New models of co-operative federalism in Australia: constitutional principles and practice. This project will research the effect of intergovernmental co-operation, through bodies such as the Council of Australian Governments, on Australia's system of constitutional democracy. It will determine how federal governance can be made more effective while respecting State autonomy and maintaining parliamentary and public accountability.
Australian supply chain regulation: practical operation and regulatory effectiveness. This project uses empirical research to examine the practical operation and effectiveness of three innovative Australian regulatory models designed to improve working conditions in supply chains in the clothing, long-haul transport and cash-in-transit industries. The project will result in proposals for reform and improved working conditions.
A comparative study of the prerogative and reserve powers in Commonwealth nations. This project will compare and analyse the exercise of unwritten executive powers (such as emergency powers and the power to dismiss governments) in Commonwealth countries with similar systems of government to ours. It will assist in developing good governance in our region and a better understanding of the limits of executive power in Australia.
Terrorism and the international law of armed conflict. This project investigates the scope, effectiveness and legitimacy of the international law of armed conflict as it applies to terrorist and counter-terrorist violence in armed conflicts. It aims to improve understanding of the legal regulation of such violence and thus ultimately to diminish human suffering in war.
The role of proxy and governance advisers in corporate governance. This project analyses the role of proxy and governance advisers in corporate governance in Australia and the USA. Its outcomes will clarify the nature and extent of proxy and governance adviser influence over the conduct of institutional investors and listed companies, thus allowing for a more informed debate on the need for regulation.
Intellectual property and 3D printing. This project aims to provide guidance for industry and policy-makers about intellectual property, three-dimensional (3D) printing, and innovation policy. It will consider the evolution of 3D printing, and examine its implications for the creative industries, branding and marketing, manufacturing and robotics, clean technologies, health-care and the digital economy. The project will examine how 3D printing disrupts copyright law, designs law, trade mark law, ....Intellectual property and 3D printing. This project aims to provide guidance for industry and policy-makers about intellectual property, three-dimensional (3D) printing, and innovation policy. It will consider the evolution of 3D printing, and examine its implications for the creative industries, branding and marketing, manufacturing and robotics, clean technologies, health-care and the digital economy. The project will examine how 3D printing disrupts copyright law, designs law, trade mark law, patent law and confidential information. The project expects to provide practical advice about intellectual property management and commercialisation, and boost Australia’s capacity in advanced manufacturing and materials science.Read moreRead less
Intellectual Property requirements in Free Trade agreements: implications for development in Pacific Island Countries. This project investigates ways in which intellectual property laws can be used to promote development in the Pacific Island Countries. It will inform and support Australia's trade negotiations with the region in the context of Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) Plus.
A Federation of cultures? Innovative approaches to multicultural accommodation. This project examines how state and federal governments can better protect and support the values, beliefs and cultural practices of different cultural and religious groups, especially in matters concerning family life, community identity and freedom of conscience, within a framework of respect for human rights.
Religious autonomy and the restriction of rights or freedoms by religious communities: comparative and theoretical approaches. Religious communities must be autonomous in order to protect their unique identity and mission. Yet in exercising their autonomy they may interfere with the rights or freedoms of others. This project's sophisticated analysis of the tension between the two sets of rights will offer a resolution that strengthens Australia's social fabric.
Phoenix Activity: Regulating Fraudulent Use of the Corporate Form. Fraudulent phoenix activity is of great concern to Australian policymakers. It occurs where there is the deliberate liquidation of a company to avoid paying debts, but the business continues through another company, and in corporate groups through the liquidation of undercapitalised subsidiaries and transfer of business to other companies in the group. This behaviour causes huge losses in taxation revenue and large financial loss ....Phoenix Activity: Regulating Fraudulent Use of the Corporate Form. Fraudulent phoenix activity is of great concern to Australian policymakers. It occurs where there is the deliberate liquidation of a company to avoid paying debts, but the business continues through another company, and in corporate groups through the liquidation of undercapitalised subsidiaries and transfer of business to other companies in the group. This behaviour causes huge losses in taxation revenue and large financial losses for employees and unsecured creditors. To strengthen Australia’s economic fabric, this project aims to determine the optimal method of dealing with fraudulent phoenix activity through a thorough examination of all of its aspects in Australia and by a comparative analysis of international responses.Read moreRead less