Academic Writing

Your essay should draw on the topic that most interests you from your weekly reading. You will be expected to follow your inquiry with reference to the set reading, plus extended reading and some reference to examples from Australia’s political history or current affairs. Please Note: the essay must cover a topic that you have not covered in the other 2 assignments. In essay form, answer one of the following questions: 1. What is the Constitution of Australia based on and why does Australia need a Constitution? Based on your research, how important is it for the Constitution to be updated or adapted to Australia's contemporary situation? In your response you must make references to Constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 2. Social policy is a broad term which covers welfare, health, housing and legislation for disadvantaged groups in Australia. The government's role in providing a 'safety net' for such aspects of Australian life through tax revenue does not have the support of all politicians and citizens of Australia, despite our relative prosperity. Choosing one or two specific aspects of social policy (e.g. welfare, housing), discuss various arguments for and against the government's role in redressing disadvantage.