Chapter 12 - Accountability of the Executive Flashcards
What are the 3 branches of the executive?
Constitutional/Formal - Queen, GG, EXCO
Parliamentary/Real - Cabinet, PM
Administrative - Public service
Example of ineffectiveness of IMR?
George Brandis in 2015. Was censured by the Senate however with PM defence he was not punished
What are IMR and CMR?
Individual Ministerial Responsibility - Westminster convention that aims to hold an MP accountable for being incompetent or corrupt through censure votes
Collective Ministerial Responsibility - Westminster convention that aims to hold an entire cabinet accountable through votes of no confidence.
What are legislation and reference committees?
When the Senate conducts an inquiry, references committees complete the task while legislation committees scrutinise related bills
What are estimates hearings?
Twice a year, legislation and references committees come together to conduct hearings on government activity. Used to be only on spending, but function has expanded
What are some of the limitations on estimates hearings holding the gov accountable?
Can’t question ministers from the House of Reps
Can’t reverse government decisions
Example of an estimates hearing in practice?
Senator Corman v Helloworld.
Corman allegedly got free tickets on Helloworld by booking with the CEO
Committee inquired why and whether they were a gift
Helloworld denied they were free and it was an error
Senator McKenzie & sports grants
Alleged McKenzie issued sports grants with political bias i.e. giving more to certain electorates
Alleged PM was involved or knew about it
What is the Scrutiny of Delegated Legislation Committee?
Senate committee that ensures the executive are not breaching power when making delegated legislation.
Committee can send Disallowance Alert to the Senate if necessary and they can pass disallowance motions
