Robin Creyke

The book commences with a discussion on accountability theory, administrative law being one element of that concept and how administrative law as a means of control of State power has evolved in an Australian context.The second part examines the different methods used to control government decision-making; judicial review, merit review, ombudsman and human rights investigations, internal review, codesof conduct, and rule-making. Core administrative law concepts are covered in this part, including justiciability, the legality/merits distinction, judicial defence, the classifi cation of governmentfunctions, and the public/private dichotomy.The third and largest section of the book identifi es the criteria applied not only by courts, but by tribunals, ombudsman and other review agencies. All major statutory and common law criteria areexamined, including unauthorised decision-making, natural justice, relevant and irrelevant considerations, unreasonableness, infl exible application of policy, breach of statutory duty, and the fact/law distinction.The fourth section starts by looking at the consequences of unlawful decision-making, with particular emphasis on theories of invalidity, the effect of privative clauses, and jurisdictional error. This is followed by judicial review remedies, and standing. The final section of the book deals with information and access covering freedom of information, privacy and right to reasons.… (mais)