Profiles
Rick Snell
UTAS Home Associate Professor Rick Snell
Rick Snell
Honourary Associate Professor
Faculty of Law Building , Sandy Bay Campus
6226 2066 (phone)
Biography
Rick Snell is an Associate Professor in law at the University of Tasmania. His research, ideas and teaching have been influential within Australia and internationally. His major areas of interest are Freedom of Information, Open Government, Ombudsman and comparative administrative law
He went to Queenstown Central Primary School and RM Murray High. Currently he is a member of the 10 person International Expert Panel for the Open Government Partnership that involves 78 countries.
Rick was Deputy Dean of the Law School from 2014 to June 2018. He was an elected and active member of the governing Council of the University of Tasmania from 2003-2006.
He has been invited speaker at FOI conferences in Australia, Canada, Philippines, Indonesia, Mexico, Fiji, Ghana, USA, New Zealand, Malaysia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tonga and South Africa
Associate Professor Snell has been used as an expert in FOI by parliamentary committees and government agencies in all Australian states, Canadian Access to Information Review Task Force, Australian Law Reform Commission, World Bank Institute, OECD, Article 19 (NGO), PACT (NGO) and Open Society Initiative (NGO), Carter Centre (NGO), Tasmanian Review of the Freedom of Information Act, and by journalists in Australia, UK, South Africa and Canada.
Since November 2017 Rick has been Chair of The Unconformity – an award winning heritage and arts festival and organization based in Queenstown, Tasmania. https://theunconformity.com.au
Teaching
Teaching expertise
Rick is a multiple University of Tasmania Teaching Excellence Award winner and received a 2008 National Citation for Teaching but more importantly he loves to teach. Teaching and research are intertwined, or concomitant, elements of his professional life. He strives to follow what the former vice-chancellor of Wollongong University Ken McKinnon described as a spiral of quality a continuous cycle of planning, acting, observing and reflecting.
As a teacher he is inclusive, people orientated and has a passion to search out, test and pass on knowledge whether it be from a lectern, the pages of a journal or an on-line opinion piece. For students, experts and the community he tries to act as a bridge or conduit between research, ideas, public law values and the needs of citizens.
Rick has also successfully supervised 7 PhDs in a number of areas including Freedom of Information, Open Data, Biometric regulation, environmental regulation and legal education.
View more on AssocProf Rick Snell in WARP
Fields of Research
- Public law (480799)
- Other law and legal studies (489999)
- Constitutional law (480702)
- Administrative law (480701)
- International criminal law (480306)
- Criminal law (480401)
- Environmental assessment and monitoring (410402)
- Conflict of laws (incl. private international law) (480303)
- Other education (399999)
Research Objectives
- Justice and the law (230499)
- Expanding knowledge in psychology (280121)
- Expanding knowledge in human society (280123)
- Expanding knowledge in law and legal studies (280117)
- Work and labour market (230599)
- Environmental policy, legislation and standards (190299)
- Civics and citizenship (230201)
- Public services policy advice and analysis (230204)
- Hydro-electric energy (170803)
Publications
Total publications
46
Highlighted publications
(4 outputs)| Year | Type | Citation | Altmetrics |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Journal Article | Snell RD, 'Freedom of Information Practices', AGENDA, 13, (4) pp. 291-307. ISSN 1322-1833 (2006) [Refereed Article] | |
| 2002 | Chapter in Book | Ricketson M, Snell RD, 'FOI: threatened by governments, underused by journalists - still a sharp tool', Journalism Investigation & Research, Longman, S Tanner (ed), Sydney, pp. 150-164. ISBN 0-7339-9931-X (2002) [Research Book Chapter] | |
| 2002 | Journal Article | Snell RD, 'FoI and the Delivery of Diminishing Returns, or How Spin Doctors and Journalists have Mistreated a Volatile Reform', The Drawing Board Journal , 2, (3) pp. 187-207. ISSN 1443-8607 (2002) [Refereed Article] | |
| 2001 | Journal Article | Snell RD, 'Freedom of Information: The Experience of the Australian States - An Epiphany?', Federal Law Review, 29, (3) pp. 343-358. ISSN 0067-205X (2001) [Refereed Article] |
Journal Article
