Although each set of uniform Acts is unique, sets within an area of law have some common traits that impact the prospects for achieving uniformity in the process of harmonisation. Identifying these areas to explain how uniformity can be achieved offers valuable insights. This study is based on an empirical examination of 84 sets of uniform Acts. The key findings suggest that specific areas of the law could be susceptible to higher or lower levels of uniformity. Legislation in the following areas has been found to be ‘highly uniform’: commercial and corporate law, government, and energy and resources. In contrast, legislation concerning child protection, the regulation of road transport and criminal law have the lowest uniformity.

This study has unique practical and valuable research implications. In some policy areas, a uniform national response will be important. If consensus between the jurisdictions is lacking, and the area of law has historically had low uniformity, achieving a national response will require additional effort, resources and time. This may or may not be attainable. The key findings of this study are expected to help policymakers, law reformers and legislative drafters overcome the uncertainty related to developing strategic directions for harmonisation.