EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE POWER IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENTS

The proliferation of intergovernmental agreements between the Commonwealth and the states raises questions about their characterisation as an exercise of Commonwealth executive power and the legislative power necessary to give effect to them. This lecture, which celebrates Sir Anthony Mason's outstanding contribution to the legal profession and the common law of Australia, reflects on the principal issues and outstanding questions relating to the implementation of such intergovernmental agreements.