Australian Parliamentary System Case Study

Area of Study 1
The Principles of the Australian Parliamentary System
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Representative Government refers to a government that characterises the views of the majority of people. The Government consists of representatives of the people who are chosen by the public.
-Regular Elections
-If government does not represent the needs of the majority of people it is likely to be voted out of office at the next election.
TIP-Do not use a circular definition. Ie. Do NOT say "representative government refers to a government that represents the views of the majority of the people". This definition will not get you full marks. (or should not if
• Subordinate Authorities – Bodies to whom parliament delegates law-making powers
• Abrogate – Abolish; law made through courts can be cancelled by an act of parliament if the act specifically states that it abolishes the law made by the courts
• Bill – Proposed law
• Cabinet – The policy-making body of the government, made up of senior ministers and the prime minister (federal) or premier (state)
• Delegated Legislation – Rules and regulations made by subordinate authorities
• Legislation – An act of parliament or set of acts
• Office of Parliamentary Counsel – The office of parliamentary counsel is responsible for drafting legislation; the drafters are given instructions from cabinet about the purpose and extent of proposed laws
• Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations Committee – A Victorian joint investigatory committee that looks at new bills as they make their passage through the Victorian Parliament
• Senate Scrutiny of Bills Committee - A senate committee that is responsible for examining all bills that come before the Commonwealth Parliament
Changing Laws
Reasons for change
Laws need to change to reflect the needs and values of the community
• Changing values in society
• Changes in society
• Technological
- Can arouse public awareness of the issue - They have to be publicised well to get the numbers to attend to make an impression
- Unless there is ongoing support and media attention, they are likely to have little effect
- They are time consuming to organise
Media - Can gain a groundswell of support for an issue if the issue is widely reported, such as through radio, television, newspapers and blogs
- The government is fully aware of the issues that the media is covering and gauge public support about an issue through the media
- Without the support of the media, other methods of influencing changes in the law will have little effect - Can show that there are very strong conflicting views on an issue, such as same-sex marriage, which will deter the government from changing laws in this area
- The government will only take on board an issue if it fits in with their legislative program and there is a high level of community support
- Letters to the editor, newspaper reports, radio, television and blogs will only be influential if the public gets behind an issue and demands a change in the law
- Change in the law usually requires bipartisan support, or at least support of the minor parties and independents

The Legislative Process
Initiation of