Accountability of the Parliament

Flashcards about Accountability of the Parliament

What are the four main roles of Parliament?

To represent the people, make legislation, hold the executive responsible, and debate.

What are the key features that ensure free and fair elections in Australia?

The Independent Electoral Authority (AEC), preferential voting in the House of Representatives, proportional voting in the Senate, compulsory voting, and secret ballot.

What is a common practice that affects electoral accountability?

Voters vote along party lines.

What is the significance of single-member electorates in the House of Representatives?

They allow voters to readily identify their local MP.

How does preferential voting tend to affect election outcomes?

It amplifies a small majority of votes into a majority of seats.

How do most voters cast their votes in the Senate elections?

Voters vote above-the-line, and parties choose where their vote goes.

What is the term length for Senators?

Senators are only elected once every 6 years.

What factor contributed to John Howard losing his seat in 2007?

Sensitivity to issues regarding multiculturalism and migration.

For what was Craig Thomson held accountable?

Union credit card scandal.

For what action was Adam Bandt arguably NOT held accountable?

Blocking of the Emissions Trading Scheme (Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme).

What personal conduct led to Barnaby Joyce's resignation from cabinet?

Expecting a child with his former communications staffer.

What issues did Zali Steggall focus on in her campaign against Tony Abbott?

Climate change denial and being "out of touch".

For what was Josh Frydenberg held accountable in the 2022 election?

Association with the Morrison Government.

What was Peter Dutton's political alignment within the Coalition?

He was from the right wing of the Coalition.

How was Peter Dutton held to account in the 2025 election?

His electorate held him accountable.

What is Parliamentary Privilege?

Exempt from criminal or civil liability for speeches made in parliament.

What is the legitimate purpose of parliamentary privilege?

To encourage robust debate.

What do privileges committees do?

They act as tribunals within parliament and hold members accountable.

What is a noted limitation of privileges committees?

They are composed of Members of Parliament who lack impartiality and independence.

What actions of Craig Thomson led to an investigation by Fair Work Australia?

He misused his corporate credit card to purchase illicit videos and prostitutes.

What caused the privileges committee inquiry into Thomson's speech to lapse?

The dissolution of parliament and the 2013 election.

What is the purpose of Interests Committees?

To make Members of Parliament’s financial interests transparent.

What do Interests Committees ensure?

They ensure MPs must declare any shareholdings, property, investments, gifts and other financial interests.

What are Standing Orders?

Rules governing procedures and processes for each chamber.

What do standing orders provide for?

Internal accountability for adhering to parliamentary standards.

What does standing order 94 cover?

Sanctions against Disorderly conduct.

What is the maximum punishment for disorderly conduct under standing order 94?

A suspension for 3 days, which comes with the inability to vote.

What do the speaker and president do?

Uphold standing orders in their respective chambers.

What is the Order of Business?

A general program for what happens each day in parliament.

What is a Notice Paper?

A detailed agenda for everything happening on a particular day in each chamber.

What is Hansard?

A document of everything that is said in parliament.

What are Parliamentary Committees?

Small, specialised subsets of private members of parliament.

In what ways can the Courts hold Parliament accountable?

Reviewing constitutionality of legislation, interpreting statues, and acting as a Court of Disputed Returns.

What is required for parliament to make legislation under a constitutional head of power?

Parliament must make legislation under a constitutional head of power.

What is meant by ‘accountability’ as it applies to Australia’s political and legal system

Australia’s political and legal system refers to the principle that members of parliament must remain answerable to the public and law for their actions and decisions