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?