| xi Although I worked ‘alone’ on researching and writing this thesis, I have received invaluable support and guidance from a small contingent of people. First among them, my primary supervisor Professor David Kinley provided many valuable insights into the core arguments and the structure of thesis, and opened my eyes to many relevant aspects of the topic; without this input this thesis would definitely not have taken its current shape. The intellectual guidance and support provided by David went a long way towards making this thesis complete. My associate supervisor, Dr Jacqueline Mowbray, also helped by clarifying a number of key issues and provided useful comments. My research life at the University of Sydney also benefited immensely from interactions with a number of academics, within and outside the university. In particular, I received immensely helpful comments from Emeritus Professor Terry Carney, Professor Chris Sidoti, Adjunct Professor Hilary Yerbury, and Nikki Teo, which drew my attention to many flaws and gaps in my arguments in the draft. Dr Cherry Russell provided excellent editorial guidance, correcting grammar and style issues in the final text of the thesis. I thank you all. My parents deserve a special mention and appreciation. My father Aboobakuru Ali and mother Khadeeja Moosa instilled in me a firm conviction that nothing is too difficult to achieve if approached with a strong determination and pursued with perseverance. My parents raised me in extreme poverty and hardship, but have always believed in me, and their love and affection always guided me through every hurdle in life and gave me the courage to always aim higher. The long and arduous journey of completing a PhD would not have been possible without the unwavering love and constant companionship of my wife, Shifana, and my two sons, Shaffan and Shayyan. You gave me the reason, the inspiration and the energy to complete this huge task. You believed in me and supported me throughout. I also thank members of my extended family and close friends who always stood by me. Finally, I would like to extend special thanks to the people and the Government of Australia for giving me the opportunity to pursue doctoral studies under the Australia Awards (AA) and Australian Leadership Award (ALA) scholarships. I also thank the academics and other staff of the Sydney Law School for their support and encouragement throughout my candidature.