(21 outputs)| Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | McKenzie A, Griggs L, Snell R, Meyers GD, 'The myth of the teaching-research nexus', Legal Education Review, 28, (1) Article 2. ISSN 1033-2839 (2018) [Refereed Article] Co-authors: Griggs L; Meyers GD | |
| 2015 | Snell R, MacDonald R, 'Customising Freedom of Information Law Reform in South Pacific Micro-States', The Round Table: The Commonwealth Journal of International Affairs, 104, (6) pp. 687-701. ISSN 0035-8533 (2015) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1080/00358533.2015.1112099 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 3 Co-authors: MacDonald R | |
| 2007 | Snell RD, Sebina P, 'Information Flows: The real art of Information Management and Freedom of Information', Archives and Manuscripts: The Journal of the Australian Society of Archivists, 35, (1) pp. 54-82. ISSN 0157-6895 (2007) [Refereed Article] | |
| 2006 | Snell RD, 'Freedom of Information Practices', AGENDA, 13, (4) pp. 291-307. ISSN 1322-1833 (2006) [Refereed Article] | |
| 2002 | Snell RD, 'FoI and the Delivery of Diminishing Returns, or How Spin Doctors and Journalists have Mistreated a Volatile Reform', The Drawing Board Journal , 2, (3) pp. 187-207. ISSN 1443-8607 (2002) [Refereed Article] | |
| 2001 | Snell RD, 'Freedom of Information: The Experience of the Australian States - An Epiphany?', Federal Law Review, 29, (3) pp. 343-358. ISSN 0067-205X (2001) [Refereed Article] | |
| 2000 | Snell RD, 'The Kiwi Paradox - A Comparison of Freedom of Information in Australia and New Zealand', Federal Law Review, 28, (3) pp. 575-616. ISSN 0067-205X (2000) [Refereed Article] | |
| 2000 | Snell RD, Townley H, Vance DJ, 'The Tasmanian Subordinate Legislation Committee - Lifting the Scrutiny Veil by Degrees', Deakin Law Review, 4, (2) pp. 1-38. ISSN 1321-3660 (2000) [Refereed Article] | |
| 1999 | Snell RD, Langston ER, 'Who Needs FOI When Market Mechanisms Will Deliver Accountability on Demand? A Critical Evaluation Of The Relationship Between Freedom of Information and Government Business Enterprises'', The Flinders Journal of Law Reform, 3, (2) pp. 215-246. ISSN 1325-3387 (1999) [Refereed Article] | |
| 1998 | Snell RD, 'A Spiral of Quality: Some Reflective and Personal Thoughts About Changing University Teaching Practices', International Journal of University Teaching and Learning, 1, (1) pp. 1-11. (1998) [Refereed Article] | |
| 1997 | Griggs LD, Snell RD, 'The Teaching and Curriculum of Property Law in Australian Law Schools', Australian Property Law Journal, 5, (2-3) pp. 213-226. ISSN 1038-5959 (1997) [Non Refereed Article] Co-authors: Griggs LD | |
| 1997 | Snell RD, Sheridan HE, 'Freedom of Information and the Tasmanian Ombudsman, 1993-1996', University of Tasmania Law Review, 16, (2) pp. 107-159. ISSN 0082-2108 (1997) [Refereed Article] | |
| 1995 | Snell RD, 'The torchlight states to glow a little brighter: Interpretation of Freedom of Information Legislation Revisited', Australian Journal of Administrative Law, 2, (4) pp. 197-216. ISSN 1320-7105 (1995) [Non Refereed Article] | |
| 1995 | Snell RD, 'The Tasmanian Caveat Board: An Overview of a Key Colonial Tribunal 1835-1859', Tasmanian Historical Research Association. Papers and Proceedings, 42, (4) pp. 192-213. ISSN 0039-9809 (1995) [Non Refereed Article] | |
| 1995 | Snell RD, 'The Ballad of Frank and Candour: Trying to Shake the Secrecy Blues From the Heart of Government', Freedom of Information Review , (57) pp. 34-37. ISSN 0817-3532 (1995) [Professional, Non Refereed Article] | |
| 1995 | Snell RD, 'Journey From the Comfort Zone: A Few Steps Towards Open Government', Freedom of Information Review, (55) pp. 3-7. ISSN 0817-3532 (1995) [Professional, Non Refereed Article] | |
| 1995 | Snell RD, 'Kioa to Teoh: Ten Years After - Right Location - Wrong Track', Alternative Law Journal, 20, (3) pp. 136-137. ISSN 1037-969X (1995) [Letter or Note in Journal] | |
| 1995 | Snell RD, 'The Ombudsman Strikes Back', Freedom of Information Review, (55) pp. 2-3. ISSN 0817-3532 (1995) [Professional, Non Refereed Article] | |
| 1995 | Snell RD, Sheridan HE, 'ALRC/ARC Discussion Paper 59 - A Few Significant Steps Towards Open Government', Freedom of Information Review, (60) pp. 90-96. ISSN 0817-3532 (1995) [Professional, Non Refereed Article] | |
| 1995 | Snell RD, Townley H, 'Freedom of Information and Administration of Education', The Principal Handbook Series, 1 pp. 48-54. (1995) [Professional, Non Refereed Article] | |
| 1993 | Henning T, Snell R, 'The APPM Strike: An Exercise in Police Discretion; A Poor Example of Judicial Oversight', The Bond Law Review ISSN 1033-4505 (1993) [Refereed Article] Co-authors: Henning T |
