11.3 Representative Nature of Parliament

demonstration

a gathering of people to protest or express thier common concern or dissatisfaction with an existing law as a means of influencing law reform

Victorian Law Reform Comission (VLRC)

leading independent law reform organisation

reviews, researches and makes recommendations in state parliament about possible changes to Victorian laws

referendum

method used for changing the wording of the Australian Constitution

requires a propsal to be approves by Australian public in a vote by double majority

Representative Parliament

• parliamentary system is expected to be representative of the people

• parliament and government consists of members elected by the public to make laws on their behalf

• if MPs fail to make laws that reflect the views and values of the people, or fail to address the needs of the community they jeopardise their chances of being elected

Diversity of Parliament

• Australian Parliament generaly does not reflect diversity of Australia

• some argue lack of diversity means certain groups of people or their interests are not well represented in law-making

• some argue that diversity of parliament does not affect their ability to represent people

what does representative nature of parliament encourage

members of parliament to listen to the views of the community and make laws in accordance with these views

means that protesting activities can be very influential in promoting law reform

when people see the need for change in the law they can

• forming a petition

• organising demonstrations

• using social media

• contacting their local member of parliament

Regular Elections

• must be held to achive representative government - people can vote for politicians to represent them

• if government does not represent the needs of the majoruty of people during its time in office it is likely to be voted out