Chapter 5

Question 1

What is the shadow ministry?

Answer 1

The shadow ministry is comprised of Opposition members who scrutinise the cabinet. They often mirror the composition of the ministry so each shadow minister can scrutinise a minister with the same portfolio

Question 2

What is a private member?

Answer 2

A private member is any member of parliament who is not in the ministry

Question 3

What are the roles of the opposition?

Answer 3

Holding the government accountable
Presenting itself as a viable alternative government

Question 4

What are some of the methods used by the Opposition to hold the government accountable?

Answer 4

Question Time (ineffective as ministers can respond in writing)
Motions (ineffective due to executive dominance, e.g. Morrison Government lost vote in 2019 but no consequence)
Debate (Effective in Senate but not in Reps)

Question 5

What are some strategies the Opposition uses to delay the government?

Answer 5

Quorum in House of Reps - Opposition can call for a check if enough MPs are in the House if some are missing
Refusing pairs - Government can pair opposition members with absent MPs to conserve majority, Opposition can refuse

Question 6

What are some factors that limit the Opposition’s success?

Answer 6

Impartiality of Speaker
Access to Resources
Government control over House of Reps

Question 7

How can the Opposition overcome its limitations?

Answer 7

Third-party research, e.g. research centres and think tanks