Notes on Australian Government, Law and Democracy

Parliament vs Government

• Parliament:

  • Composition: Two houses (House of Representatives, Senate).
  • Function: Makes, debates, and passes laws; represents the people; scrutinizes Government.
  • Members: Elected representatives (MPs).

• Government:

  • Composition: Formed by the majority party in the House of Representatives.
  • Function: Executes and enforces laws; runs the country; implements policies.
  • Members: Prime Minister and ministers from elected MPs.

House of Representatives/Senate

• House of Representatives (Lower House):

  • Members: 151 (one from each electoral division).
  • Role: Initiates and passes legislation.
  • Elections: Every three years (preferential voting).

• Senate (Upper House):

  • Members: 76 (12 from each state, 2 from each territory).
  • Role: Reviews and amends legislation; represents states.
  • Elections: Every six years (proportional representation).

Key Concepts of Australian Democracy

• Representative Democracy: Citizens elect representatives.
• Constitutional Monarchy: Monarch’s powers limited by the constitution.
• Federation of States: Multiple states with their own governments.
• Separation of Powers: Division of legislative, executive, and judicial powers.

Active Citizenship

• Encouragement to participate via voting, community groups, and engagement with representatives.
• Compulsory Voting: Mandatory participation in elections.
• Rule of Law: Everyone is subject to the law; laws protect individual rights.

Law Types

• Statutory Law: Laws enacted by legislative bodies.
• Common Law: Based on judicial decisions and precedents.
• Independent Judiciary: Ensures impartial justice.

Political Parties

• Major Parties:

  • Australian Labor Party (ALP): Center-left; focuses on social justice.
  • Liberal Party: Center-right; advocates for free markets and individual liberties.
  • National Party: Represents rural interests.
  • Australian Greens: Emphasizes environmental and social justice.
  • One Nation: Right-wing and nationalist.

• Functions of Political Parties:

  • Representation and policy development.
  • Forming government based on majority in Parliament.

Political Media

• Types:
  • Print Media: Newspapers and magazines.
  • Broadcast Media: TV and radio.
  • Digital Media: Online news, social media.
  • Public Broadcasting: Unbiased political coverage.

Voting Process in Australia

• Compulsory Voting: Required for citizens.
• Preferential Voting: Rank candidates in House elections.
• Proportional Representation: For Senate seats allocation.
• Secret Ballot: Privacy in voting.
• Administered by the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC).

Court Hierarchy

1. High Court: Final authority on constitutional matters.
2. Supreme Courts: Highest in each state/territory, handles serious cases.
3. County Courts: Handle serious, except most serious cases.
4. Magistrates' Courts: Handle minor offences.

Right of Appeal

• Allows review of court decisions by higher courts; essential for error correction, fairness, consistency, and protection of rights.

Criminal vs Civil Law

• Criminal Law: Offenses against the state; aims to punish wrongdoing (e.g., theft, murder).
• Civil Law: Disputes between individuals or organizations; aims for resolution and compensation (e.g., contract disputes, tort claims).