Marriage Act Case (1962) 107 CLR 529

8b. High Court's appellate jurisdiction: Constitution, s 73

Cockle v Isaksen (1957) 99 CLR 155 Mellifont v A-G (Q) (1991) 173 CLR 289 O'Toole v Charles David (1990) 171 CLR 232 Smith Kline and French Laboratories (Australia) v Commonwealth (1991) 173 CLR 194

8c. High Court's original jurisdiction: Constitution , ss 75, 76

(1) Section 75(iii)

Bank of New South Wales v Commonwealth (1948) 76 CLR 1 (“Bank Nationalisation” case)Inglis v Commonwealth Trading Bank (1969) 119 CLR 334 R v Collins: ex parte ACTU-Solo Enterprises (1976) 50 ALJR 471Repatriation Commission v Kirkland (1923) 32 CLR 1 Toowoomba Foundry v Commonwealth (1945) 71 CLR 545

(2) Section 75(v)

Bodruddaza v Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs (2007) 228 CLR 651Plaintiff S157/2002 v Commonwealth of Australia (2003) 211 CLR 476R v Cook; ex parte Twigg (1980) 147 CLR 15 R v Drake-Brockman: ex parte National Oil (1943) 68 CLR 51 R v Murray: ex parte Commonwealth (1916) 22 CLR 437

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Re Refugee Review Tribunal; Ex parte Aala (2000) 204 CLR 82

(3) Section 76(i)

A-G (NSW) v Commonwealth Savings Bank (1986) 160 CLR 315 James v South Australia (1927) 40 CLR 1

(4) Section 76(ii)

Felton v Mulligan (1971) 124 CLR 367 R v Commonwealth Court of Conciliation and Arbitration: ex parte Barrett (1945) 70 CLR 141 Watson v FCT (1953) 87 CLR 353

8d. Investing State courts with federal jurisdiction: Constitution , s 77(iii)

Commonwealth v Hospital Contribution Fund of Australia (1982) 150 CLR 49 Harris v Caladine (1991) 172 CLR 84 (s77(ii))Kable v Director of Public Prosecutions NSW (1996) 189 CLR 51

9a. Duties of excise: Constitution , s 90

Capital Duplicators v Australian Capital Territory (No 2) (1993) 178 CLR 561 Dennis Hotels v Victoria (1960) 104 CLR 529 Dickenson's Arcade v Tasmania (1974) 130 CLR 177 Gosford Meats v New South Wales (1985) 155 CLR 368 Ha v New South Wales (1997) 189 CLR 465 H C Sleigh v South Australia (1977) 136 CLR 475 Harper v Minister for Sea Fisheries (1989) 168 CLR 314Harper v Victoria (1966) 114 CLR 361 Hematite Petroleum v Victoria (1983) 151 CLR 599 Logan Downs v Queensland (1977) 137 CLR 59 Matthews v Chicory Marketing Board (Victoria) (1938) 60 CLR 263 Parton v Milk Board (Victoria) (1949) 80 CLR 229

9b. Freedom of inter-state trade: Constitution , s 92

Barley Marketing Board (NSW) v Norman (1990) 171 CLR 182 Bath v Alston Holdings (1988) 165 CLR 411 Betfair Pty Ltd v Western Australia (2008) 234 CLR 418Castlemaine Tooheys v South Australia (1990) 169 CLR 436 Cole v Whitfield (1988) 165 CLR 360 Sportsbet Pty Ltd v New South Wales (2012) 249 CLR 298

10. Implied freedom of political communication

Aust Capital Television v Commonwealth (No 2) (1992) 177 CLR 106 Coleman v Power (2004) 220 CLR 1Lange v Australian Broadcasting Corp (1997) 189 CLR 520 Nationwide News v Wills (1992) 177 CLR 1 Unions NSW v New South Wales [2013] HCA 58 (2013) 88 ALJR 227Wotton v State of Queensland (2012) 246 CLR 1

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11. Inconsistency of laws: Constitution , s 109

Airlines of New South Wales v New South Wales (No 2) (“Second Airlines Case”) (1965) 113 CLR 54 Ansett Transport Industries (Operations) v Wardley (1980) 142 CLR 237 Clyde Engineering Co v Cowburn (1926) 37 CLR 466 Colvin v Bradley Bros (1943) 68 CLR 151 Commercial Radio Coffs Harbour v Fuller (1986) 161 CLR 47 Dickson v The Queen (2010) 241 CLR 491Ex parte McLean (1930) 43 CLR 472 O'Sullivan v Noarlunga Meat (1954) 92 CLR 565 R v Credit Tribunal: ex parte General Motors Acceptance Corporation, Australia (1977) 137 CLR 545 Viskauskas v Niland (1983) 153 CLR 280 Wenn v A-G (Vic) (1948) 77 CLR 84 Wollongong University v Metwally (1984) 158 CLR 447

12. Commonwealth – State relations

Amalgamated Society of Engineers v The Adelaide Steamship Co (“Engineers Case”) (1920) 28 CLR 129 Austin v Commonwealth (2003) 215 CLR 185 Australian Coastal Shipping Commission v O'Reilly (1962) 107 CLR 46Clarke v Federal Commissioner of Taxation (2009) 258 CLR 272Commonwealth v Cigamatic (1962) 108 CLR 372 Commonwealth v Tasmania (“Tasmanian Dam Case”) (1983) 158 CLR 1 Melbourne Corporation v Commonwealth (Melbourne Corporation Case”) (1947) 74 CLR 31 Pirrie v McFarlane (1925) 36 CLR 170 Queensland Electricity Commission v Commonwealth (1985) 159 CLR 192 Re The Residential Tenancies Tribunal of NSW and Henderson; Ex parte The Defence Housing Authority (“Hendersons Case”) (1997) 190 CLR 410 Victoria v Commonwealth (1971) (“Payroll Tax Case”) 122 CLR 353 West v Commissioner of Taxation (1937) 56 CLR 657

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LECTURE OUTLINES

LECTURE 1 INTRODUCTION

Essential Cases :- ● Amalgamated Society of Engineers v Adelaide Steamship Co Ltd (“Engineers' Case”) (1920)

115 CLR 418 ● Leask v Commonwealth (1996) 187 CLR 579 ● Melbourne Corporation v Commonwealth (“Melbourne Corporation Case”) (1947) 74 CLR 1 ● Murphyores Inc Pty Ltd v Commonwealth (1976) 136 CLR 1

Issues:- ● Interpretation of the Constitution

a. Scope of head of power b. Characterisation c. Restrictions

Desired outcomes:-Characterisation involves the process of deciding whether a Commonwealth law is authorised by a particular head of legislative power. As an initial step it is necessary to understand the scope and meaning of the particular head of Commonwealth power and a number of rules of interpretation need to be understood to determine the “meaning” of the Commonwealth head of power.

