Chatper 5 : Opposition and Shadow Ministry

Question 1

Opposition

Answer 1

The party with the second largest number of seats in the HOR. Opposition in a Westminster system is the alternative government. Its role is to hold government to account and be ready to form government itself.

Question 2

Shadow ministry

Answer 2

The opposition front bench composed of spokespersons for each of the ministerial portfolios of the government. Each spokesperson scrutinises a government minister. They are alternative government.

Question 3

Leader of the Opposition

Answer 3

Leader of the party with the second largest number of seats in the House of representatives (Bill Shorten)

Question 4

Private Members

Answer 4

All members of Parliament who do not form part of the Ministry (Executive). This includes the Shadow Ministry and government backbenchers.

Question 5

Roles of the Opposition

Answer 5

Its role is to oppose, and therefore check and scrutinise the power of the current government. It is also expected to act as a viable alternative government.

Question 6

Opposition Methods to Hold Government Accountable

Answer 6

• Question time
• Moving censure motions and motions of no-confidence
• Debate
• Calling for quorum
• Refusing pairs
• Calling for divisions
• Good opposition
• Media

Question 7

Question Time

Answer 7

It is a session in each sitting day during which Private Members may ask ‘Questions with notice’ or ‘Questions without notice’ to the relevant ministers.
In reality Question Time has has become little more than a contest for political advantage.

Question 8

Censure Motion

Answer 8

A motion to discipline a minister or the government. A successful censure motion in the HOR would, by the conventions of individual or collective ministerial responsibility, require a minister or government to resign.
In reality they are almost always defeated on party lines. However, they offer the opposition the chance to debate

Question 9

Motion of No-Confidence

Answer 9

A motion by which the HOR withdraws its support from the government. A successful motion of no-confidence would, by the convention of collective ministerial responsibility, require a minister or government to resign.

Question 10

Forms of no-confidence motions

Answer 10

• A direct vote against the government
• The defeat of a core government bill in the House
• The defeat of a government money bill in the House
• A loss of government control of the business of the House

Question 11

Quorum

Answer 11

The minimum number of Members of Parliament required in the House (or Senate) for a valid vote to be taken. The law specifies that the quorum for the HOR is 1/5 of total members (currently 30)
Opposition can frustrate business of government by making the Speaker aware of the limited MPS in the House causes the sitting to be adjourned until a quorum is reached.

Question 12

Pairs

Answer 12

A convention by which the Opposition withdraws one of its own members of the House or Senate to match each government MP who is absent for other business or ill.
As a convention it can be broken by the Opposition if it wishes to frustrate the government by forcing it to all call its MPs back for a vote.

Question 13

Division

Answer 13

A formal vote in either House of Parliament. Members move to one side of the chamber or the other to vote in favour for or against a motion. Members may cross the floor to vote with another party.
If the Opposition wishes to frustrate the government, they may call for a division. It contributes to minister accountability.

Question 14

Factors affecting the success of an opposition

Answer 14

• Impartiality of the speaker
• Lack of resources
• Executive dominance

Question 15

Overcoming the limits of Opposition

Answer 15

• Third party research

- Reforms