Domestic policy AOS1 U4 Flashcards
(22 cards)
Formulation
Formulation is the process undertaken to develop a policy with the intention of implementing it
Implementation
implementation is the act of putting a policy into action.
Executive
The executive is the government and has the function of carrying out or administering the law. In Australia, the Governor General and ministers of the governing party carry out this role (VCAA).
Prime Minister
The prime minister of the leader of the political party (or coalition of parties) with a majority of seats in the House of Representatives. The prime minister has the day-to-day role of leading the executive branch and administering the nation (VCAA).
Cabinet
The Cabinet is a body composed of the prime minister and senior ministers. It is the key policy making body and carries out the work of the executive branch in practice (VCAA).
Ministry
The Ministry are those members of government who have a responsibility for a particular portfolio or policy area.
The public service
The public service contains government departments, consisting of unelected and non-political public servants who administer government policies and provide advice on policy to ministers.
Interest groups
A group of like-minded people who work to influence government policy and decision making, either for the benefit of those they represent or society more broadly, but do not seek election themselves.
Policy platforms
A written set of ideas or plans for action to achieve particular outcomes in government, which are devised by political parties and campaigned on by them prior to an election (VCAA)
Mandate
The authority given to a political party to form government and implement policies, as a result of their democratic election by the people.
Role of the PM in formulation and implementation
- The PM drives the policy agenda of the government and becomes the public face of all policy decisions made.
- They set the policy tone and agenda for government, in that they are intended to represent the overarching values and aims of the party through policy
- The Prime Minister has the power to choose who becomes a minister within their government, and to delegate the portfolios
- The Prime Minister announces the policies to the public and becomes the figurehead of most policy.
Labors policy platform
Promote equality, to involve the people of Australia in the decision-making processes of our land, and to liberate the talents and uplift the horizons of the Australian people. - Gough Witlam
Libs policy platform
In short, we simply believe in individual freedom and free enterprise; and if you share this belief, then ours is the Party for you.
Cabinet and ministry role in formulation and implementation
- A minister may create, propose, develop and implement policy relevant to their portfolio.
- They work closely with the public service who provide them with critical advice
- Ministers must oversee the formulation and implementation of all policy proposals relevant to their portfolios.
- The ministers within Cabinet debate various positions to reach a uniform government policy position.
- Cabinet also contains committees, which play an important role in the effectiveness of the Cabinet system. These committees have specialisations so only ministers’ portfolios which align closely to the aims of the committee are included.
- The significance of Cabinet can be undermined; sometimes the PM or ministers announce decisions on policy without first referring to Cabinet. Also, they often rely on their advisors more so than fellow ministers.
Public service role in formulation and implementation
- Provide ‘frank and fearless’ advice on the formulation of policy and evaluate government choices
- Liaise with experts state level bureaucrats, interest groups, academics and public servants in other departments when policies might impact on other portfolios.
- Immediately after, or even concurrently with the implementation of policy, public servants are charged with appraising processes and advising the minister of any concerns. It is their role to review the policy’s success or failure, any issues that arose in the process and identify new policy in response.
Ministerial advisers role in formulation and implementation
- Controlling access to ministers
- Determining the flow of information that reaches a minister
- Managing media perceptions
- Making decisions on behalf of the minister
- Conducting policy research
- Giving directions to departments and agencies about government activities and actions
Elections and electoral mandate role in formulation and implementation
- Provide feedback on existing government policy
- Help shape policy in the lead up to and after an election
- Give permission for the implementation of an announced policy
- Determine who will be in government and therefore which policies will be implemented
opposition role in formulation and implementation
- The Opposition leader can direct their party to oppose or block a bill in parliament, generally this happens in the Senate if the opposition have enough numbers. Thus, the opposition can reshape or refuse legislation through negotiating.
- Through means such as question time, parliamentary committees and proposing amendments, the opposition can improve the rigour of policy
- Additionally, the opposition devise, formulate and announce policy platform for themselves so that come election time, they have viable alternatives to the incumbent government
- The opposition can also act in a bipartisan manner to assist with the swift passing of policy
Minor parties and independents role in formulation and implementation
- Make deals with government “horse-trading” which can influence the parameters of the policy
- Hold the balance of power in the Senate, thus having the ability to pass or reject bills
- Introduce bills as a Private Member Bill
- During hung parliament or minority government, the support of minor parties is imperative
- Engage in parliamentary committees to recommend and investigate bills
Interest groups role in formulation and implementation
- Indirect action like lobbying, petitions, using media, participating in committee hearings, public statements, publicity campaigns, legal action and links with political party
- Interest groups can undertake direct action through strikes, demonstrations, boycotts
The Media role in formulation and implementation
- People gravitate to media sources which align with their beliefs and values, increased polarisation
- Politicians have regular guest spots on morning television and talk shows, this contributes to a wider public view of politicians
- Media outlets have the ability to suggest or promote policies
- Media sources often scrutinise government policy or action which can contribute to alterations
Opinion polls
- A step towards democratising policy making process
