Prime Ministerial Power Flashcards

Prime Ministerial power flashcards - specifically Abbott and Rudd

Prime Minister

The head of government and leader of the executive branch who coordinates policy, leads Cabinet, and advises the Governor-General

Sources of Prime Ministerial Power

Derived mainly from Westminster conventions rather than the Constitution; authority is exercised through political leadership and party control.

Constitutional Basis

The Constitution vests executive power in the Governor-General (Section 61), but by convention, this power is exercised on the advice of the Prime Minister and Cabinet

Extent of Prime Ministerial Power

Significant but limited and power depends on party unity, parliamentary composition, opposition strength, and public support.

Main legislative power of the prime minister

The power to introduce and pass legislation with partisan support.

Main executive power of the prime minister

The power to speak and acct on the nations behalf in domestic and international contexts

Limits on Prime Ministerial Power

Minority governments, Senate opposition, internal party revolts, independents, and public opinion

Legislative power of the Prime minister

The Prime Minister can introduce government bills in the House of Representatives, relying on party discipline and majority control for passage.

Party Discipline

Convention that government members vote with their party; ensures Prime Ministerial bills usually pas through the lower house.

Minority Government Exception

Only one minority government since WW2 (Gillard 2010-13); in such cases, Prime Ministerial power is weakened as independents and crossbenchers gain leverage.

Kevin Rudd 

A Labor Prime Minister who exercised strong executive and legislative control during the Global Financial Crisis.

Prime Ministerial Power in Crisis

National emergencies can expand Prime Ministerial authority as political actors unite to avoid public backlash.

Global Financial Crisis

The 2008-09 economic downturn that prompted Rudd to use extensive fiscal policy powers to protect Australia’s economy

Nation Recovery Plan (2008)

Rudd’s $75 billion stimulus package including infrastructure spending and federal guarantees of bank deposits.

Economic Security Strategy Payments (2008)

$10.4 billion package including $4.8 billion in cash payments to pensioners, veterans, and families on the 14th of October, 2008.

GFC Effect on Prime Ministerial Power

Opposition and minor parties supported Rudd’s stimulus to avoid unpopularity; demonstrates how crises increase Prime Ministerial power.

Extent of Rudd’s Prime Ministerial Power During the GFC

High extent of Prime Ministerial power; strong executive leadership with partisan support during the GFC enabled him to dominate decision-making and legislation

Senate Composition Post-2007 Election

Coalition 37 seats, Labor 32, Greens 5; Rudd needed crossbench support for bills to pass.

Carbo Emissions Trading Scheme (2008)

Rudd’s proposal to put a price on carbon and create a carbo permit market.

Senate Opposition to ETS

Initially supported by the Coalition, but the opposition withdrew after Tony Abbott replaced Malcolm Turnbull as Liberal leader in 2009.

Greens Opposition to ETS

The Greens blocked the bill for being too weak on climate action

Outcome of ETS Legislation

Failed to pass in the Senate; demonstrated the Senate’s ability to limit Prime Ministerial power.

Extent of the Limitation on Rudd’s Prime Ministerial Power when the ETS Failed

It was limited to a significant extent; Senate’s proportional representation gives minor parties and independents significant power to block government legislation.

Tony Abbott

Liberal Prime Minister who used his Prime Ministerial power to represent and symbolically lead the nation, but faced backlash for controversial actions.

Power to Speak and Act on the Nations Behalf

By convention, the Prime Minister represents Australia domestically and internationally, often acting as the public face of government policy.

Return of Knighthoods

In 2015 Abbott reinstated the knighthood/honours system which was originally abolished in the 1980s by Labor under Bob Hawke (acted upon what was originally proposed by Gough Whitlam).

Knighthood of Prince Philip

Abbott used his Prime Ministerial power to knight Prince Philip in 2015, on the behalf of Australia, leading to widespread criticism as Australia was culturally moving away from the monarchy.

Significance of the Knighthood Decision

Showed that Prime Ministers can act independently on behalf of the nation, even without popular support.

Public and Party Backlash

The decision damaged Abbott’s credibility and popularity, both within the public and his party.

Party Room Revolt (2015)

Abbott’s knighthood decision triggered dissatisfaction within the Liberals Party, leading to a leadership spill.

February 2015 Leadership Spill

40% of Liberal MP’s voted against Abbott; although he survived, his authority was significantly weakened

September 2015 Leadership Spill

Malcolm Turnbull challenged Abbott; Caucus result of 54-44 in favour of Turnbull resulted in the removal of Abbott as Prime Minister.

Knighthoods Extent of Limitation on Abbott’s Prime Ministerial Power

Limited Abbott’s power to an extremely high extent; demonstrated that Prime Ministerial power depends heavily on maintaining party confidence and unity.

Party Accountability Mechanism

Party Caucus can remove a Prime Minister through internal leadership votes, acting as a check on excessive or unpopular decision-making.

Rudd’s Prime Ministerial Power

Expanded during crisis; achieved near-unanimous parliamentary support and decisive policy action. Limited by the senate during times of non-crises.

Abbott’s Prime Ministerial Power

Weakened by internal party dissent and public backlash; culminated in leadership loss.

Extent of Prime Ministerial Power

Significant but constrained; Prime Ministerial influence depends on context, parliamentary numbers, and party stability.

Factors Expanding Prime Ministerial Power

Crisis situations, party unity, majority government, and popular mandate.

Factors Limiting Prime Ministerial Power

Senate opposition, minor parties, independents, internal leadership tensions, and public disapproval.

Overall Conclusion on Prime Ministerial Power

Prime Ministerial power in Australia is extensive under majority government and strong leadership conditions (e.g. Rudd), but can be substantially limited by parliamentary and party dynamics (eg. Abbott).