Once the meaning of the head of power is understood by the application of those rules of interpretation a valid Commonwealth power must fall within, either (i) a “core” or “main grant” of the head of Commonwealth legislative power or come within, (ii) the incidental scope of that power and finally (iii) the proposed law must not infringe any restriction either express or implied. Again in relation to each of those steps there are a number of rules that must be applied. In deciding whether the law comes within the core of a head of power it is necessary to analyse the operation of the law but when considering whether the law comes within the incidental scope of the power it becomes an analysis of ‘sufficient connection’. Finally one has to consider whether the proposed law infringes any restriction either express or implied.

An enquiry into “proportionality” of a law is an enquiry as to whether the law is “appropriate and adapted” to come within the incidental scope. In Leask the High Court undertook an analysis of proportionality and concluded that it was not a decisive factor when considering a non-purposive head of power. Considerations of proportionality will be relevant under a purpose head of power but otherwise its main relevance will be when considering whether to strike down a law under either an express or implied restriction.

LECTURE 2 TRADE & COMMERCE POWER s 51(i)

Essential Cases:-● Airlines of New South Wales Pty Ltd v New South Wales (No 2) (“Second Airlines Case”)

(1965) 113 CLR 54 ● Attorney-General (WA) (Ex rel Ansett Transport Industries (Operations) Pty Ltd) v Australian

National Airlines Commission (“Ansett Transport Industries Case”) (1976) 138 CLR 492 ● Australian National Airways v Commonwealth (1945) 71 CLR 29 ● Murphyores Inc Pty Ltd v Commonwealth (1976) 136 CLR 1 ● O'Sullivan v Noarlunga Meat Ltd (1954) 92 CLR 565 ● Redfern v Dunlop Rubber Australia Ltd (“Redfern's Case”) 1964 110 CLR 194

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Issues:- ● Introduction● Understanding the concepts of “trade and commerce” including what is not within the concept● Activities of interstate and overseas trade and commerce ● Regulation of intrastate trade and commerce

Desired outcomes:- The apparent width of this grant of power is limited by the distinction that has to be drawn between interstate and overseas trade and commerce on the one hand and intrastate (domestic or local) trade and commerce on the other hand. Only those activities that fall within the first limb can be subject to a Commonwealth law pursuant to s 51(i). The distinction between the first type of activity and the second is a distinction made by the Constitution and must be respected.

Whilst the Commonwealth is empowered to make laws with respect to interstate and overseas trade and commerce the Commonwealth can enter the field and itself engage in these activities.

The actual grant refers to making laws with respect to interstate and overseas trade and commerce so the principal thrust of Commonwealth laws will be regulating these activities. The core of s 51(i) is commercial movement overseas or interstate.

A more complex issue is the scope of the incidental power of s 51(i) and the extent to which the Commonwealth may be able to regulate intrastate (domestic or local) trade and commerce. It will depend upon whether the intrastate activity has a “sufficient connection”. Traditionally this has demanded a physical connection rather than an economic connection.

LECTURE 3-4 TAXATION POWER s 51(ii) and s 55

Essential Cases:- ● Air Caledonie International v Commonwealth (1988) 165 CLR 462 ● Australian Tape Manufacturers Association v Commonwealth ("Blank Tape Royalty Case”) ● Elliott v Commonwealth (1936) 54 CLR 657 ● Fairfax v FCT (1965) 114 CLR 1● Fortescue Metals Group Ltd v Commonwealth (2013) 250 CLR 548● Northern Suburbs General Cemetery Trust v Commonwealth (“Training Guarantee Case”)

(1993) 176 CLR 555● Permanent Trustee Australia Pty Ltd v Commissioner of State Revenue (2004) 220 CLR 388

(pars 55-74)● R v Barger (1908) 6 CLR 41

Issues:- ● Is it tax? ● Is it revenue-raising or regulatory? ● If it is tax does it infringe a restriction on the tax power? ● Consideration of the two limbs to Constitution s 55

Desired outcomes:- This is not an exclusive Commonwealth power. Later we will examine how s 90 excludes the States from imposing customs and excise duties and as a result those forms of taxation are exclusive to the Commonwealth.

After considering the fundamental elements of tax from the classic description, “a compulsory exaction of money by a public authority for public purposes and not a payment for services rendered”, it becomes apparent that there is little chance of the taxpayer challenging a tax law as not complying with the elements of tax.

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Excluded from being a tax is a fee for service. The distinction between the two arises particularly under s 90. If the levy is a fee for service then the law must be authorised by some other power in the Constitution.

The taxation power is an important power to any federal government. It is this feature that gives rise to arguments by a taxpayer that the law is not revenue raising but is regulatory of some activity that may or may not be within the Commonwealth catalogue of powers. The issue posed is one of characterisation. Do we identify the law as regulatory not revenue raising by looking at the effect of the law or do we consider what it does in substance? When determining the substance of the law it is necessary to ask, “What obligation is imposed?”

The main restriction examined is the prohibition against discrimination contained within s 51(ii). If the law is uniform but in its operation affects different parts of Australia in a discriminatory manner will the prohibition apply? The discrimination refers to States or parts of States and it is necessary to consider what rules apply when interpreting this aspect of the prohibition.

Section 55 imposes procedural imperatives for taxation laws outlined in Permanent Trustee.

LECTURE 4-5 CORPORATIONS POWER s 51(xx)

Essential Cases:- ● Actors and Announcers Equity Association of Australia v Fontana Films ("Actors Equity”)

(1982) 150 CLR 169 ● Commonwealth v Tasmania (“Tasmanian Dam Case”) (1983) 158 CLR 1 ● Re Dingjan; ex parte Wagner (1995) 183 CLR 323 ● New South Wales v Commonwealth (1990) 169 CLR 48● New South Wales v Commonwealth; Western Australia v Commonwealth (2006) 229 CLR 1

(“Work Choices Case”) ● R v Federal Court of Australia; ex parte Western Australian National Football League

(“Adamson's Case”) (1979) 143 CLR 190 ● Strickland v Rocla Concrete Pipes Ltd (“Concrete Pipes Case”) (1971) 124 CLR 468 ● Victoria v Commonwealth (“Industrial Relations Case”) (1996) 187 CLR 416

Issues:- ● What characterises a corporation as “trading or financial”? ● How do you identify a law within the core of the power? ● Does the power extend to include incorporation? ● Does the power extend to liquidation? ● What matters fall within the incidental scope?

Desired outcomes:- Historically the High Court gave a very narrow interpretation to the scope of this power and that can be explained by the judicial approach seen in Huddart Parker & Co Ltd v Moorehead (1909) 8 CLR 330. It is the strong dissent of Isaac J in the judgment that is the more interesting as he would have held the law to be valid.

