Book Review – Issues in Australian Constitutional Law: Tributes to Professor Leslie Zines – Volume 2

Issues in Australian Constitutional Law: Tributes to Professor Leslie Zines – Volume 2
Editor: James Stellios, John Griffiths
The Federation Press
272 pp $180

Reviewed by Sarah Holloway – Associate, Tremayne Fay Rheinberger Lawyers

This volume of essays follows on from 2020’s Current Issues in Australian Constitutional Law (Federation Press, 2020, Griffiths & Stellios ed.) as an ongoing tribute to the late Professor Leslie Zines, one of Australia’s pre-eminent academic experts on constitutional law. Many of the essays touch upon constitutional issues arising from the COVID-19 pandemic and government responses, bringing to light some fascinating questions about the balance of power between State and Federal governments, and how best to respond to “interesting times” within the framework provided by the Constitution. The other major constitutional issue of recent times, the 2024 Referendum on the Voice, was also discussed at the Symposium but unfortunately these discussions did not make it to the printed volume.

With commentary and essays from leading academics, Solicitors-General, judges of Supreme Courts, the Federal Court and the High Court, this volume, drawn from presentations made to the 2022 Symposium hosted by the Australian National University in honour of Professor Zines’ legacy, allows constitutional law nerds like myself to sit and read, ponder and “hmm” sagely, and wonder what we can contribute to constitutional reform in the future. The book’s structure of essay then commentary is a good way to have a diversity of voices within niche but very relevant topics, showing how constitutional law is not just a realm for academic discussion but may have an important impact upon day to day lives for Australians. Also interesting to see the contrast between political journalism and law academic, between judicial officer and legal practitioner when looking at the same topic.

That said, I have no illusions that only those who find “The Vibe” fascinating will be interested in this volume. If you don’t find constitutional law interesting to begin with, you won’t make space for this on your bookshelf.

Sarah Holloway, February 2025
MCom (Deakin, 2018), LLM (Monash, 2016), GDLP (UTAS, 2008), BA/LLB (UTAS 2007).
Associate, Tremayne Fay Rheinberger