Lawmaking process in parliament and the courts

Independent

A parliamentarian who is not a member of a political party

Major political party

Political parties that can achieve a majority or near-majority of seats in the House of Representatives. Characteristics of major parties include a broad support base, the organizational capacity to contest all or most seats, a wide-ranging philosophy and a comprehensive set of policies.

Minor political party

Parties that do not have the broad support base required to win sufficient lower house seats in a general election to form the government or the opposition.

Micro political party

An organisation that contests election for the purpose of raising its profile and putting pressure on larger parties. Micro parties are single-issue pressure groups that nominate candidates in elections.

Pressure group

An organised group of people who share common interests, attitudes, or beliefs and take deliberate action that is aimed at influencing public policy, either to achieve some change in policy or administration or support the status quo and prevent change.

Political party

An organised group that seeks to achieve representation in parliament and to exert influence or control over the machinery of government.

Legislation

This term can describe the activity of parliament in debating bills and establishing statures r be used as an equivalent term for an Act of Parliament.