That is why both the current government and opposition reject calls for a revived upper house in Queensland. They claim it would mean more politicians. It doesn’t have to. They argue it would make government harder, but who said governing in a democracy was meant to be easy? Yes, it might slow government actions, but when did governments always get it right? The recent auditor general’s report on the millions wasted on Queensland’s Wellcamp quarantine camp highlights they don’t. Excessive haste is worth sacrificing for good government.
In Canberra, the Abbott government learnt that governing was more than just simplistic election slogans. It had to consult and negotiate with the Senate to implement its program. The Albanese government is discovering that too, and as a result Australia is better governed.
Such democratic practices are long overdue in Queensland. The issue is, who is going to do it?
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About the Author
Dr Scott Prasser has worked on senior policy and research roles in
federal and state governments. His recent publications include:Royal Commissions and Public Inquiries in Australia (2021); The Whitlam Era with David Clune (2022) and the edited New directions in royal commission and public inquiries: Do we need them?. His forthcoming publication is The Art of Opposition reviewing oppositions across Australia and internationally. .