In this special edition podcast, former federal court judge The Hon Michael Barker KC speaks with Professor Gabrielle Appleby, Research Director at the Centre for Public Integrity and public law expert at UNSW Law & Justice, about how Australia’s Constitution distributes the power over money. They delve into the powers of the Senate, the significance of responsible government, and the historical compromises that shaped Australia’s constitutional framework, and how that played out in the dismissal of Prime Minister Gough Whitlam in 1975. This is a special episode for the upcoming 2026 National School's Constitutional Convention, aiming to foster a deeper understanding of Australia's political and legal landscape.

Show notes:

00:00 Introduction to the Center for Public Integrity

00:20 Overview of the National School's Constitutional Convention

01:05 Introducing Professor Gabriel Applebey

01:31 Understanding Section 53 of the Commonwealth Constitution

02:11 Historical Context and Comparisons

03:21 The Role and Powers of the Senate

05:02 The 1975 Constitutional Crisis

08:52 Modern Implications and Reflections

14:02 The Framers' Intent and Modern Politics

28:22 The 1975 Constitutional Crisis

34:19 Modern Implications and Future Considerations

37:21 Concluding Thoughts