The John Nethercote Prize in Australian Constitutional Law
The Society is pleased to announce that the 2024 John Nethercote Prize in Australian Constitutional Law Essay Competition is now open.
This essay competition offers students and young lawyers an exceptional opportunity to delve deeper into Australian constitutional law while developing their writing skills, exploring new ideas, and engaging with a topic that may not be covered in their curriculum.
This year, The Society invites prospective entrants to respond to the question:
“Should Australia adopt a Commonwealth Bill of Rights?”
ESSAY INFORMATION
The deadline for submissions is close of business (5:00 pm AEDT) on Monday 1 April 2024 by email to Natalie at contact@samuelgriffith.org.au.
Entrants are asked to submit an essay of up to 1,500 words, on the above topic, in Word format.
PRIZE
The competition provides a prestigious platform for all Australian residents aged 35 years and under, as well as all students currently enrolled in an undergraduate or Juris Doctor program at an Australian university.
The winning entry will be awarded the John Nethercote Prize in Australian Constitutional Law, to be presented by the President of The Society, the Honourable Ian Callinan AC, KC, at The Society’s 2024 Conference at the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort on the Gold Coast.
First prize also includes:
$500 cash prize and one-year paid membership of the Society,
Paid flights, accommodation and admission to the Society’s 2024 Conference,
A certificate presented by the Honourable Ian Callinan AC, KC at the Conference,
Publication of the winning essay in Volume 34 of ‘Upholding the Australian Constitution’
A number of shortlisted runners-up will also be recognised at the Conference, presented with certificates and all eligible entrants will automatically be considered for student scholarships to attend.
For more information, please consult the flyer attached and the competition rules, or contact Natalie at contact@samuelgriffith.org.au.
Previous winners
2023 - Henry Dudesin (ACT)
2022 - Antonia Bellas (QLD)
2019 - Catherine Bugler (QLD)
2018 - Charlotte Choi (VIC)
2017 - Edward Fowler (ACT)
2016 - Holly Gretton (WA)
J. R. Nethercote
John Raymond NETHERCOTE was educated at Blakehurst High School, Sydney and the University of Sydney (BA, 1968).
After joining the Commonwealth public service in 1970, he worked over the years for the Public Service Board, the Royal Commission on Australian Government Administration, the Public Service Commission of Canada and the Defence Review Committee.
He joined the staff of the Senate in 1987 and his assignments there included Secretary to the Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Public Administration and overseeing publication of Odgers’ Australian Senate Practice (6th edition).
He also edited Parliament and Bureaucracy (1982) and was a joint editor of The Constitutional Commission and the 1988 Referendums (1988) and The Menzies Era (1995).
After his retirement from the Senate staff, he wrote extensively for The Canberra Times on public service matters and edited numerous works, including eight volumes of Upholding the Australian Constitution (2010-2017).
