Australian Federal Politics Flashcards
What does Australian Parliament consist of?
The Queen (represented by the Governor General), the Senate, and the House of Representatives
How many Senators are currently in the Senate?
How many are from states and territories?
How long are they elected for?
76 senators
States have 12 senators that are elected for 6 years, but half are rotated out every 3 years
Territories have 2 senators that are elected for 3 years
How many members are currently in the House of Representatives?
How long are they elected for?
151 members
Elections are held every 3 years at the Prime Ministers discretion
What are the 4 Parliamentary departments?
- The Dept. of the Senate
- The Dept. of the House of Reps
- The Parliamentary Budget Office
- The Dept. of Parliamentary Services
By what electoral system are Senators elected?
Proportional Representation
After a candidate reached the voting quota, their excess votes over the quote are transferred to other candidates marked next on the voters preferences
What are some of the roles of Senators and members of the House of Representatives during sitting weeks?
- Debating and voting on bills
- Representing local/state views in parliament
- Working on parliamentary committees
- Attending parliamentary meetings to decide on party policy
- Discussing issues of national importance
What process occurs if a Senator dies or resigns between federal elections?
Casual vacancy
Senators are replaced by a candidate from the same political party, chosen by the parliament or legislative assembly of that state or territory
By what electoral system are members of the House of Representatives elected?
Preferential voting
A system designed to select a single member with an absolute majority for each electorate. If there is no absolute majority, the candidate with the least number of votes is excluded, and their votes are redistributed according to second preferences
What process occurs if a member of the House of Representatives dies or resigns between federal elections?
a by-election (a mini election)
How is the federal government formed?
At a federal election, the party (or coalition) with the support of the majority of members elected to the House of Representatives becomes the government
There can also be members of the government in the senate. The government may or may not hold the majority of seats in the senate
What happens if no party (or coalition) achieves a majority?
Hung parliament
It is still possible for a government to be formed if a majority can be achieved through agreement with independent and/or minor party members.
This is called a minority government
What areas of responsibility is the federal government responsible for?
- Defence
- Foreign affairs
- Trade
- Commerce and currency
- Immigration
- Telecommunications and broadcasting
- Air travel
- Most social services
- Pensions
- Postal services
What areas of responsibility is the federal government responsible for funding? (state responsibilities)
- Health
- Education
- Environmental issues
- Industrial relations etc.
What areas of responsibility are the state and territory governments responsible for?
- Schools
- Hospitals
- Emergency services
- Police
- Prisons
- Public transport
- Roads
- Railways
- Community services
- Public works
- Industrial relations
- Agriculture and fishing
What areas of responsibility are local councils responsible for?
Where do they get their power?
- Building regulations
- Development
- Local roads and footpaths
- Parks
- Garbage collection
- Health inspections of shops
The power of local councils is controlled by Acts of state parliament such as the local government Acts
