Final answer:
s109 of the Australian constitution establishes the dominance of federal law over state law when inconsistencies occur, ensuring a clear hierarchy of laws and national unity within Australia's federal system.
Step-by-step explanation:
The significance of s109 of the Australian constitution is that it deals with the resolution of conflicts between state laws and federal laws. When a state law is inconsistent with a federal law, the federal law prevails, and the state law is, to the extent of the inconsistency, invalid. This principle ensures that there is a clear hierarchy of laws and resolves potential legislative conflicts. It also serves as a tool for maintaining national unity, ensuring that federal laws operate uniformly across all states. The mechanism established under s109 is fundamental for the operation of Australia's federal system of government, allowing it to function smoothly by providing a legal means to resolve conflicts.