A review of Question Time in the House of Representatives aims to make it more democratic and more edifying. But it’s not the structure as much as the culture that needs fixing.
Articles on Australian parliament
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The minister is now not sue back at parliament until the May budget sitting, feeding speculation about her future.
A look at the week in politics, focussing on what Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has described as “without doubt, the biggest shock this country has ever faced”.
The ‘war cabinet’ is vital in a time of crisis, with the federal and state governments all having a say. And once the crisis has passed, parliament will resume its normal function.
The 20-week adjournment of parliament will harm our capacity to fight the virus and subverts Australia’s identity as a parliamentary democracy.
It is important government continue – and be able to be properly scrutinised – during this time of crisis, and the Australian Constitution allows it to be done electronically.
Two former high court justices and constitutional experts have thrown their support behind the importance of a First Nations Voice to parliament.
The short answer is no. But the longer answer is that it has a complicated history (and the best remedy remains at the ballot box).
There has been recent speculation that governments could advise royal assent not be granted if bills are passed against their wishes. Here’s why this is very unlikely to happen.
In the final sitting week for the year, the encryption bill was finally passed, and the Liberal Party changed its rules to prevent sitting prime ministers being toppled.
The Liberal Party is at a crossroad in its history. It must take bold steps to ensure better representation in its ranks by introducing gender quotas.
Problems with section 44 of the Constitution have absorbed a great deal of time, money and energy over the past year – it’s time all politicians worked towards genuine reform.
Examples from Ireland and New Zealand show that, unless determined measures are taken, masculine political cultures will ensure the gender imbalance remains.
Guaranteed representation reduces the distance between policymakers and the people for whom policy is made.
Malcolm Turnbull’s government has had a rocky year, almost losing an election and incurring a number of self-inflicted wounds. They will be hoping for better in 2017.
The push for marriage equality is not just about walking down the aisle in matching outfits; it’s become a potent symbol of equality and acceptance.
The Australian parliament is not a very representative place – but the bigger problems is the poor quality of its deliberations.
Top contributors
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Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra
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Professor Emerita in Constitutional Law, University of Sydney
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Professor of Law, UNSW Law School, UNSW
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Postdoctoral Research Fellow, School of Politics and International Relations, Australian National University
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Professor, Canberra School of Government, University of Canberra
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Visiting Professorial Fellow, UNSW
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Dennis Altman is a Friend of The Conversation.
Vice Chancellor's Fellow and Professorial Fellow, Institute for Human Security and Social Change, La Trobe University
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Emeritus Professor, School of Politics and International Relations, Australian National University
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Professor, Australian Studies Institute, Australian National University
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Senior Lecturer, School of Political and Social Inquiry, Monash University
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Senior Lecturer in Law at the University of Queensland, The University of Queensland
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Research editor, Australian National University
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Senior Lecturer in Law, Flinders University
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Senior Project Manager, Murdoch University
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Adjunct Professor, Stout Research Centre, Victoria University of Wellington and Auckland University of Technology, Professor of Political Science, Charles Sturt University