Parliament and the Legislative Process

What is Cabinet, it’s members and it’s role? Engine room of government PM and senior ministers Introduces most legislation, administers legislation, handling crisis’

What are the main sources of cabinet power? MP’s have many roles i.e./ may not no background Monopoly of public service Cabinet Solidarity Party Loyalty and partisan voting Control of the agenda Standing Orders i.e./ gag and guillotine

Influence of Party System on Legislation? Party line is the bottom line Candidates stand as party members Voting against party can be career damaging Members represent party more than electorate

What impact can the opposition have on the legislative process? Alternative government Devil’s advocate Undermine credibility of government Protest and highlight controversial bills Slow things on technical issues Question Time

What three criteria is required for legislation to be seen as democratic? Allow for wide ranging input. Be part of mandate of popularly elected government Be subject to effective scrutiny in parliament.

Functions of parliament Initiate, debate and approve legislation. Appoint and dismiss executive Approve expenditure Voice of majority Forum for debate Act as a court Political socialization

Where do ideas for new legislation arise? Government Party Policy Public Service Submissions Public opinion and pressure group activities Review by law reform groups Individual parliamentarians Committees Court Decisions.

What is the Role of committees? What are the 5 types of committees? To debate and examine legislation in detail Standing committees, Select committees , HOR, Senate and Joint house Committees.

Parliamentary activities of backbenchers Present issues concerning constituents Present presentations Private members bills Committee member Scrutinise legislation/executive

Does Parliament reflect the will of the people? Yes Electoral mandate (governmental and individual) Responsible government (especially question time) Petitions MP’s interaction with electorate Members of public can be asked to present views to committees Role of media in expressing public opinion.

Does Parliament reflect the will of the people? No Reflects sections of the community i.e./ parties meaning guaranteed passage of legislation, use of gag and guillotine Dominated by cabinet Constrained by the Constitution and the High Court i.e./ Mabo Insufficient time spent by MP’s on parliamentary business. Recent decline in number of petitions presented to parliament. Undue influence from pressure groups i.e./ ACTU for labor and National Farmers Federation for coalition

No Continued… Controlled by the executive - administrative necessity, to continue existing policy or administrative arrangements or to work out new deals between states and commonwealth. Parliamentary process allows for minimal public input.

Explain the composition of the Senate at time of Federation Explain the composition of the Senate at time of Federation? And the role of the Senate? Equal numbers regardless of population to protect smaller states. Defend interests of states Wisely review legislation

What are the three distinct roles of the Senate? As a rubber stamp of House of Rep’s Hostile Senate i.e./ controlled by opposition Independent i.e./ balance of power held by neither government or opposition.

What are the sources of increased Senate influence? Proportional Voting introduced in 1949 Expansion of the size of the Senate Committees