Australian federation has certainly been a study in unintended consequences. Elaborate constitutional provisions have proved, in some cases surprisingly quickly, to be pointless or redundant, while judicial interpretation, among other factors, has rendered the federal division of powers almost a dead letter—whereas the Judiciary has lavished care and attention on doctrines of its own creation which find, at best, obscure support in the text of the document. Ian Killey's book contains a thorough-going critique of the course of developments—although it can be safely said that his views will not command universal agreement—alongside several useful suggestions for improvement.

Greg Taylor, University of Adelaide

Dr. Killey has written a very thought-provoking book. He describes the Australian Constitution as a mess and contends that it is badly designed and inappropriately interpreted. Whether or not one agrees with that conclusion, there is no doubt that the Constitution is in urgent need of review and reform. This book should set that discussion alight.

Spencer Zifcak, Australian Catholic University