A new approach to the scope of the power was signalled in Concrete Pipes.

Section 51(xx) refers to three types of corporations and the power is limited to those three types. It is necessary to consider the law on the identification of those three types of corporations. The High Court has divided on the subject of the identification of a trading corporation. Whilst there have existed a division of views, over the years, the focus has become: What are the corporation's activities? Are they trading and financial? To what extent must the corporation be found to be engaging in trading or financial activities?

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Another major issue is the extent to which a s 51(xx) corporation may be regulated. Historically there was a restricted view that was rejected in Concrete Pipes, but more recent decisions of the High Court have expanded it to activities of outsiders where those activities impact upon the trading activities of a trading corporation. Later decisions expand the power even further but there is a continuing division of opinion within the High Court (see Dingjan).

The division of opinion as to how to characterise a valid s 51(xx) law is resolved by the clear majority view on the width of the power in the “WorkChoices Case”.

Finally there is the operation of the incidental scope of s 51(xx).

LECTURE 5-6 EXTERNAL AFFAIRS POWER s 51(xxix)

Essential Cases:- ● Airlines of New South Wales v New South Wales (No 2) (“Airlines Case”) (1965) 113 CLR 54 ● Commonwealth v Tasmania (“Tasmanian Dam Case”) (1983) 158 CLR 1 ● Koowarta v Bjelke-Petersen (1982) 153 CLR 168 ● Polyukhovich v Commonwealth (“War Crimes Act Case”) (1991) 172 CLR 501 ● R v Burgess; ex parte Henry (1936) 55 CLR 608 ● R v Poole; ex parte Henry (No 2) (1939) 61 CLR 634 ● Richardson v Forestry Commission (1988) 164 CLR 261 ● Victoria v Commonwealth (“Industrial Relations Act Case”) (1996) 187 CLR 416

Issues:- ● External affairs:-

(a) relations with other countries; (b) matters external to Australia and (c) international law. ● Matters physically external to Australia:-

o New South Wales v Commonwealth (“Seas and Submerged Lands Act Case”) (1975) 135 CLR 337 and the “War Crimes Act Case”.

● Treaties and Conventions; ● Historically the different views on the external affairs power;

Koowarta illustrates the differing views and needs to be understood as the forerunner to Tasmanian Dam. In Tasmanian Dam the majority decided that the broad view of Evatt J and McTiernan J in Burgess was correct. This has been re-affirmed by the later cases such as Richardson.

● Need for bona fides;● The Parliament can legislate to implement obligations that Australia has incurred under

international instruments;● Identification of international obligations is an issue of fact;● Need for law to prescribe a regime contemplated by the treaty;● Obligations and/or recommendations; ● Legislation implementing the treaty, creation of domestic obligations;● Legislation must conform to the treaty it must be capable of being seen as reasonably adapted

and appropriate by discussing o Burgess; Poole; Airlines; Richardson and Queensland v Commonwealth (“Tropical

Rainforest Case”) (1989) 167 CLR 232 and The Industrial Relations Case;● Is partial implementation satisfactory;● Undermining the federal balance of powers;● International relations apart from treaty.

Desired outcomes:- The Commonwealth can legislate with respect to affairs external to Australia. Affairs external to Australia will include laws with respect to (a) relations with other countries and (b) persons or matters external to Australia.

The focus of attention of the High Court in recent years has been the implementation of treaties and conventions to which Australia is a party. The Commonwealth clearly has the capacity to enter into

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treaties and conventions. The executive conducts the treaty-making processes and at the initial stage the domestic law of Australia is not altered.

The controversial aspect of the Commonwealth power is the power to legislate to give effect to the terms of the treaty, as this will usually involve the Commonwealth law dealing with a matter that is not normally within its legislative competence. The issue has been resolved - no longer must the treaty deal with a matter of international concern. If a topic becomes the subject of a treaty then it is necessarily international in character.

The carrying out of international obligations is central to the treaty implementation aspect of s 51(xxix) but the power is not limited to obligations. Later judgments of the High Court extend the power to non-obligatory aspects of the international agreement. The Commonwealth can pass laws to discharge known obligations as well as reasonably apprehended obligations. Whether the implementing law can be described as one that implements an obligation cast by the treaty depends upon a consideration of the extent to which the domestic law needs to conform to the terms of the treaty. The adherence must be at least an adherence in substance. The law must be appropriate and adapted to the purpose of the power. When will the implementation be so deficient that it is not a valid law within s 51(xxix) and consider the discussion in Vic v Cth.

The power under s 51(xxix) is subject to the express and implied limitations of the Constitution. The Commonwealth cannot rely on a treaty as a device to attract legislative power - the treaty must be entered into bona fide. The power must not be used to impair the continued existence of the States or to impair their capacity to function as States.

Where a matter is not the subject of treaty obligations but is a matter of international concern then the Commonwealth can enact legislation on that matter.

LECTURE 7 SEPARATION OF POWERS Essential Cases:-

● R v Kirby; ex parte Boilermakers' Society of Australia (“Boilermakers Case”) (1956) 94 CLR 254; and (1957) 95 CLR 529

● Waterside Workers Federation of Australia v JW Alexander (1918) 25 CLR 434 ● Victorian Stevedoring & General Contracting Co Pty Ltd & Meakes v Dignan (1931) 46 CLR

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Issues:- ● Boilermakers Case in both the High Court and Privy Council propounded a separation of

powers between s 71 courts and other non-judicial bodies whilst leaving a fusion of powers between the legislature and the executive.

● The reasons for Boilermakers and its credibility together with its application. ● Exceptions to Boilermakers:-

a. delegation of judicial power Harris v Caladine (1991) 172 CLR 84b. designated person rule Hilton v Wells (1985) 157 CLR 57; Wilson v Minister for

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs (1996) 189 CLR 1c. historical characterisation of powerd. other exceptions

Desired outcomes:- At a federal level there is no strict separation of the powers of the legislature and executive branches of the government. It is the Executive that executes and maintains the laws. The Executive is able to engage in a kind of law-making power by making sub-laws similar to the laws of the Parliament. But the delegation of law-making power to the Executive is subject to limitations.

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In a practical sense the separation of powers doctrine is more concerned with the separation of judicial and non-judicial powers as between the judiciary and the Executive and to a lesser extent as between the judiciary and the legislature.

The legislature is only authorised to vest judicial power in s 71 courts though there are minor exceptions such as the power exercised by a court martial. Non-judicial power may not be vested in s 71 courts though again there are exceptions.

The basis of the Boilermakers principle has to be considered as well as its credibility. The erosion of the Boilermakers principle as evidenced by the designated person rule and the various limits that were later placed on this rule needs to be considered.

Finally there is a need to consider the practical consequences of the application of the Boilermakers principle.

