Administrative Law examines the legal framework for controlling decision-making by Commonwealth, State and local government decision-makers in Australia.  It focuses on the legal restraints upon government, and the role those restraints play in maintaining government accountability. The role played by courts, tribunals, Ombudsman and other agencies in reviewing government decision-making, and to the opportunities available to the public to question government activity is examined. The course covers the core administrative law material required for admission purposes and for work in the area of law and government.  The following topics will be covered:

• what accountability means in the context of the ‘administrative state'
• changing patterns of 'governance' in contemporary Australia
• the historical and constitutional context of Australian administrative law
• the administrative law framework for review of government decision-making
• concepts and principles of merits and judicial review
• jurisdiction and remedies available from courts and tribunals, and the principles of standing
• other administrative law avenues including information access rights and ombudsmen
• the impact of human rights legislation on Australian administrative law.

• demonstrate an understanding of the principles of judicial review of administrative action at both the State and Federal levels of government in Australia
• identify and apply the limits on the powers of the courts to engage in judicial review of administrative action, and the constitutional protection of such review
• identify suitable non-judicial mechanisms for providing accountability for administrative action, based on an understanding of how particular administrative law institutions fit into the overall administrative law system
• recognise and contribute to a discussion of some of the current controversies and trends in the area of administrative law
• think critically about administrative law, its underpinning values, and its impact on administrative decision-making
• demonstrate improved skills in reading, interpreting and analysing cases and legislation
• apply administrative law principles to resolve practical problems.

Assessment in Administrative Law includes a final examination in the end of semester examination period and usually an optional (and redeemable) essay.  Other assessment including a short answer examination may also be required in some classes.  Students should check the course outline for their particular class for further information about the means of assessment, including the relationship between the assessment and the learning outcomes of the course.

Administrative Law is a compulsory course generally involving four hours of contact time per week over the semester.  Tutorials will be offered in some classes.  Students are generally expected to devote approximately 10 hours overall per week to this course. 

Note that the summer Administrative Law class will be taught over 4 weeks in a semi-intensive format.  The total workload is the same.  For more details of the timetable for the summer course see the summer semester course outline.

Australian Public Law LAWS1205.
Completed or completing five LAWS courses at 1000 level.

Each class will have its own prescribed text and additional reading materials.  Students should see the course outline for their particular class for more information.

Any preliminary reading will be set out in the course outline for each class.