Why I Research Water Law - Episode 22 (with Elizabeth Macpherson)

In this episode, we explore the tension inherent in researching environmental law in the context of an increasingly politicised research context. We share Liz's inaugural professorial lecture from October 2024, and Cristy uses the opportunity to interview Liz about why she researchers water law. We discuss typical problems encountered in settler-colonial water law frameworks, and how innovative governance models, like that for the Whanganui River in Aotearoa New Zealand, suggest potentail other ways for governing human-water relationships. As always, Cristy and Liz explore recent developments in environmental law, water governance, climate change policies, and Indigenous rights, sharing insights and updates on key legal cases and policy reforms in Australia and beyond. Key hilights include a public law climate case in Aotearoa, a judicial review about engagement with First Nations about water allocation decisions in Australia, and a win for the case opposing oil and gas exploration off the coast of South Africa.

Video of Liz's Professorial Lecture

Why science must reinforce its social contract | Nature

on Science Communication. - by Peter Dearden - Snarked

Setting a pluralist agenda for water governance: Why power and scale matter 

Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu - headstart

Iwi proposal would reshape councils around mountains and rivers

Michael John Smith v Attorney-General

High Court rules in favour of native title holders fighting Northern Territory water licence 

Court Awards $62 Million to Isabel Communities Over Unlawful Logging

Landmark judgment in South Africa permanently halts Shell’s Wild Coast oil and gas exploration

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