Recognition of local government in the Australian Constitution can ensure that direct federal funding for local community infrastructure and services continues, writes George Williams.
Rather than uniting Australians, a plebiscite on gay marriage is likely to deepen divisions and further polarise the community, writes George Williams.
Instead of opposing torture, Australia supported Guantanamo Bay and what occurred there, letting inaction and acquiescence speak on our behalf, writes George Williams.
Julian Assange is a hero to many, but even a hero must comply with the ordinary criminal law, whether it be that of Australia, Britain or Sweden, writes George Williams.
Australia needs to reform its system of government. The failure to do so is costing the nation billions of dollars a year and compromising our ability to realise our economic and social goals, argues George Williams.
ASIO's powers are exceptional and deeply troubling. The detention in secret of non-suspects is more consistent with the apparatus of a police state and they should be repealed, writes George Williams.
Unless the referendum to recognise Indigenous people in the constitution has broad public support to succeed, it will join a long list of failed attempts to change Australia's constitution, writes George Williams.
With the number of unanimous decisions made by the High Court nosediving, Justice Dyson Heydon has emerged as the Court’s new great dissenter, a new report shows.
OPINION: The Gillard government has achieved remarkable success steering legislation through a hung parliament. But the coming year may see opponents shift the battle to the High Court, writes Professor George Williams in the SMH.