Book
(1 outputs)| Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Snell RD, 'The Role of the University Visitor: A Symposium', University of Tasmania Law Press, Hobart, pp. 67. ISBN 1038-1627-(ISSN) (1997) [Edited Book] |
Chapter in Book
(2 outputs)| Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Snell RD, 'Australian Ombudsman: A continual work in progress', Australian Administrative Law, Cambridge University Press, Matthew Groves and HP Lee (ed), Cambridge, pp. 100-115. ISBN 978-0-521-69790-3 (2007) [Research Book Chapter] | |
| 2002 | Ricketson M, Snell RD, 'FOI: threatened by governments, underused by journalists - still a sharp tool', Journalism Investigation & Research, Longman, S Tanner (ed), Sydney, pp. 150-164. ISBN 0-7339-9931-X (2002) [Research Book Chapter] |
Conference Publication
(4 outputs)| Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Snell RD, Murray EA, Meyers GD, 'Team teaching, real world experts, and student reflection: teaching and learning pedagogy in the UTAS Introduction to Law course', Partnerships for learning: On campus and beyond, 26 November 2009, Hobart, pp. 12. (2009) [Refereed Conference Paper] Co-authors: Murray EA; Meyers GD | |
| 1999 | Snell RD, 'Rethinking Administrative Law: A Redundancy Package for Freedom of Information', Administrative Law and the Rule of Law: Still Part of the Same Package?, June 1998, Melbourne, pp. 84-108. ISBN 0 9585312 2 6 (1999) [Refereed Conference Paper] | |
| 1999 | Snell RD, 'Administrative Compliance and Freedom of Information in Three Jurisdictions: Australia, Canada and New Zealand', Freedom of Information - One Year On, 23 April 1999, Dublin, pp. 1-8. (1999) [Non Refereed Conference Paper] | |
| 1995 | Snell RD, 'Adverse Possession in Tasmania: A Response to the 1994 Law Reform Discussion Paper', Australasian Law Teachers Association Conference, Hobart, pp. 1566-1571. (1995) [Non Refereed Conference Paper] |
Other Public Output
(18 outputs)| Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Atkins KM, Coady DA, Crowley CM, Gale F, Henning T, et al., 'Academics lash Lennon 'ethics'', The Mercury, News Limited, Hobart, 24 March 2007 (2007) [Newspaper Article] Co-authors: Atkins KM; Coady DA; Crowley CM; Gale F; Henning T; Lawrence PM; Lockwood M; Malpas J; Stamm M; Stokes MD; Stratford E; Warner K; White RD | |
| 2007 | Snell RD, 'Lesson for Canberra in neighbour's attitude', Sydney Morning Herald, Sydney Morning Herald, Sydney, 23/08/2007 (2007) [Newspaper Article] | |
| 2007 | Snell RD, 'China joins stampede as the leader falls flat', Sydney Morning Herald, Sydney Morning Herald, Sydney, 25/01/2007 (2007) [Newspaper Article] | |
| 2007 | Snell RD, 'An open-and-shut case of Tasmanian devilry', Sydney Morning Herald, Sydney Morning Herald, Sydney, 18/01/2007 (2007) [Newspaper Article] | |
| 2007 | Snell RD, 'The truth is out there: in Wellington, not Canberra', Sydney Morning Herald, Sydney Morning Herald, Sydney, 11/01/2007 (2007) [Newspaper Article] | |
| 2007 | Snell RD, 'Three quick steps to bring FOI laws into the age of enlightenment', The Australian, The Australian, NSW, 28/09/2008 (2007) [Newspaper Article] | |
| 2007 | Snell RD, Herr RA, Duncan RA, Bevilaqua S, 'Secret Hydro Tactic: Documents reveal plot to 'influence' own watchdog', Sunday Tasmanian, Davies Brothers (News Limited) , Hobart, February 18 (2007) [Media Interview] Co-authors: Herr RA; Duncan RA | |
| 2006 | Snell RD, 'Secrets under scrutiny', The Mercury, The Mercury, Hobart, 01/09/2006 (2006) [Newspaper Article] | |
| 2004 | Snell RD, 'Keeping informed a tricky business', The Mercury, The Mercury, Hobart, 05/08/2004 (2004) [Newspaper Article] | |
| 2004 | Snell RD, 'Reclaim the public interest high ground', The Mercury, The Mercury, Hobart, 22/07/2004 (2004) [Newspaper Article] | |
| 2004 | Snell RD, 'Information law needs a light hand', The Courier Mail, The Courier Mail, Brisbane, 15/07/2004 (2004) [Newspaper Article] | |
| 2003 | Snell RD, 'Off the info age pace', The Mercury, The Mercury, Hobart, 04/06/2003 (2003) [Newspaper Article] | |
| 1999 | Snell RD, 'Freedom of Information in the 1990s', Radio National, Terry Lane, Radio National, Aust - Radio National 22 August 1999 (20 mins), 1 (1999) [Media Interview] | |
| 1999 | Snell RD, 'FOI laws need rejuvenating, not scrapping', The Age, Fairfax, Melbourne, 1 February 1999 (1999) [Newspaper Article] | |
