Parliamentary Workshop, the National Assembly of Parliamentary Workshop, the National Assembly of Vietnam Vietnam
Hon. Margaret Reid AOHon. Margaret Reid AO
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Before using this presentation in a seminar do the following:
(1) make sure Microsoft Outlook is closed so that receipt of new mail is not notified;
(2) make sure that the screensaver is switched off; and
(3) before running this PowerPoint presentation ensure that comments are not viewable - Click on the View menu and then click on comments. This comment should then disappear as well as all of the video prompt comments.
Becoming an effective Member of Parliament
• The Australian Parliamentary system
• Role of Members of Parliament
• Reflections on my parliamentary career
Australian Parliamentary System
• A constitutional monarchy
• A parliamentary democracy
• A federation
Australian Constitution Australian Constitution
Australia is a federation of States which each have their own constitutions, governments and laws.
The Australian Constitution originated as an agreement under which the former colonies came together as States in a federation.
The Constitution establishes the form of the national government and sets out the basis for relations between the national government and the States.
Federation of Australian States Federation of Australian States
Federalism
• The Australian Government is responsible for certain matters (eg, defence, foreign affairs).
• State Governments are responsible for certain matters (eg, health, education).
• Many Australian Government and State Government functions overlap.
The Australian ParliamentThe Australian Parliament
• The Queen
• The Senate (76 Senators)
• The House of Representatives (150 Members)
The SenateThe Senate
• Elected on a state basis (‘states house’)
• 6 year terms• President of the Senate• Method of election, filling of
vacancies
The House of RepresentativesThe House of Representatives
• Approx. twice number of Senators
• Elected on basis of population (seats of equal size)
• 3 year terms• House where
government is formed
Australian Political PartiesAustralian Political Parties • Government =
the Liberal Party of Australia/ The Nationals
• Non-government = the Australian Labour Party+ Independents +The Greens
Government
Liberal/ The Nationals coalition
82
Non-governmentALP 64
Greens 1 Independents 3
68
House of Representatives – Party composition
The Senate – Party composition
Government
Liberal/The Nationals
Coalition
35
NonGovernment
ALP - 28
AustralianDemocrats - 7
Greens - 2
Independents - 3
One Nation - 1
No. of Senators
76
Majority39
On a tied vote the question is resolved in the negative
Role of Members of ParliamentRole of Members of Parliament
Members can be viewed as having three roles:
• Parliamentarian
• Constituency representative
• Party member
Reflections on my Reflections on my parliamentary careerparliamentary career
• What motivated me to become a member of Parliament?
• What did I try to achieve?
• How did I learn to become effective?
Questions?Questions?