LECTURE 8 JUDICIAL POWER OF COMMONWEALTH

Essential Cases:- ● Brandy v Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (1995) 183 CLR 245 ● Attorney-General (Commonwealth) v Breckler (1999) 197 CLR 83 ● Huddart Parker & Co Ltd v Moorehead (1909) 8 CLR 330 ● Precision Data Holdings v Wills (1991) 173 CLR 167 ● R v Trade Practices Tribunal; ex parte Tasmanian Breweries Pty Ltd (1970) 123 CLR 361 ● R v Quinn; ex parte Consolidated Foods (1977) 138 CLR 1

Issues:- ● Consideration of the nature of judicial power as opposed to non-judicial power. ● At least six factors can be considered:

a. definitive decision itself declaring rights b. declaring existing rights under existing law c. decision based on legal standards d. presence of trappings of a court e. basic legal rights test f. historical test

Desired outcomes:- It is difficult to identify an exercise of judicial power. The factors that help to identify what is an exercise of judicial power are those listed.

If the decision is fact-finding, preliminary then it is not judicial power. To be an exercise of judicial power the decision itself must determine rights.

A declaration of existing rights under existing law is judicial power and by way of contrast need to consider arbitration resulting in an award. The award creates new rights.

If the body exercises judicial power then it must come to its decision by applying certain definite legal standards and contrast that with a non-judicial body applying policy-making criteria. A judicial body determines basic legal rights as opposed to statutory rights.

The exercise of judicial power is usually surrounded by the trappings of a court.

Finally history may classify an exercise of power as either judicial or non-judicial.

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LECTURE 9 FEDERAL JURISDICTION

Essential cases:-● In re Judiciary and Navigation Acts (1921) 29 CLR 257 ● Re Wakim; ex parte McNally (1999) 198 CLR 511

Issues:- ● Jurisdiction of the High Court and other federal courts ● High Court: appellate jurisdiction s 73 ● High Court: original jurisdiction ss 75, 76 in particular s 75 (iii), s 75(v), s 76(i), s 76(ii) ● Other courts exercising federal jurisdiction s 77

LECTURE 10 DUTIES OF EXCISE

Essential Cases:- ● Capital Duplicators Pty Ltd v ACT (No 2) (1993) 178 CLR 561 ● Dennis Hotels Pty Ltd v Victoria (1960) 104 CLR 529 ● Ha v New South Wales (1997) 189 CLR 465 ● Hematite Petroleum Pty Ltd v Victoria (1983) 151 CLR 599 ● Matthews v Chicory Marketing Board (Victoria) (1938) 60 CLR 263● Parton v Milk Board (Victoria) (1949)80 CLR 229

Issues:- ● What is an excise duty? ● The first approach in Peterswald v Bartley (1904) 1 CLR 497 ● What is excluded? ● Reason s 90 included in Constitution● Departure from the earliest view Parton v Milk Board (Vic) (1949) 80 CLR 263● Stages of interpretation from the narrow view to the broad view looking at case law● Restrictions on Dennis Hotels formula

Desired outcomes:-An excise duty is a form of taxation vested exclusively in the Commonwealth due to the prohibition in s 90. The power of the Commonwealth to impose excise duties is s 51(ii). The object and purpose of s 90 needs to be considered to understand why this form of tax is prohibited to the States.

When a State government is challenged in respect of a levy made by it, the most likely argument raised by the State will be that the levy is a fee for service or equivalent to a fee for service charge.

Whether or not a tax is a tax upon goods requires consideration of the different approaches taken by the High Court commencing with the definition originally given in Peterswald v Bartley (1904) 1 CLR 497. But as early as 1938 (Matthews) and 1949 (Parton) an expanded definition existed and ultimately it is the broad view that prevails.

In deciding whether a tax is a tax upon goods or a fee for a licence in relation to goods imposed by a State a debate waged in the High Court as to what was the proper approach. Was it proper to look to the “criterion of liability” or the ”substance” approach? The differences emerged in Dennis Hotels and the issues raised were not finally settled till the High Court judgment in Ha.

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LECTURE 10 (cont.) FREEDOM OF INTERSTATE TRADE s 92

Essential Cases:-● Barley Marketing Board (NSW) v Norman (1990) 171 CLR 182 ● Bath v Alston Holdings Pty Ltd (1988) 165 CLR 411 ● Castlemaine Tooheys Ltd v South Australia (1990) 169 CLR 436 ● Cole v Whitfield (1988) 165 CLR 360

Issues:- ● A new interpretation of s 92 in Cole v Whitfield● Different views in Bath v Alston Holdings● Absolutely free and legitimate local interest● Marketing legislation

Desired outcomes:-The joint judgment in Cole v Whitfield found that the Sea Regulations of Tasmania did not infringe s 92 and provided a new interpretation of its operation namely that the Regulations did not constitute a discriminatory burden on interstate trade of a protectionist kind. This new test involved identifying the types of burdens from which s 92 guarantees freedom. It is always an initial question whether there is a burden on interstate trade and commerce. Further the burden must be found to discriminate. When considering whether the law discriminates, the guarantee in s 92 is to be treated as one of substance and not just one of form. This means that to be subjected to a challenge based on s 92 the student will need to consider whether the law on its face subjects trade or commerce to a disability or disadvantage or if the factual operation of the law produces such a result. Assuming that a discriminatory burden on interstate trade and commerce can be identified, the final step is to consider whether it is a protectionist law.

The issue of protectionism requires an understanding of Castlemaine Tooheys Ltd v South Australia. It was agreed by the parties that the first two conditions in Cole v Whitfield were satisfied but the State of South Australia argued that the State law and regulations in so far as they burdened the interstate sale of beer in non-refillable bottles did so to protect the environment. The issue became was the law protectionist or was it to protect a legitimate local interest? The High Court considered whether there was a legitimate local interest; whether the measures adopted were necessary, appropriate and adapted and was the impact on interstate trade and commerce incidental and not disproportionate? Ultimately it was found that the laws were protectionist in nature.

LECTURE 11 IMPLIED FREEDOM OF POLITICAL COMMUNICATION

Essential Cases:- ● Australian Capital Television v Commonwealth (No 2) (1992) 177 CLR 106● Lange v Australian Broadcasting Corp (1997) 189 CLR 520 ● Nationwide News v Wills (1992) 177 CLR 1 ● Unions NSW v New South Wales [2013] HCA 58 (2013) 88 ALJR 227

Issues:- ● Freedom of political communication ● The Lange modifications ● Consideration of appropriate and adapted burdens● Freedom limited to extent of need

Desired outcomes:-There are few express rights and freedoms in the Constitution, but there are some implied freedoms. The implied freedom of communication found support from a majority of judges of the High Court in 1992 in the decisions in Nationwide News and Australian Capital Television. The reasoning of the

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majority in Nationwide News was based on the system of representative government prescribed by the Constitution. The existence of the implied freedom was confirmed in Australian Capital Television but the reasoning for some of the judges became representative democracy.