| 1999 | Snell RD, Cheah M, 'Independence in substance, and not just name: The value of a seperate Parlimentary committee to oversee, and a seperate appropriation act to fund, the Ombudsman's office', Independence in substance, and not just name: The value of a seperate Parlimentary committee to oversee, and a seperate appropriation act to fund, the Ombudsman's office, Joint Select Committee (Tas) inquiring into the Working Arrangements of the Parliment, Hobart, 1, 1 (1999) [Report of Restricted Access] | |
| 1999 | Snell RD, Walker PM, 'Designing for access to information rather than fighting for freedom of information', Designing for access to information rather than fighting for freedom of information, Queensland Legal, Constitutional and Administrative Review Committee on the Freedom of Information Act, Brisbane, 1, 1 (1999) [Report of Restricted Access] | |
| 1995 | Snell RD, 'The Walls of Jericho: Under Threat From Paper Swords', The Walls of Jericho: Under Threat From Paper Swords, Legislative Council Select Committee on Freedom of Information (Tas), Legislative Council, Tasmanian Parliament (1995) [Report of Restricted Access] | |
| 1995 | Snell RD, Sheridan HE, 'Response to DP 59', Response to DP 59, Australian Law Reform Commission, Point Lonsdale, Victoria (1995) [Report of Restricted Access] |
Grants & Funding
Funding Summary
Number of grants
6
Total funding
$146,822
Projects
International Expert Panel of the Independent Reporting Mechanism of the Open Government Partnership (2018 - 2019)$29,947
- Description
- Provision of high level advisory and comprehensive feedback to the IRM and OGP Steering Committee. Assistance and guidance in recruitment and selection of national researchers, including identifying applicants and final approval of candidates. As needed, communication with OGP participating governments and researchers to resolve conflicts around IRM reports. Attending international meetings and visits to participating countries from time to time
- Funding
- Open Government Partnership Steering Committee ($29,947)
- Scheme
- Contract Research
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Snell RD
- Period
- 2018 - 2019
Freedom of Information Policy for the Government of Tonga (2011)$50,000
- Funding
- Commonwealth Secretariat ($50,000)
- Scheme
- Consultancy
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Snell RD
- Year
- 2011
Development of a Royal Government of Cambodia Policy Paper on Access to Government Information (2007)$44,272
- Funding
- Pact Cambodia ($44,272)
- Scheme
- Consultancy
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Snell RD
- Year
- 2007
Cambodia Workshop on Access to Government Information (2007)$6,103
- Funding
- Pact Cambodia ($6,103)
- Scheme
- Consultancy
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Snell RD
- Year
- 2007
Review of Model Pacific Information Disclosure Policy (2006)$750
- Funding
- Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative ($750)
- Scheme
- Consultancy
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Snell RD
- Year
- 2006
Policy development of Freedom of Information (2004)$15,750
- Funding
- Government of Bermuda ($15,750)
- Scheme
- Consultancy
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Snell RD
- Year
- 2004
Research Supervision
Completed
8
Completed
| Degree | Title | Completed |
|---|---|---|
| PhD | Transformations in International Civil Society Organisations Working Towards a Greater Access and Use of Governmental Informational Resources Candidate: Silvana Valeria Fumega | 2016 |
| PhD | Enhancing Legal Education in Undergraduate Legal Education: Teaching ethics, professionalism and critical reflection to law students in the foundation year of law Candidate: Sarah Jane Hiller | 2016 |
| PhD | A Law Unto Themselves? Australian Regulation of Forestry Operations Candidate: Thomas Ian Baxter | 2014 |
| PhD | Transborder Biometric Information Flow: Legal Challenges to Personal Privacy and the Need for Public Debate Candidate: Vanessa Diaz Rodriguez | 2014 |
| PhD | 'Sanism', a Socially Acceptable Prejudice: Addressing the Prejudice Associated with Mental Illness in the Legal System Candidate: Valerie Ann Williams | 2014 |
| PhD | A Case Study in the Rise of Public Sector Transparency: Understanding the Global Diffusion of Freedom of Information Law Candidate: Rhys Barry Frederick Stubbs | 2012 |
| PhD | Freedom of Information Reform in China: Information Flow Analysis Candidate: Weibing Xiao | 2010 |
| Masters | A Critical Analysis of EC - Biotech: The Panel's Approach to Other Rules of International Law and the Application of the SPS Agreement Candidate: Bruce Newey | 2009 |