Final answer:
Section 109 of the Australian Constitution addresses the hierarchy of law by establishing the supremacy of federal law over state law in cases where they conflict, ensuring a coherent national legal system.
Step-by-step explanation:
Explanation of Section 109 of the Australian Constitution
Section 109 of the Australian Constitution 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 section is crucial because it helps maintain a stable legal system where federal laws can function uniformly across the country, preventing states from creating laws that could undermine national legislation. The concept is similar to the supremacy clause found in the United States Constitution, but specifically, it is a part of Australia's foundational legal document.
This provision supports a federal system of government, in which the Constitution provides certain powers to the national government while allowing states to govern themselves in other areas. By setting out the supremacy of federal laws in cases of conflict, Section 109 ensures legal clarity and a coherent legal framework across the nation, which is essential for governance and the Constitutional process.