I am very pleased to see a new edition of Sawer's The Australian Constitution.
This publication reflects the hard work of a number of current and former lawyers at Australian Government Solicitor and the Attorney-General’s Department, not least Guy Aitken KC and Robert Orr PSM KC. The Commonwealth is fortunate to be served by many talented and public-spirited lawyers, and I commend those involved in this publication for producing a resource that shares their expertise with the public.
As the text outlines, the Constitution is fundamental to Australia’s system of government. The Constitution allocates political power between different levels and arms of government, regulates the relationship between the government and the individual and gives force to the essential features of our free and pluralistic society, such as democratic elections and the rule of law. Promoting widespread understanding of our constitutional framework is in the interests of the health of our institutions and our public life.
This new edition is particularly timely as the Australian people prepare to consider a significant amendment to the Constitution – the establishment of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.
I hope it enjoys a wide readership.
The Hon Mark Dreyfus QC MP
Attorney-General of the Commonwealth of Australia
January 2023
