"Control of Government Action: Text, Cases and Commentary" is a comprehensive legal text written by Robin Creyke that focuses on the legal controls governing government decision-making in Australia. Here is a detailed overview of the book:

Key Themes

1. Legal Controls on Government Decision-Making: The book provides an in-depth examination of the various legal mechanisms that regulate government actions, including legislation, case law, and administrative review processes.
2. Administrative Law: It covers public law concepts and theories that influence government decision-making and administrative review. This includes the roles of courts, tribunals, ombudsmen, and other review bodies.
3. Legislative and Case Extracts: The book includes extracts from relevant legislation and case studies to illustrate key principles and practices in Australian administrative law.
4. Privacy and Obtaining Reasons for Government Decisions: The second edition includes new chapters on privacy and obtaining reasons for government decisions, reflecting recent developments in these areas.

Plot Summary

The book is structured to provide a clear and detailed coverage of the legal controls on government decision-making. Each chapter has been revised to include important administrative law developments since the first publication in 2005. The second edition, published in 2009, includes over 100 additional cases and two new chapters. The seventh edition, published later, has also been fully revised and updated with recent case law and legislative developments.

Critical Reception

The book has received positive reviews for its comprehensive coverage and authoritative commentary on Australian administrative law. It is considered a highly respected work in the field, providing a broad and diverse perspective on administrative law. The book review from Hearsay notes that the text has been influential in addressing issues raised by the Fitzgerald Inquiry, highlighting its significance in the legal community.

Editions and Publication Details

• Editions: The book has been published in multiple editions, with the second edition being published in 2009 and the seventh edition being published later with significant updates.
• Publisher: LexisNexis Butterworths.
• ISBN (Print): 9780409323672 (for the second edition).
• Number of Pages: 1283 pages (for the second edition).

Overall, "Control of Government Action: Text, Cases and Commentary" is a seminal work in Australian administrative law, offering a thorough understanding of the legal frameworks governing government actions. Its comprehensive coverage and authoritative commentary make it a valuable resource for legal professionals, students, and scholars in the field.