Political Pressures

Question 1

Political Lobby Groups

Answer 1

Come from all parts of the Australian community and usually focus on a very narrow field of interest. These fields of interest are matters of importance in the community and often have lobby groups who oppose each other about the same issue.

Question 2

Lobby Group: Purpose

Answer 2

These groups seek to influence the content of new laws or seek to change existing laws they do not agree with. They do this by lobbying the political parties and individual members of parliament with the objective of securing their support (votes).

Question 3

Types of Lobby Groups

Answer 3

Some of the areas where political lobby groups are active:
i. Healthcare
ii. Environment
iii. LBGT rights
iv. Sport
v. Education & training
vi. Energy

Question 4

Unions

Answer 4

Are organizations that represent and offer advice to employees with workplace relations issues (in particular, wages & conditions) in exchange for an annual fee. They lobby government to pass laws that improve the wages and conditions of the workers they represent.

Question 5

Employer associations

Answer 5

Are organizations that represent and offer advice to employers with workplace relations issues in return for an annual fee. They lobby government to pass laws which assist businesses to be more profitable (so that the profits can be used for new investment and to employ more workers).

Question 6

International treaties and declarations

Answer 6

a. Australia is member of many international organizations such as the United Nations, the World Trade Organization and the International Criminal Court.

b. As a result of these memberships Australia has signed many international treaties and declarations on wide variety of policy areas.

c. These organizations expect Australia to change any laws which are not aligned with these treaties.