The possibilities of this new found freedom were never realised due to the unanimous view expressed in Lange’s Case in 1997. Thereafter the freedom operated as a restriction on legislative power. The test to determine whether a law of a State or a law of the Commonwealth infringes the freedom is explained by the High Court at pp567-8 of the reported judgment. After Coleman v Power the end and the manner of its achievement must be compatible with the system of representative and responsible government

LECTURE 11 (cont.)_ INCONSISTENCY OF LAWS s 109

Essential Cases:- ● Airlines of New South Wales Pty Ltd v NSW (No 2) (“Second Airlines Case”) (1965) 113 CLR

54 ● Ansett Transport Industries (Operations) Pty Ltd v Wardley (1980) 142 CLR 237 ● Clyde Engineering Co Ltd v Cowburn (1926) 37 CLR 466 ● Commercial Radio Coffs Harbour v Fuller (1986) 161 CLR 47 ● Ex parte McLean (1930) 43 CLR 472

Issues:- ● Meaning of “law”? ● Meaning of “invalid”? ● Meaning of “inconsistency”? ● Tests for inconsistency

Desired outcomes:-

It is an essential requirement of s109 that there firstly be a valid Commonwealth law and a valid State law. An inconsistent State law is not rendered “void”. The word “invalid” in s109 means inoperative whilst the inconsistency exists and only inoperative, to the extent of inconsistency, unless severance is not possible.

The main focus of the lecture is upon “inconsistency”. This gives rise to question about simultaneous obedience, conferral of rights and cover the field inconsistency. Initially the discussion focuses upon direct inconsistency which does not lead to difficulty but included in the discussion of direct inconsistency thought has to be given to the situation where both the Commonwealth and a State provide inconsistent criminal penalties for similar conduct and in this context be aware that this does not always generate s109 inconsistency.

A more complex area is indirect inconsistency which may arise when the Commonwealth attempts to cover the field and a State law intrudes into that field. This requires consideration of the Commonwealth intention which may be express or implied. Most importantly it also requires correct identification of the “field” that is covered and finally consideration of whether a State law has trespassed into that field.

Finally it is important to consider whether a Commonwealth law can retrospectively declare an intention not to cover the field exclusively see Metwally.

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LECTURE 12 COMMONWEALTH–STATE RELATIONS

Essential Cases:- ● Amalgamated Society of Engineers v Adelaide Steamship Co Ltd (“Engineers Case”) (1920)

28 CLR 129 ● Austin v Commonwealth (2003) 215 CLR 185● Commonwealth v Cigamatic (1962) 108 CLR 372 ● Melbourne Corporation v Commonwealth (“Melbourne Corporation Case”) (1947) 74 CLR 31 ● Pirrie v McFarlane (1925) 36 CLR 170 ● Re The Residential Tenancies Tribunal of NSW & Henderson; ex parte The Defence Housing

Authority (“Henderson's Case”) (1997) 190 CLR 410 ● Victoria v Commonwealth (“Payroll Tax Case”) (1971) 122 CLR 353

Issues:- ● Extent of inter-governmental immunities● Different periods of High Court (1904-1920); (1920-1947); (post-1947)● Commonwealth regulation of States● State regulation of Commonwealth● Does Commonwealth have any general immunity● Capacity of Commonwealth to protect itself● Commonwealth subjecting itself to State law

Desired outcomes:-

In a practical sense it is necessary to be able to resolve two questions: Can a Victorian Stamp Duty Act apply to a receipt issued by a Commonwealth Department in Victoria?” and “Can a Commonwealth industrial award apply to employees of the New South Wales Government?”

It needs to be asked as a preliminary question “Does the legislation bind the Crown?” In addition this involves consideration of “Who is the Crown?”

When considering the power of the Commonwealth the main focus of the lecture will be Engineers Case and Melbourne Corporation. A much more complex discussion is needed when the lecture considers the power of the States to regulate the Commonwealth partly because the Commonwealth has the capacity to protect itself.

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SAMPLE EXAMINATION QUESTIONS

EXAMINATION QUESTIONS MARCH 2015

Question 1

Assume that the Commonwealth Government wishes to minimise and prevent industrial pollution and to this end it introduces the Anti-Pollution Act 2015 (Cth). The Act establishes a Pollution Control Board. The Pollution Control Board is authorised to levy an annual levy of $200,000 on all production and manufacturing industries operating in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane with a turnover of $5 million or more. The levy is payable by 30th of June in each year and penalties are imposed at a daily rate for late payment of any levy.

The levy is paid into an Anti-Pollution Fund to be used by the Board for its purposes. The Board is authorised to collect relevant data from each production and manufacturing industry for the purpose of developing specific measures to be undertaken to reduce pollution. The Board is charged with the obligation of supervising the implementation of pollution reduction measures. It is not expected that the levy will raise revenue beyond what is needed to cover the cost of the Board’s activities.

Cotton Fabrics is liable to a charge under the Act. It carries on a production business in Brisbane. It wishes to challenge the validity of the Anti-Pollution Act 2015 (Cth).

Advise Cotton Fabrics.

Question 2

A group of religious organisations - all incorporated companies - operating in New South Wales raise funds to assist homeless people. The companies manufacture “sleeping kits” to which they sell sponsorship rights. The companies receive, annually, a substantial grant from the New South Wales Government. The “sleeping kits” are provided to the homeless free of charge. The “sleeping kits” have proved so successful that the companies have responded to public pressure and now manufacture and sell “sleeping kits” to the general public.

After six years of operation the companies are not making a profit from the sale of “sleeping kits” to the general public but they expect to be profitable within a decade.

Commercial competitors in the business of selling “sleeping kits” are angry at the low prices being set for the sale of “sleeping kits” to the general public and wish the Commonwealth Government to intervene. The Commonwealth Government proposes to control the prices being charged by the companies for the “sleeping kits”.

The companies also have an agreement about a limitation on share transfers from members to outsiders. Under the agreement shares in the companies are to be transferred only to committed members of the religious organisations, and the various articles of association expressly stipulate that the companies, through their directors, will refuse to register on the registers of members transfers other than transfers to committed members of the religious organisations.

Can the Commonwealth Parliament relying upon Constitution s51(xx) introduce legislation to

a. control the prices charged for the “sleeping kits” and

b. control the restriction on share transfers from members to outsiders.

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Question 3

Assume the Commonwealth Government is a signatory to the International Convention to Control Air Pollution 2012. The object and purpose of the Convention is to minimise and prevent environmental damage caused by industrial pollution. Under the Convention each of the signatory States agrees to assess the extent of environmental harm caused by industrial pollutants, submit data on it and convey specific measures to be undertaken for the prevention of pollution to an international database. The Convention requires ratification by the signatory States.

