Law, Government & Policy - Parliament & Executive Government
The doctrine of separation of powers in Australia is one that strict separation has not been maintained. However the effect it has been given is one that is almost to the full. This is shown by the establishment by Australia’s constitution of separate institutions i.e. the Executive and the Legislature. Powers are separated in the effect that measures like amending and passing of legislation are a responsibility of the parliament. This has left the executive with other functions of which are to govern, propose new laws, to set the policy agenda and the administration of then existing laws. For the executive to implement most of its policies legislation has to be passed in parliament and for the Executive to govern Parliament has to approve its revenues and expenditures enabling transparency.
Roles extended to parliament enable the overseeing of democracy. These roles include investigation and provision of mechanisms for the accountability of government and also the debate on national issues.
The requirement by the system that the Government to have the support of majority in House of Representatives is a way that shows that the Government will have support of what Australian citizens want because Representatives are the voice of the people. The move to see that members from both the Government and opposition are given equal opportunities to speak in parliament is fairness.
Australia’s parliamentary system ensures a responsible Government since the Prime Minister comes into the Chamber every question time representing the government. Ministers are also responsible for answering questions regarding their dockets in parliament. Parliamentary secretaries also help in the representation of ministers in their absence. Also each particular mister is responsible for a piece of Government legislation. Opposition members are also given roles which enable them to see to it that the government is on its feet.
References
Barns, G. (2005). Selling the Australian government. Newyork: UNSW Press.
Bruce, L. (2005). Understanding Ausralian Government. Sydney: Macmillan Education .
Cosgrove, J. J. (1985). Australian Government. Sydney: Longman Cheshire.
Hughes, C. A. (2002). A handbook of Australian government and politics. Newyork: Federation Press.
