Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples 1.1 “Constitutional Status”
Updated by Dylan Orsborn, Legal Practitioner

This Subtitle provides an overview of the constitutional status of Australia’s Indigenous peoples following colonisation. This update discusses the Voice referendum, legislation such as the Path to Treaty Act 2023 (Qld), the First Nations Voice Act 2023 (SA) and the Advancing the Treaty Process with Aboriginal Victorians Act 2018 (Vic) and the recent case, Yunupingu v Commonwealth (2023) 298 FCR 160; [2023] FCAFC 75.

Key Cases: Love v Commonwealth (2020) 270 CLR 152; 94 ALJR 198; [2020] HCA 3; Mabo v Queensland (No 2) (Aboriginal Land Rights Case) (1992) 175 CLR 1; 66 ALJR 408.
Key Legislation: Path to Treaty Act 2023 (Qld); First Nations Voice Act 2023 (SA); Advancing the Treaty Process with Aboriginal Victorians Act 2018 (Vic).

Administrative Law 2.3 “Access to Information”
Updated by Damien J Cremean, Adjunct Professor, University of Queensland

This Subtitle surveys the law in Australia of statements of reasons and right to information. Both these bodies of law are composed of legislation with judicial and tribunal commentary.

Key Cases: Khabbaz v State Planning Commission (2023) 254 LGERA 165; [2023] SASCA 10; Grujovska v Brand [2023] VSCA 59; Crozier v Department of Health [2022] VCAT 1301.
Key Legislation: Right to Information Regulations 2021 (Tas).

Criminal Sentencing 12.13 “Sentencing Procedure”
Updated by Kate M Bonney, Barrister, Brisbane Chambers

The focus of this Subtitle is the process of sentencing during a sentencing hearing. This update focuses on the role of a prosecution counsel and the formal requirements of a victim impact statement.

Key Cases: Seymour v Drill Engineering & Pastoral Company Pty Ltd [2023] QCA 159; Strbak v The Queen (2020) 267 CLR 494; 280 A Crim R 285; [2020] HCA 10.

Human Rights 21.2 “The Australian Legal Foundation”
Updated by P T Babie FRSA FAAL, Associate Member, Law Society of South Australia

This Subtitle considers the means of implementing human rights in Australia in the absence of a constitutionally entrenched Bill of Rights. This update discusses the Australian Human Rights Commission and the launch of a model for an Australian Human Rights Act. LibertyWorks Inc v Commonwealth (2021) 274 CLR 1; 95 ALJR 490; [2021] HCA 18 and Farm Transparency International Ltd v New South Wales (2022) 96 ALJR 655; 403 ALR 1; [2022] HCA 23 are discussed in relation to the implied freedom of political communication.

Key Cases: Garlett v Western Australia (2022) 96 ALJR 888; 404 ALR 182; [2022] HCA 30; Farm Transparency International Ltd v New South Wales (2022) 96 ALJR 655; 403 ALR 1; [2022] HCA 23; Alexander v Minister for Home Affairs (2022) 96 ALJR 560; 401 ALR 438; [2022] HCA 19; LibertyWorks Inc v Commonwealth (2021) 274 CLR 1; 95 ALJR 490; [2021] HCA 18.
Key Legislation: Human Rights Act 2019 (Qld).

Unfair Dealing 35.10 “Penalties and Forfeiture”
Updated by Christoph Liedermann, Barrister, Chalfont Chambers

This Subtitle deals with the relief available under both common law and equity to defaulting parties to a contract.

Key Cases: Kay v Playup Australia Pty Ltd [2020] NSWCA 33.

Currently scheduled updates (subject to change):

• Environment and Natural Resources 14.13 “Petroleum”
• Evidence 16.7 “Privilege and Public Interest Immunity”
• Human Rights 21.10 “Equality and the Rule of Law”
• Labour Law 26.3 “Australian Industrial Relations System”