The book "Control of Government Action: Text, Cases and Commentary" by Robin Creyke, John McMillan, and Mark Smyth is a comprehensive legal text that focuses on the legal controls over 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 in-depth coverage of the various legal mechanisms that regulate government actions, including legislation, case law, and administrative review processes.
2. Administrative Law: It explores the public law concepts and theories that influence government decision-making and administrative review, highlighting the roles of courts, tribunals, ombudsmen, and other review bodies.
3. Case Studies and Commentary: The book includes extracts from significant cases, such as British American Tobacco Australia Services Ltd v Laurie, Habib v Commonwealth, and Seiffert v Prisoners Review Board, along with detailed commentary to illustrate the application of legal principles.
4. Jurisdictional Coverage: It covers the legal controls in each Australian jurisdiction, providing a broad and diverse perspective on administrative law.

Plot Summary

The book is structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of the legal framework governing government actions. Each chapter is revised to include important administrative law developments, ensuring the text remains current and relevant. The book covers various aspects of administrative law, including the criteria applied by review bodies in assessing the legality and propriety of government administrative actions.

Critical Reception

The book has been highly regarded in academic and legal circles for its comprehensive coverage and detailed analysis of administrative law. The third edition, for example, has been praised for its inclusion of significant case law and legislative updates, making it a valuable resource for legal professionals and students alike.

Editions

The book has been published in multiple editions:

• 2nd Edition (2009): This edition included over 100 additional cases and two new chapters on Privacy and Obtaining Reasons for Government Decision. It was published by LexisNexis Butterworths.
• 3rd Edition (2012): This edition provided comprehensive coverage of the legal controls on government decision-making, supported by legislation, case extracts, and commentary. It included important administrative law developments and was published by LexisNexis.
• 7th Edition: The latest edition has been fully revised and updated with recent case law and legislative developments, continuing the tradition of providing clear and detailed coverage of administrative law in Australia.

In summary, "Control of Government Action: Text, Cases and Commentary" by Robin Creyke, John McMillan, and Mark Smyth is a seminal work in the field of administrative law, offering a comprehensive and authoritative guide to the legal controls over government decision-making in Australia. Its critical reception and multiple editions reflect its enduring value as a resource for legal professionals and students.