In 2013 Australia signs the Convention and the Commonwealth Parliament ratifies the Convention.

Following ratification of the Convention the Commonwealth Parliament enacts the Control of Air Pollution Act 2014 (Cth). The statute recites the Convention and the need to reduce air pollution. To reduce air pollution, s.20 of the Act makes mandatory the use of unleaded fuel in all kinds of motor vehicles used in Australia.

The Act makes special provision, s22, for the conversion of vehicles using leaded fuel or diesel fuel. A general time limit for the conversion of vehicles is set at two years after the date of enactment. The time limit for the conversion of all State owned vehicles is set at six months from the date of enactment. The relevant Minister explains that the shorter time limit being imposed on State owned vehicles is to ensure that State governments act as exemplary citizens and also to ensure that each State has in place the appropriate facilities for the conversion to be undertaken.

The Act provides in s24 for a range of penalties for failing to comply with the time limits set under s22.

The State of Western Australia owns and operates a substantial fleet of vehicles which all use leaded fuel and seeks your advice. The State wishes to challenge the validity of the Control of Air Pollution Act 2014 (Cth) and seeks your advice.

Advise Western Australia.

Question 4

Assume the Imports Authority Act 2015 (Cth) establishes an Import Services Tribunal to hear applications to obtain an import licence and to hear complaints by the Controller of Imports (Cth) for the cancellation or suspension of an importer’s licence on the ground that the holder of the licence is no longer a “fit and proper person” to continue to hold a licence.

When making a determination that the holder of an import licence is not a “fit and proper person” the Tribunal can consider whether any offences have been committed under the Imports Authority Act in particular the making of a “false declaration in respect of the description of the goods being imported”.

When hearing a complaint for the cancellation of a licence the Tribunal sits as a three member body comprising the President who is a Federal Court judge and two members who have relevant industry experience. All members of the Tribunal are appointed till the age of 55.

The Imports Authority Act provides that any question of law arising in the proceedings can be referred to a single judge of the Federal Court of Australia.

The Tribunal has heard a complaint against AB who holds a licence and has made a declaration that AB is no longer a “fit and proper person” to hold a licence. When making its determination the Tribunal took into account that there had been breaches of the Imports Authority Act due to AB making a false declaration that goods were consumables. The Tribunal ordered that AB’s licence be suspended for a period of 12 months whilst AB undertook further training in respect of an importer’s licence obligations. AB was ordered to pay costs.

The Imports Authority Act provides that decisions of the Tribunal “shall not be challenged or questioned in any court of law”.

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AB has lost his livelihood by the decision of the Tribunal and he seeks your advice as he wishes to appeal to the High Court.

Advise AB on these issues:-

a. Is the Import Services Tribunal a judicial or non-judicial body and is it able to validly exercise the powers and functions it has exercised?

b. What is the nature of the proceedings before the single judge of the Federal Court of Australia? Explain the constitutional provisions that authorise the jurisdiction.

c. Can AB appeal to the High Court or seek review in the High Court of the orders made by the Tribunal?

Question 5

Assume that the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth) provides that in certain circumstances, a hire-purchase company, financing a car transaction, “is not under any liability to the consumer” (the customer), but the customer may recover any loss (for example arising from a breach of an implied undertaking as to fitness for a disclosed purpose) from the car-dealer company initiating the transaction. The Act also provides that “this Part (which includes the provision given) is not intended to exclude or limit the concurrent operation of any law of a State”.

Suppose the Fair Trading Act 2009 (NSW), applying to the same three-cornered transaction, provides that the customer may recover any loss (arising from a breach of an implied undertaking as to fitness for a disclosed purpose) from the hire-purchase or car-dealer company.

X wishes to take action to recover loss (arising from a breach of an implied undertaking as to fitness for a disclosed purpose) from a hire-purchase company in the three cornered transaction envisaged.

Advise X.

Question 6

The New South Wales Government introduces an Anti-Pollution Act 2011 which is expressed to apply to the Commonwealth or a State or any person. The Act penalises the discharge of oil, waste or rubbish into harbour waters, bays and rivers or lagoons. The Act imposes a levy in respect of each seaman on board a ship entering Sydney Harbour.

The Commonwealth Government is concerned at the impact the levy will have on its defence budget due to the extensive use of the harbour by naval vessels and also is concerned about the possible liability of naval seamen for offences under the Act.

The Commonwealth Government seeks your advice about the following matters:

a. Will the Commonwealth Government be liable to pay the levy in respect of its naval seamen?

b. Will its naval seamen be liable to prosecution for offences committed in the course of their employment?

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EXAMINATION QUESTIONS SEPTEMBER 2015

Question 1

A group of retired investment bankers with a desire to educate the community in the principles of good governance in investment activities incorporates an entity known as Y Banking Colleges Ltd. The corporation operates throughout Australia. The College obtains grants from the States and the Commonwealth. The College also raises revenue by way of general donations and sponsorships and 80% of its annual income comes from grants, donations and sponsorships.

The College invests the grants, donations and sponsorships to generate revenue to fund its activities. Courses are offered at a fee to those who enrol to undertake a course. The fees are set not to generate revenue but rather to cover the costs of renting appropriately located commercial premises and the recruitment of appropriate teachers for the programs offered around Australia.

Y Banking Colleges Ltd also engages paid personnel to conduct investment activities, administration work and to obtain donations and sponsorships including the maintenance of grants by the States and the Commonwealth.

Assume that the Commonwealth Parliament has enacted the Corporations Act (Amendment) Act 2015. The Act is expressed to apply to all foreign corporations and trading and financial corporations within the Commonwealth. The Act provides that:-

a. no corporation shall be incorporated with a share capital of less than the prescribed amount of $2 million;

b. no corporation shall have the power to charge an unapproved price;

c. the price payable for any shares in a corporation shall be that prescribed by regulations made under this Act.

Y Banking Colleges seeks your advice on whether it is subject to the Corporations Act (Amendment) Act and seeks specific advice in respect of (a), (b) and (c) provisions in the Amendment Act.

Advise Y Banking Colleges Ltd.

