This book provides a comprehensive analysis of immigration law in Australia and of the political, social and cultural forces that have shaped and are shaping it. It explains the momentous changes that have occurred in law and policy since the first attempts, in December 1989, to ‘codify’ decision-making through detailed regulations.
It is a study of revolution and counter-revolution: of the impact that the courts and tribunals have had on law and policy through the review of migration decisions; and of the increasingly extreme steps taken by government to assert control over every aspect of its immigration program.
…this book does provide a good grounding in the basics of contemporary immigration law, and a valuable history of Australian immigration law, particularly since 1989 when the first attempts to codify regulations began.
Tasmanian Law Society, Law Letter, Winter, 2011
The book is a structured and comprehensive commentary on all aspects of immigration and asylum law and practice in Australia, from spouse visas to work visas, from refugee visas to the treatment of unauthorised arrivals.
The law and regulations are set out in detail against a background of policy and jurisprudence, but also against the sympathetically retold stories of individuals who become the unwitting subjects of some of our most important societal debates. Read full review…
Inprint, Law Institute Journal Victoria, July 2011
This is a very readable, clear book which can be used by a practitioner in the area for both a statement and explanation of the law as it is, and for a short history of how the Australian cases and legislation led up to that point.
In short, I think the book is excellent; the authors ought be commended; and people interested in any of these areas (or Commonwealth administrative law generally) should buy it. Read full review…
Matthew Howard SC, Brief, The Law Society WA, July 2011
