Australian Politics

Political spectrum

A way of representing political views on a line from left (progressive, equality-focused) to right (traditional, individual freedom-focused).

Political horseshoe

The theory that the far-left and far-right, rather than being opposites, actually resemble each other in their extreme methods and authoritarian tendencies.

Political compass

A two-dimensional model of political ideology using two axes: left-right (economic policy) and authoritarian-libertarian (social freedom).

Left-wing

A political position that generally supports social equality, government intervention in the economy, progressive reform, and redistribution of wealth.

Right-wing

A political position that generally supports tradition, free markets, limited government intervention, and individual responsibility.

Centrist

A political position in the middle of the left-right spectrum, combining elements of both sides and favouring pragmatic, moderate policies.

Authoritarian

Favouring strong central control by the government with limited individual freedoms or political opposition.

Libertarian

Favouring maximum individual freedom from government control — both socially and economically.

Secular

Separate from religion

a secular government does not base its laws on religious doctrine.

Liberal (political ideology)

Liberalism values individual rights, freedom, democracy, and the rule of law.

Moderate

A person or policy that avoids extreme positions, sitting closer to the centre of the spectrum.

Conservative

Favouring tradition, stability, and gradual change rather than rapid reform.

Upper House / The Senate

Australia's upper house of federal parliament with 76 senators that reviews legislation passed by the lower house.

Lower House / House of Representatives

Australia's lower house of federal parliament with 151 members where most new legislation originates.

Cabinet

The senior group of ministers chosen by the Prime Minister who collectively make major government decisions.

Opposition

The major party or coalition not in government, responsible for scrutinising the government and proposing alternative policies.

Constitutional Monarch

A king or queen whose powers are defined and limited by a constitution.

Head of State

The official representative of a nation, often a ceremonial role.

Preferential Voting

Australia's voting system where voters rank candidates in order of preference.

Electoral roll

The official list of all people registered to vote, compulsory for citizens aged 18 and over.

Absentee vote

A vote cast by someone who cannot attend their usual polling place on election day.

Party line

The official policy position of a political party on a given issue.

Toeing the party line

When a politician votes or speaks in accordance with their party's official position.

Cross-party

Involving members from more than one political party.

Cross-bench

MPs or senators who are neither in the government nor the official opposition.

Democracy

A means for the people to choose their leaders and hold them accountable.

Popular sovereignty

The principle that power flows from the people to the leaders of government.

Participation

The key role of citizens in a democracy to engage in public life and express opinions.

Representation

The key role of elected officials to listen, support, and uphold the interests of their constituents.

Pluralism

The tolerance of others' opinions, represented by political parties that reflect different interests and groups in society.

Accountability

Elected officials and individuals in positions of power are accountable to those who have bestowed such power upon them.

Free, fair, and frequent elections

The ultimate 'check' on the power of the government, allowing the public to approve or disapprove through their votes.

Media's role in accountability

The media holds the government and elected officials accountable by reporting on stories in the public interest.

Separation of Powers

The principle that the three branches of government (legislature, executive, judiciary) should be kept independent to prevent abuse of power.

Blurred separation of powers in Australia

In Australia, the separation of powers is blurred as the executive and legislative branches are combined.

Importance of separation of powers

Ensures government remains fair and accountable by creating checks and balances on the use of power.

Written Constitution

A formal document that defines the nature of a constitutional settlement, the rules governing the political system, and the rights of citizens.

Westminster System

A system that includes a sovereign or head of state, a head of government, an executive branch, a parliamentary opposition, a legislature, and the ability of courts to address or silence parliamentary or executive orders.

Governor-General

Appointed by the Queen on the advice of the Prime Minister, performing constitutional, statutory, formal ceremonial, and non-ceremonial social duties.

Prime Minister

Appointed by the Governor-General, leading the government formed by the political party with the majority of seats in the House of Representatives.

Parliament

The heart of the Australian national government, consisting of the Queen (represented by the Governor-General) and two Houses (the Senate and the House of Representatives).

Functions of Parliament

To provide for the formation of a government, legislate, provide funds, represent the public, and scrutinise government actions.

Bills

Proposed laws that must be passed by both Houses and assented to by the Governor-General to become Acts of Parliament.

Senate

Comprises 76 Senators, with 12 elected from each of the 6 states and 2 each from the Australian Capital Territory and Northern Territory.

State Senators

Elected for 6-year terms, while territory Senators serve for 3-year terms.

House of Representatives

Comprises 150 members, each representing a separate electoral division, elected for terms of up to 3 years.

People's House

Another name for the House of Representatives, where the party or group with majority support forms the Government.

Question Time

A period during which the accountability of the Government is illustrated every sitting day.

The Crown

Represented by the Governor-General

The Upper House

Senate

The Lower House

House of Representatives

House of Representatives Main Roles

Represent the people, introduce and pass proposed laws (bills), review bills passed by the Senate, form government

House of Representatives Structure

151 members, each represents an electoral division in Australia, elected for three years

Senate Main Roles

Represent the interests of the states and territories of Australia, introduce and pass bills, review bills passed by House of Representatives

Senate Structure

76 senators: 12 from each state, 2 from each territory

state senators elected for 6 years, territories for 3 years

Bicameral

A parliament with two houses

Judicial Power - High Court

The Constitution provides for the establishment of the High Court of Australia and such other courts as Parliament may create.

High Court Functions

Interpret and apply the law of Australia

decide cases of special federal significance

hear appeals from Federal, State and Territory courts.

Separation of Powers in Australia

Australia does not have a complete separation of powers because some roles of the Parliament, Executive and Judiciary overlap.

Electorates Size Variation

Boundaries are drawn by population, not geography — each electorate needs ~120,000 voters.

Electorates Fairness in House of Representatives

Built on 'one vote, one value' — population equality is the overriding principle.

Senate Representation

Every state gets 12 senators regardless of population.

Constitutional Quirks

Every original state is guaranteed at least 5 lower house seats.

Rural vs Urban Tension

Electorates over 100,000 km² are allowed a 20% population variation.

Types of Voting - First Past the Post

Single-member electorates where the candidate with the most votes wins.

Types of Voting - Preferential

Single-member electorates where candidates must be numbered for the vote to be formal.

Types of Voting - Proportional Representation

Multi-member electorates where candidates are elected when they get a quota.

Compulsory Voting

First used in 1925

Australia compels its citizens to vote.

Pros of Compulsory Voting

Enhances democratic legitimacy by ensuring elected representatives represent the majority.

Cons of Compulsory Voting

Inconsistent with the democratic right to freedom

may not increase quality of participation.

Legitimacy

Achieved after processes associated with participation, representation and accountability have been met.