Question 2

The Commonwealth Government is concerned about the continuing public protests by the Animal Rights Association over the inhumane slaughter of cattle when exported live to Indonesia and Vietnam. The Government is anxious not to cause financial harm by any decision it makes and to this end decides to offer incentives to local producers to have cattle slaughtered in Australia but especially in regional abattoirs located more than 200 kilometres from the major ports of export namely Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. To end the export of livestock the Commonwealth Government proposes to introduce very generous income tax deductions to the breeders of cattle who have cattle slaughtered in Australia and at the same time imposes higher rates of tax where income is received from the live export of cattle to Indonesia and Vietnam. Under the Local Abattoirs Incentives Act 2015 the Commonwealth Government proposes:-

(i) where a breeder of cattle exports an animal live to either Indonesia or Vietnam the tax rate on income received from that export shall be a flat rate of 60%;

(ii) where a breeder of cattle for export has the cattle slaughtered at an abattoir within Australia the breeder shall receive an income tax deduction of 150% of the costs thereby incurred;

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(iii) where a breeder of cattle for export has the cattle slaughtered at an abattoir located 200 kilometres from the ports of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth then the breeder shall receive a tax deduction of 200% of the costs thereby incurred;

(iv) provision is then made for cattle breeders to lodge quarterly reports to either report slaughter of cattle for export within Australia or report the export of live cattle to Indonesia and Vietnam. Provision is made for offences and penalties under the Act.

Advise the Commonwealth Government on the validity of the Local Abattoirs Incentives Act 2015.

Question 3

In response to the growing international concern regarding marine pollution Australia ratifies the International Convention for the Prevention of Marine Pollution. The object of the treaty is to “minimise pollution in the oceans, seas and river systems of the world”.

The key articles of the Convention are as follows:

Art 1: The Signature States shall ensure that periodic testing of the State’s domestic and international waters is undertaken and that international standards of water cleanliness are met.

Art 2: All States must take measures to ensure that the use of water for irrigation and industrial purposes takes place in accordance with international standards.

Art 10:Compliance with the provisions of this Convention shall be secured by education and by any other appropriate means. In reliance on the Convention the Commonwealth Parliament passes the Clean Water Act 2015. The Act creates a new body, the Commonwealth Clean Water Commission, which is conferred with powers under the Act. The Act recites the provisions of the Convention and provides:-

1. Domestic waters may not be used during the months of May and September during which time the Commonwealth Clean Water Commission shall conduct pollution testing of these waters;

2. The dumping of industrial waste into Australian rivers is prohibited (with penalties ranging in severity depending upon the quantity of waste dumped);

3. The Commonwealth Clean Water Commission may license any person to dump waste into any rivers or oceans on such terms and conditions as it thinks fit;

4. The dumping of medical waste is prohibited and liable to a penalty of up to $1 million.

The New South Wales Government operates a commercial business for the safe disposal of medical waste. It is a major contributor to the New South Wales government’s budget. Under the new arrangements it was refused a licence by the Commonwealth Clean Water Commission.

The New South Wales Government wishes to challenge the validity of the Clean Waters Act 2015 including the creation of the new Commonwealth Clean Waters Commission.

Advise the New South Wales Government.

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Question 4

Assume the Consumer Courts Act 2012 (Cth) establishes an inexpensive, expeditious tribunal, a Consumer Court, presided over by a single judge of the Federal Court of Australia as the Referee. The Referee is appointed for a period of seven years. The Court hears witnesses on oath; it is authorised to make an award of damages and can make an order for the restitution of property. The Act includes a provision that prior to making any order for restitution of property the party liable to be subjected to such an order is entitled to make written submissions on the issue of hardship.

The Act provides that failure to comply with an order of the Court constitutes contempt which is punished before a single judge of the Federal Court of Australia.

A right of appeal from the decisions of the Consumer Court to the Federal Magistrates Court is given by the Act but it is limited to a question of law only.

X has been subjected to an order to make restitution of property but was not provided with time to make written submissions on hardship. X seeks your advice on the following matters:

(a) is the Consumer Court validly constituted as a judicial or non-judicial body?

(b) what is the nature of the proceedings before the Federal Magistrates Court? Explain the constitutional provisions that authorise the jurisdiction.

(c) Advise X whether he might appeal to the High Court.

Question 5

An offshore fishery business in New South Wales has discovered a significant stock of a miniature crab. The crab apart from being miniature is a distinctive pink color. The crab is harvested for both its meat and shell. The meat is sold and the shells are sold for processing into ‘mother of pearl’ products. The miniature crab with its distinctive pink color is a limited resource and the New South Wales Government is concerned it might become depleted by excessive harvesting. The NSW Government introduces the Miniature Pink Crab Act 2015. The Act makes the following provisions:

a. any person wishing to fish for miniature pink crabs must obtain a licence;

b. the fee for the fishing licence is $6000 per tonne that the licensee is authorised to take (Sec 6);

c. a levy is imposed for carrying on trade in miniature pink crab shells. The manner and terms of a traders licence are set out in detail and the fee for the traders licence is set at $1000 plus 20% of the value of miniature pink crab shells sold in the relevant period which is the preceding month but one for which the licence is issued. (Sec 15-17)

d. the Act provides for the establishment of a Pink Crab Shell Traders Society. All miniature crab shell traders are obliged to contribute $100 per kilogram of shells sold to the Society. The money is to go to a special fund to be used by the Society to compile statistics and provide support to the traders. (Sec 22-25)

X who harvests miniature pink crab shells wishes to challenge the licence system imposed by Section 6.

Y who is a trader in miniature pink crab shells wishes to challenge the traders licence system and does not wish to contribute to the Pink Crab Shell Traders Society.

Advise X and Y.

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Question 6

The New South Wales Government has received advice that it is dangerous for drivers to engage in any mobile telecommunications whilst driving a motor vehicle and enacts the Banning Mobile Telephones Act 2015

Section 5 of the Act provides that:

“Any person driving on a New South Wales road who uses any mobile telecommunication device will be guilty of an offence and be liable to a fine of $2000”.

The Act further provides that:

“This Act applies to any motor vehicle registered in New South Wales wherever that motor vehicle is driven”.

The Commonwealth being concerned at the proliferation of the public use of mobile phones has added a provision to the Commonwealth Telecommunications Regulations making it an offence punishable by $1000 fine to

“use any telecommunications device on any public road in the Commonwealth”

Jack, who is a Naval Admiral, is attending an official function at the Naval base, at HMAS Watson, Watsons Bay, NSW. He is driving his own car which is registered in New South Wales. As he enters the roadway to the Naval base which is a Commonwealth road, he is contacted on his mobile telephone and he answers the call. When he alights from the vehicle Jack is charged with offences under both the Commonwealth and the NSW Act.

Jack seeks your advice as to whether he is liable under both the New South Wales law and the Commonwealth law.

Advise Jack.

EXAMINATION QUESTIONS MARCH 2016

Question 1

Assume that the Commonwealth Parliament enacts the Newspaper Corporations Act 2016. The Act is expressed to apply to all newspaper corporations which are foreign corporations, or trading or financial corporations formed within the Commonwealth.

Section 5 of the Act provides that except with the approval of the Minister for Communications a newspaper corporation may not raise funds for the purpose of carrying on its business by either of the following methods:

issuing shares to persons other than Australian citizens;or borrowing from persons other than Australian citizens.

