Administrative Law

The fourth edition of this book comes 12 years after the first. Unsurprisingly,? it contains updates and reviews of ?the many legislative changes and judicial rulings, as well as of altered? AAT arrangements, that have taken place since its 2012 predecessor. Head identifies High Court administrative? law decisions where he says political considerations have been candidly applied; limits have been imposed on the use of ministerial determinations; a less restrictive approach to Wednesbury unreasonableness has been adopted; the employment of “legitimate expectations” language has been abandoned; and the requirements of procedural fairness have been narrowed in recent years. The distinctive element of the book? is its self-proclaimed “critical, inquiring and rigorous eye” and its inclination to place administrative law “in context”. Head argues that it is refashioned continuously by economic and financial interests, political assumptions and official expediency, instancing decisions such as those dealing with Haneef, the Mutitjulu Aboriginal Community and the “Malaysian Solution”. Head’s analysis of the evolution of administrative law goes beyond being a black-letter exegesis and is more a book which enables a reader to understand at a sophisticated level the undercurrents that shape and reshape how government decisions are held to account by the courts. – Ian Freckelton QC, InPrint, Law Institute Journal Victoria, March 2018

Reviews of previous editions:

Administrative law is often regarded as a difficult area to understand because it is concerned with the exercise of power. In 2005 Michael Head wrote Administrative Law: Context and critique and it was warmly received as providing a concise overview of the relevant principles and processes. It stood out in the crowded marketplace for being easy to understand yet comprehensive. … The third edition maintains these distinctive qualities. … Administrative Law: Context and critique will retain its place as a useful starting point for those embarking on the study of law with respect to administrative activities. Read full review… – Christopher Brien, Victoria University, InPrint LIJ, March 2013

A very useful guide that provides an overview of this difficult area of law as a primary guide for the student. Practitioners will also find it an invaluable first point of reference. The book is written in a clear and concise style [which] allows the reader to quickly establish the relevant principles … The book achieves its purpose of making administrative law understandable, accessible and interesting. … For those of us who work in this area of law, Michael Head’s book is an essential addition to the library. – CJ King, Victorian Bar News, Summer 2006

Head’s concise text … gives an up-to-date, honest, pithy and accurate account of administrative law in Australia today. … Nine chapters explain in thorough yet comprehensible detail the various areas of judicial review available to parties aggrieved by an administrative decision. – Sarah Keenan, (2006) 26 Qld Lawyer 268

This is a book which every person interested in current affairs will find of the greatest interest, whether lawyer, politician, journalist or inquisitive reader.I cannot leave this review without complimenting Dr Head, on the depth of original and up to date discussion contained in the second edition, following so soon after the first. – BJM, Law Letter, Journal of Law Society of Tasmania, Spring 2008 – Issue 101

It is written in a clear and concise manner that makes it very readable. the facts of cases and other events are well explained, so that those who might lack a background understanding of cases or events will not be disadvantaged. – (200) 16 AJ Admin L 173