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Is reconstructing question time a question of time?

By Dino Cesta - posted Thursday, 4 September 2014


Considering the recent excessive expulsion of Labor members by Speaker Bishop, and to minimise the partiality of removing members from the House, a proposal is for a House vote to take place and the motion must obtain a minimum either two-thirds or three-quarters majority to pass. This compares to the standard practice of voting along party lines.

These proposals may be a bridge too far for many. But today's fringe or cutting edge can be tomorrow's mainstream. Sometimes, we realise a little too late, that we've outgrown the old way of doing things.

To grow and prosper and maintain relevancy, we sometimes need a new way of thinking. We must discover a renewed path for Question Time to maintain its relevancy in this century.

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Australians have a choice between to maintain the status quo and perpetuate the apathy and disillusionment of how Australia's political system operates, or to make genuine changes, which strengthen the connection between elected parliamentarians and constituents.

The proposals to reconstruct Question Time won't make it more sexy or entertaining. But the heart of Australian democracy will be better and stronger for it.

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About the Author

Dino Cesta is a freelance communicator of thoughts, opinions and ideas on politics, economic and social issues and public policy. Cofounder of the non-profit organisation Hand in Hand Arthouse, and the Newcastle Italian Film Festival, Dino graduated with a Bachelor of Economics and Master of Politics and Public Policy. You can follow Dino on View from the Obelisk or Twitter on @dinoc888

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