The opposition Flashcards
Makeup of the opposition
Second largest party or coalition of parties in the HOR, following a federal election, Members of opposition sit in the HOR and senate, Current opposition- Liberal National Coalition led by Peter Dutton, Form a shadow ministry- senior members of opposition shadow corresponding government ministers and make alternative policies
Duties of the opposition leader
Alternate Prime Minister (1975- Malcolm Fraser), Leading the development of party policy, Selecting opposition members of the HOR and senators as shadow ministers and leading shadow cabinet, Act as the chief spokesperson for the party inside and outside parliament
Role of the opposition
Under convention they oppose government, keeping government accountable (provide viable alternative gov, WA gov has little accountability due to large majority), Provide scrutiny via adversarial competition with sitting government, Provided with public resources (such as money), Opposition leader and any MP who has parliamentary role gets more money and a staff allowance
How the opposition keeps executive accountable
Question time, Moving censure motions (Richard Colbeck) and motions of no confidence, Debate, Calling for quorum (time wasting, calling how many MP’s are needed for a vote), Refusing pairs, Calling for ‘divisions’ (time wasting, everyone has to move to the ‘yes’ and ‘no’ side
How the opposition keeps the executive accountable in the senate
Join forces with minor parties and independents (Medevac), Committees to debate government legislation, QT in chamber, Block legislation (19750 blocked supply)
Opposition acting as a viable alternative government
Scrutinises the government and seeks to hold them accountable for their decisions, especially through question time, Called alternative government as they must be ready to form government if there are voted in following a federal election (Have a shadow ministry and clear policies)
Factors that affect the success of the opposition
Impartiality of the speaker (opposition can be victim of government), Lack of resources, Executive dominance
