Commonwealth v Tasmania (Tasmanian Dam Case)
(1983) 158 CLR 1 · [1983] HCA 21
High Court of Australia · 1983
Headnote
Held that the external affairs power in s 51(xxix) supports legislation implementing bona fide treaty obligations, upholding Commonwealth protection of the Franklin River.
Bench
Gibbs CJ, Mason, Murphy, Wilson, Brennan, Deane and Dawson JJ
Facts
Tasmania proposed to dam the Gordon River below the Franklin. The Commonwealth legislated to prevent works in an area listed under the World Heritage Convention.
Held
By a 4:3 majority, the World Heritage Properties Conservation Act 1983 (Cth) was largely valid as an implementation of Australia's treaty obligations.
Key passage
“The power extends to the implementation within Australia of obligations which Australia has undertaken by treaty.”
158 CLR 1, 219 (Brennan J)
Citation formats
AGLC full
Commonwealth v Tasmania (1983) 158 CLR 1, 219 (Brennan J).
AGLC short
Tasmanian Dam Case (1983) 158 CLR 1, 219.
Medium neutral
Commonwealth v Tasmania [1983] HCA 21.
Authorities considered
- Koowarta v Bjelke-Petersen
(1982) 153 CLR 168