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It's not just Italy that needs parliamentary reform

By Brendan O'Reilly - posted Friday, 16 December 2016


To fix the problem of regularly stalemated parliaments we can either change the constitution (to, for example, abolish or reduce the powers of the Senate) or change the laws prescribing the method of choosing senators.

Realistically there is very little chance of a referendum to reform the Senate being passed.  The smaller states (as well as Labor, the Greens, and the minor parties) are likely to oppose it. Referendums are notoriously difficult to pass in this country in any case.

Changing laws concerning the election of senators (in order to facilitate a Senate composition more favourable to the government of the day) is a more feasible option, but only in the long term.  It is almost certain that the current Senate would reject any legislation along these lines, and change would only be possible in (the fairly rare) circumstances where a Government seeking parliamentary reform controlled both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

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In the meantime, the current Government is going to remain at the mercy of the Senate, which has little political incentive to be more accommodating while the Government struggles in the polls.  We may need a Budget crisis or the loss of Australia's triple A credit rating to force the Senate to face up to the need to get the Budget in order.

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About the Author

Brendan O’Reilly is a retired commonwealth public servant with a background in economics and accounting. He is currently pursuing private business interests.

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