Constitutional Advancement in a Frozen Continent

Australia has been called the 'frozen continent' for its many failures to effect changes to the Constitution via the processes prescribed in section 128. And yet this rigid referendum process has not impeded constitutional advancement. Today the Australian polity wields broad-ranging national powers over most spheres of activities in Australia. The High Court of Australia plays a pivotal role in ensuring that a document devised in a horse and buggy era continues to be of relevance in an age of fast-paced modernity. A broad spectrum of distinguished legal scholars and jurists engage in thoughtful and critical exegesis to explain the continuing evolution of the Australian Constitution. The book was originally conceived as a festschrift to mark George Winterton's retirement as Professor of Constitutional Law at Sydney University. He worked closely with H.P. Lee on the shaping of the framework of the volume and, in particular, worked very closely with Peter Gerangelos on the chapter which now appears under his name, a chapter which should be regarded as one co-authored with George Winterton. Unfortunately, George passed away without seeing the fruits of his labours. The book stands as a mark of admiration and respect for an outstanding and inspirational scholar.