Foundations of Australian Constitutional Government

FOUNDATIONS OF AUSTRALIAN CONSTITUTIONAL GOVERNMENT

SEMESTER 2, 2022
CRICOS Course: 096269K
Unit Code: PL102

This unit provides students with an understanding of the basic foundations of Australian law and government, including our system of government and the progression of Australia from a British colony through to federation and the coming into force of the Australian Constitution on 1 January 1901. The unit also familiarises students with basic constitutional principles including the rule of law, constitutionalism, representative (and responsible government), the separation of powers doctrine, and federalism. It also gives students an understanding of the role of the High Court in interpreting the Australian Constitution.

The lecturer and coordinator for this unit is Professor Augusto Zimmermann. He is Professor and Head of Law at Sheridan Institute of Higher Education, President of the Western Australian Legal Theory Association, and Editor-in-Chief of The Western Australian Jurist law journal. From 2012 to 2017, Professor Zimmermann served as a Law Reform Commissioner in Western Australia, and, while serving as Associate Dean (Research) at Murdoch Law School, he was awarded the Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Research, in 2012.

Foundations of Australian Constitutional Government may be taken as a single unit for personal or professional development or as part of the Bachelor of Arts course at Sheridan.⁠

Classes will be held Tuesdays from 4.30 – 7.30 starting August 2, 2022. The Sheridan campus is located in Perth CBD close to Central Perth and McIver Stations.

For further information on entry criteria, fees, and application processes, email enquiries@sheridan.edu.au or call 08 – 6222 4222