Neil Foster

Neil Foster is an Associate Professor at the University of Newcastle, specifically within the School of Law and Justice. His academic career spans multiple disciplines with a strong focus on legal theory and practical applications across tort law, workplace health and safety, and the intersection of law and religion. His position reflects his significant contributions to legal scholarship and education at one of Australia's prominent universities.

• Master of Laws, University of Newcastle
• Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Laws, University of New South Wales
• Bachelor of Theology, Australian College of Theology
• Diploma of Arts in Theology, Moore Theological College, Sydney

Professor Foster's primary research interests center around three major areas: torts (civil liability for wrongs), occupational health and safety law, and law and religion. His work in torts encompasses issues like duty of care, breach of statutory duty, and causation principles. In workplace health and safety, he focuses on personal liability of company officers for OHS breaches and the legal frameworks governing workplace safety. His law and religion scholarship examines religious freedom, anti-discrimination laws, and the legal position of religious organizations within contemporary Australian society. These research domains often intersect, particularly in cases where religious freedom conflicts with anti-discrimination legislation or workplace safety obligations.

Analysis of Professor Foster's recent publications reveals a clear trend toward examining the tensions between religious freedom and anti-discrimination laws in Australia, alongside continued scholarship in tort law principles and workplace safety regulations. His work demonstrates a methodical approach to legal analysis, often connecting theoretical principles with practical applications in contemporary legal disputes. The publications show increasing focus on constitutional aspects of religious freedom, particularly Section 109 of the Australian Constitution, and its interaction with state and federal anti-discrimination legislation.

• Editorial Board - Torts Law Journal (2007-Present)
• Membership - National OHS Regulatory Research Consortium (2010-Present)
• Member of Editorial Executive for Journal of Health, Safety & Environment (2021-2022)

Professor Foster has served as co-supervisor for one PhD candidate on the topic 'From Premise to Practice: Strategic Decision-making in Risk-based Regulatory Agencies' (2017). His professional engagement extends beyond traditional academic supervision to include significant editorial responsibilities and membership in research consortia focused on occupational health and safety regulation. His work with the National OHS Regulatory Research Consortium demonstrates practical engagement with policymakers and regulators in the field of workplace safety.

Professor Foster maintains active scholarly engagement through his blog 'lawandreligionaustralia.blog' where he comments on contemporary law and religion issues, and has participated in radio interviews discussing these topics. His academic work intersects with practical legal application through his advisory role in regulatory frameworks and his analysis of landmark legal cases affecting religious organizations and workplace safety standards in Australia.