Public Policy Governance and Law G (11797.1)

This unit will provide students with an understanding of the intersection between Australian public law and public policy. Students will critically engage with: theories of government and law; the relationship between the executive, the legislature, and the judiciary; the legal and political relationship between the Commonwealth and the States and Territories; the significance of international law and human rights norms for public policy; the impact of Australian public law on Indigenous Australians; and current debates for reform.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Critically analyse and develop innovative applications of theories of government and law, separation of powers, the rule of law, federalism; legal institutions affecting policy; lawmaking and committee oversight; freedom of information; public participation in lawmaking; public interest litigation and standing;
2. Understand and apply the rules relating to Commonwealth legislative power; institutional and legal constraints on executive power and decision-making; and compliance with legal obligations relating to freedom of information and public participation in law-making to resolve public policy problems;
3. Critically evaluate the role of law, including the Constitution, in constraining and supporting policy formation; adherence to the rule of law; policy coherence in a federation; and compliance with international law and human rights norms in public policy; and
4. Critique the social and historical context of Australian public law, including its impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People s, and think creatively about options for reform.

Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively
1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
2. UC graduates are global citizens - communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings
4. UC graduates are able to demonstrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing - apply their knowledge to working with Indigenous Australians in socially just ways
4. UC graduates are able to demonstrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing - communicate and engage with Indigenous Australians in ethical and culturally respectful ways

Prerequisites

None.

Corequisites

None.

Incompatible units

None.

Equivalent units

None.

Assumed knowledge

None.