Section 6 of the Act provides:

A person who is not an Australian citizen shall not be a Director of a newspaper corporation.

Section 8 of the Act provides:

Except with the consent of the Minister for Communications a newspaper corporation shall not make a donation to a charitable organisation.

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The Catholic Church operates a newspaper corporation “Catholic News”, incorporated in Australia in 1945 for the purpose of producing a newspaper known as “The Catholic Weekly”. One of the Directors of the newspaper corporation is a citizen of the Vatican City and some of the shareholders are also citizens of the Vatican City.

The newspaper publication is devoted to sharing the religious views of the Catholic Church. The publication is circulated for free. The cost of producing the newspaper is fully funded by the Vatican, the headquarters of the Catholic Church, in Italy. Substantial revenue is raised by means of selling advertising space in the publication and the revenue raised is donated to charitable organisations operated by the Catholic Church in outback Australia.

The Chair of the Board of Directors of the corporation “Catholic News” seeks your advice on:

a) The validity of the provisions of s5, s6 and s8 of the Newspaper Corporations Act 2016.

And

b) Whether the corporation is subject to the provisions of the Newspaper Corporations Act 2016.

You must advise on both (a) and (b).

Question 2

Assume the Commonwealth Government is a signatory to a multilateral agreement called the Convention to Eliminate Economic Discrimination. The Convention in its preamble says:

“It is the inalienable right of all persons to be treated equally regardless of marital status.”

The Convention requires all signatory States to take all reasonable steps to eliminate discrimination on the ground of marital status in the course of economic activity including the provision of housing.

Compliance with the Convention was to be secured through education and in the last resort the ordinary courts of the land.

The Commonwealth Parliament recited the Convention in the preamble to its Property and Economic Activity Act 2016. This Act proceeded to provide for the right to own land and made specific provisions regardless of marital status that any resident of any State may apply to the Government of that State for a grant of unalienated Crown land held by that State and upon proffering a fair price for the land the resident be entitled to a grant of such land.

Discuss the validity of the Property and Economic Activity Act 2016 (Cth).

Question 3

Following upon the Royal Commission into Trade Union Governance and Corruption, the Commonwealth Parliament enacts the Trade Union Discipline Act 2016 (Cth) which, inter alia, establishes the Trade Union Discipline Tribunal to hear complaints, by the Controller of Trade Union Discipline (Cth), for breaches of fiduciary duty by officers of trade union organisations.

When hearing a complaint the Tribunal sits as a three member body comprising the President who is a Federal Court judge and two other members who have relevant experience in the operations of trade unions.

The Tribunal proceeds by way of a public hearing with the taking of evidence under oath. The Tribunal is permitted to take into account in its considerations breaches of statutory law by the union official.

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If the Tribunal is reasonably satisfied that a relevant union officer has breached a fiduciary duty to the members of a union the Tribunal can remove the officer from the position held by that officer, impose a fine and also ban the person from holding any office in a trade union organisation for a period of years.

The statute provides that decisions made by the Tribunal shall not be challenged or called into question in any court of law.

The statute also provides that any question of law arising in the course of the proceedings can be referred to the Federal Circuit Court.

A, a union officer, has been subjected to proceedings before the Tribunal and by order of the Tribunal has been removed from his position which was his sole source of income. A contends that he was denied procedural fairness by the Tribunal and wishes to seek review in the High Court.

Advise A on the following issues:

a) Is the Tribunal a judicial or non-judicial body, and can it validly exercise the powers conferred on it?

b) What is the nature of the proceedings before the single judge of the Federal Court of Australia? Explain the constitutional provisions that authorise the jurisdiction.

c) Can A seek review in the High Court?

Question 4

The Commonwealth Parliament wishes to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases by mining and manufacturing industries in Australia. The Parliament enacts the Pollution Reduction Act 2016 (Cth), which introduces a tax of $250,000 per annum on any mining or manufacturing business with a profit of $1 million or more that is operating within 20 kilometres of the main cities of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.

The taxes are to be collected by the relevant State Government to be paid to the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Commonwealth Government.

The statute also enacts provisions that the same mining and manufacturing industries must develop and implement management plans to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases by 3% per annum. To give effect to these provisions the Commonwealth requires the relevant mining and manufacturing industries to file annual reports on the subject to its existing Environment Protection Authority (Cth).

Various penalty provisions are imposed by the Act for any breaches of the provisions of the Act.

The Victorian Government seeks your advice on the validity of the Act and explains that in Victoria the Government is the main operator of the relevant manufacturing industries, having taken over these operations in order to maintain manufacturing industries as an employer in Victoria. The Victorian Government believes that the new measures are so onerous that it will have to abandon its involvement.

Advise the Victorian Government on the validity of the Pollution Reduction Act 2016 (Cth).

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Question 5

Assume that the New South Wales Parliament passes the Dairy Products Industry Act 2016, which creates a licensing authority known as the Dairy Products Authority (NSW). The Act requires all milk suppliers carrying on the business of milk supply within New South Wales to be licensed by the Dairy Products Authority. The Dairy Products Authority will issue a licence to a milk supplier on being satisfied that the milk supplier has observed specific standards prescribed by the Authority for the protection of public health. Fees are payable to the Authority for the obtaining of the licence.

The Authority has prescribed standards for the packaging of milk for the protection of public health. One of the prescribed standards for the packaging of milk permits a milk supplier in New South Wales to package milk in paper cartons or bottles; but where milk is being produced outside New South Wales the milk must be packaged in bottles. X, a Victorian milk supplier, wishes to challenge the New South Wales licensing provisions, in particular the requirement that it package milk in bottles. It is common knowledge in the industry that bottling milk in bottles is expensive in contrast to the use of paper cartons.

Advise X and consider what additional information he needs to provide to you.

Question 6

A valid federal industrial award settling an industrial dispute extending beyond the limits of one State contains numerous detailed provisions dealing with employment conditions in the retail trade industry. The award provides, inter alia, that retail traders may keep their shops open until 9.00p.m. from Monday till Friday, but makes no provision in relation to annual leave for employees.

The valid industrial award goes on to state: “The provisions of this award constitute an exhaustive statement of the rights and obligations of employers and employees in the retail trade industry.”

The log of claims pursuant to which the award was made contained a request for five weeks annual leave.

You are to assume that the Shops and Industry Act (NSW) permits trading to continue until 9.00p.m. only on Thursdays.

a) The Retail Traders’ Organisation seeks your advice on whether its members may lawfully trade until 9.00p.m. Monday to Friday.

b) At the same time the Shop Assistants’ Federation seeks your advice on whether its members are entitled to four weeks annual leave, as provided by the Annual Leave Holidays Act (NSW).

Documents

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