Human Rights under the Australian Constitution is the leading text on how the Australian Constitution protects human rights. It provides a comprehensive overview and analysis of the key public law principles, including the full range of express and implied rights in the Australian Constitution. It does this within a broader context, including the drafting and origins of the Australian Constitution and the interaction of constitutional principles with the common law, statute law and international law.

The Australian position is examined in light of developments in comparable legal systems, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and New Zealand. The result is a thorough work that examines in context areas of law of great importance to Australian democracy, including freedom of speech, the right to vote, freedom of religion, the acquisition of property on just terms, judicial independence and the right to a fair trial.

George Williams, Professor, UNSW,David Hume, Reader, Six Selborne/Wentworth Chambers


George Williams AO is the Anthony Mason Professor, a Scientia Professor and the Foundation Director of the Gilbert + Tobin Centre of Public Law at the Faculty of Law, University of New South Wales. He is an Australian Research Council Laureate Fellow and has written and edited leading texts including Australian Constitutional Law and Theory and The Oxford Companion to the High Court of Australia. He has also appeared as a barrister in the High Court of Australia in cases on freedom of speech, freedom from racial discrimination, review of government action and the rule of law.

David Hume is a Reader at Six Selborne/Wentworth Chambers. Previously, he worked in the Australian Government Solicitor's Constitutional Litigation Unit representing the Commonwealth in High Court constitutional litigation and as an Associate to Chief Justice Gleeson.

1. Human Rights in Australia
2. The Drafting of the Australian Constitution
3. Constitutional Interpretation
4. The Text and Structure of the Australian Constitution
5. Freedom of Political Communication
6. The Right to Vote and Equality of Voting Power
7. Civil Rights
8. Economic Rights
9. Judicial Power