5- Methods of Influencing Legislative Change

Question 1

What are demonstrations? Provide an example.

Answer 1

Demonstrations are gatherings or meetings in a public place, where the demonstrators march and rally for change.

Eg: Let Them Stay” demonstration, asking the PM not to send refugees back to Nauru. (Feb 2016).

Question 2

What are some strengths of demonstrations?

Answer 2

• Effective if there are many participants: shows government that there is public support.
• Often attracts media attention, which raises public awareness.

Question 3

What are some weaknesses of demonstrations?

Answer 3

• Can be inconvenient: public streets/areas are blocked off, increased traffic.
• If demonstrations become violent, the issue may be negatively viewed by public and parliament.

Question 4

What is a petition? Provide an example.

Answer 4

A petition is a written document that is addressed directly to parliament (or a relevant minister). This document contains signatures.

A petition was written to the Victorian Legislative Council in 2015, requesting an increase in police numbers.

Question 5

What are some strengths of petitions?

Answer 5

• They are addressed directly to parliament, so they will be seen.
• The larger the number of signatures, the more likely parliament will consider changes.

Question 6

What are some weaknesses of petitions?

Answer 6

• Can easily be ignored by parliament.

- Don’t often attract media attention: minimal public awareness is raised.

Question 7

What is a letter to the editor? Provide an example:

Answer 7

These are letters addressed to the editors of newspapers. They are generally a paragraph long, outlining the author’s opinion on a topical issue.

Some examples of letters to the editor were in The Age in February 2016, relating to duck hunting in Victoria.

Question 8

What are some strengths of letters to the editor?

Answer 8

• Is easily accessible, because it’s a form of media
• Informs the audience
• Encourages audience to view issue from a new perspective

Question 9

What are some weaknesses of letters to the editor?

Answer 9

• They are often overlooked, rarely catch parliament’s attention.
• Could also split the readers opinions.

Question 10

What is the media (in this context)? Provide examples.

Answer 10

Media outlets such as television, newspapers, radio and social media are all able to influence legislative change.

In early February, an episode of Four Corners discussed doping in sports (television).

Question 11

What are some strengths of media?

Answer 11

• Can convey information to a large audience: raises public awareness.
• Is easily accessible: allows MPs to monitor public support.

Question 12

What are some weaknesses of media?

Answer 12

• Information presented could be biased: this negatively impacts opinions of the public and parliament.

Question 13

What are 4 methods of influencing legislative change?

Answer 13

Legislative change can be influenced by:

• Deomnstrations
• Petitions
• Letters to the Editor
• Social Media