The Rudd government has stated they will modernize federal-state relations, leading to growth and prosperity in the future. The government’s vision of federalism is one of a handful of topics to be discussed at the international conference to be held in Brisbane – The Future of Federalism from 10-12 July.
The Future of Federalism conference will be jointly hosted by the Centre for Public, International and Comparative Law at The University of Queensland’s TC Beirne School of Law; and the European Focus Group of the Law Council of Australia, with the Hon Sir Gerard Brennan AC KBE, former Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia, being the event patron.
Australian federalism has been under strain in recent years with calls for an evaluation of the state of federation, focusing on the distribution of powers and fiscal arrangements. The Future of Federalism conference will discuss these issues from both an Australian and international perspective.
“This conference is an invaluable opportunity to study the phenomenon of federalism, its advantages and difficulties, its laws and practices. Papers by distinguished scholars ensure a stimulating encounter with problems confronting many of today’s federations”, said the Hon Sir Gerard Brennan.
High profile speakers include The Honourable Justice Margaret White, Supreme Court of Queensland; The Honourable Justice Robert French, Federal Court of Australia; Professor Thomas Fleiner, Director, Centre for Federalism, Switzerland; and Professor Christina Murray, University of Cape Town.
CPD points are available to conference attendees. Full details of the conference and a complete list of speakers are available at
www.fedcon2008.net.