Professional Summary: Professor Terry Carney
Professor Terry Carney is an esteemed academic at the University of Sydney, Australia, with a distinguished career in law, social policy, and welfare reform. Renowned for his expertise in social security law and administrative law, he has made significant contributions to academic research and public policy discourse in Australia and internationally.
Academic Background and Degrees
Professor Carney holds advanced qualifications in law and related fields, reflecting his deep commitment to academic rigor:
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Monash University
- Master of Laws (LLM), Monash University
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Monash University
- Diploma in Criminology, University of Melbourne
Research Specializations and Academic Interests
Professor Carney’s research focuses on the intersection of law and social policy, with particular emphasis on:
- Social security and welfare law
- Administrative law and governance
- Disability policy and supported decision-making
- Legal frameworks for social welfare reform
His work often addresses systemic issues in public administration and advocates for equitable policy solutions.
Career History and Appointments
Terry Carney has held numerous prestigious positions throughout his career, contributing to both academia and public service:
- Emeritus Professor, University of Sydney Law School, Sydney, Australia (current)
- Former Director, Research Network on Law and Society, University of Sydney
- Acting Member, Social Security Appeals Tribunal, Australia (various periods)
- Visiting Fellow and Scholar at multiple international institutions, including York University (Canada) and the University of Oxford (UK)
Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors
Professor Carney’s contributions have been widely recognized through prestigious honors:
- Officer of the Order of Australia (AO), awarded in 2003 for services to education, social welfare law, and policy reform
- Fellow of the Australian Academy of Law
- Fellow of the Australian Academy of Social Sciences
Key Publications
Professor Carney has authored and co-authored numerous influential works in law and social policy. A selection of his key publications includes:
- Social Security Law and Policy (1986, with Peter Hanks)
- Australian Social Security Law, Policy and Administration (1982)
- Supported Decision-Making: Theory, Research, and Practice (2020, co-edited with Shih-Ning Then and others)
- ‘Supported Decision-Making for People with Cognitive Impairments: An Australian Perspective?’ in Laws (2019)
- ‘Welfare to Work, or Work to Welfare? Reconsidering Social Security Reforms’ in Australian Journal of Social Issues (2007)
Influence and Impact on Academic Field
Professor Carney’s research has had a profound impact on social security law and disability policy in Australia. His work on supported decision-making frameworks has influenced national and international discussions on the rights of individuals with disabilities, aligning with the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Additionally, his contributions to welfare reform debates have shaped policy development and academic scholarship, establishing him as a leading voice in administrative and social welfare law.
Public Lectures, Committees, and Editorial Contributions
Terry Carney has been actively involved in public engagement and academic leadership:
- Delivered numerous public lectures and keynote addresses on social security reform and disability rights
- Served on advisory committees for Australian government bodies on welfare and disability policy
- Contributed as an editorial board member or reviewer for leading journals in law and social policy