Australia

The Centre for Comparative Constitutional Studies (CCCS) is one of the Law School's specialist research centres and was established in the Faculty of Law in 1987. The CCCS undertakes and promotes research on the constitutional law and government of Australia and of other countries and has had a long-time specialist interest in the theory and practice of Australian and comparative federalism and intergovernmental relations. The CCCS provides a focal point for scholars and practitioners interested in these areas. It has an extensive network of contacts with shared interests, in Australia and globally; it hosts a vibrant visitors program; and it organises a wide range of seminars and conferences on constitutional issues throughout the year, many of which are connected with aspects of federalism.

The John Curtin Institute of Public Policy (JCIPP), established in 2004, is a research centre within Curtin University’s Faculty of Business and Law. The JCIPP undertakes high quality research, provides relevant education tailored to the public sector, and promotes public debate and discussion on a range of public policy issues. Its academic staff have published widely on federalism, intergovernmental relations, and state and national politics. They also supervise PhD students conducting research in federalism. The Institute has hosted many visiting federalism scholars, and has several high profile Adjuncts with backgrounds in Australian government and politics. The JCIPP is closely associated with the Australia and New Zealand School of Government, and partners regularly with the Forum of Federations.