Responsible Federalism

In: Australian quarterly: AQ, Band 75, Heft 4, S. 22-27

Abstract

Discusses the vicissitudes of Australian federalism. The history of the federation is briefly traced in terms of developments in federalism across various spheres. It is argued that the challenge is to approach federalism in a manner that recognizes constitutional realities but does not hinge on wishful thinking regarding the sort of political consensus extant in emergencies. Further, issues should be considered in terms of whether they are amenable to government intervention rather than which level of government is responsible for them. State finance is looked at in this light, along with labor law & the pursuit of a national workplace relations system. In the final analysis, it is contended that Australia must come first & that what might be good for one state should not automatically be seen as good for the nation. J. Zendejas