Research

At the subject level, student assessment is often undertaken through the writing of a 10,000 word research paper. The student chooses the topic, subject to approval by the subject co-ordinator. In this way, research is often of particular utility to the student.

Students may choose to undertake the Master of Laws degree by major thesis, or by coursework plus minor thesis, directed to a topic within the ambit of CREEL's program. In addition, students may pursue the degree of Doctor of Philosophy under CREEL's umbrella. Supervision by CREEL's academic staff or associates will be arranged.

Research degrees are undertaken by students on diverse topics. Current examples include the conjunction of native title law, environmental management and resources development in Australia; the regulation of mineral resources development in Indonesia; the development of private infrastructure investment in Papua-New Guinea; the distribution of government revenue from mining and petroleum projects in Papua-New Guinea; limitation of liability in engineering and construction contracts for major infrastructure projects; and issues arising out of market convergence in the restructured electricity and gas markets in Australia.

Members of the Law School staff associated with CREEL are constantly researching contemporary developments relevant to CREEL's program. Similarly, guest lecturers are kept up-to-date through their daily practices. The fruits of research are fed back into the teaching program and are also disseminated publicly through publications, seminars and conferences.

Recent examples of research by Law School staff associated with CREEL include:

• consultations on reforming water legislation in South Africa and Tonga
• report on discharge of ballast water, made to the Environment and Natural Resources Committee of the Victorian Parliament
• legal and regulatory implications of greenhouse gas policy and emissions trading
• the nature of off-shore petroleum exploration titles
• crown ownership of minerals in Australian States and Territories
• legal and regulatory regimes in Indonesia concerning resources and energy projects
• aspects of native title in Australia and Canada
• aspects of competition policy relating to energy production and distribution.

In 1999 a CREEL team conducted research studies on behalf of the Business Network Committee of the Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) Energy Working Group. Topics covered by the studies were :

• micro-economic reform of the energy sector
• intra-regional energy trade
• harmonisation of economic and environmental objectives
• proposed APEC Energy Charter.

Further research studies for APEC are continuing.