Factors that Influence Lawmaking - International Pressures

Question 1

Where can international pressures come from?

Answer 1

• Treaties
• International declarations
• The UN
• Other organisations

Question 2

Influence of treaties

Answer 2

• Become a party by signing
• Ratification then occurs as the idea is introduced into the parliament and then passed
• Should it be passed, then a bill will be introduced and go through parliament to receive assent

Question 3

Influence of declarations

Answer 3

• Non-binding agreements that establish aspirational rights and obligations that parties to the agreement seek to enforce
• Parliament could face criticims if they fail to uphold the international declaration

Question 4

Influence of the UN

Answer 4

• UN aims to promote international peace, strengthen human right and achieve international cooperation for problems affecting the global community
• For example, influence from the UN led to a commitment from Victoria to raise the age of criminal responsibility to 14 by 2027

Question 5

Influence of other organisations

Answer 5

• Greenpeace = influences the governments around areas like environment
• Amnesty International = advocates for human rights across the globe
• G20 = discusses the economy, social issues like human rights, and climate change

Question 6

Strengths of international influence

Answer 6

• Declarations can ensure that parliament are held accountable to uphold the principles set out
• Passing treaties and receiving the royal assent can ensure they are legally implemented
• UN and the WTO have the power to impose sanctions for breaching treaties
• International organisations may be influential in sparking public interest in areas that the public may then place pressure on government

Question 7

Weaknesses of international influence

Answer 7

• Unless Australia is a member of an international organisation or treaty, then they have no obligation to comply with international expectations or standards
• Pressures from international organisations can limit the ability of parliament to make Australia-specific laws
• Declarations are not legally binding, meaning parliament cannot face legal consequences for failing to uphold them
• There are limited mechanisms for enforcing compliance
• Conflicting ideals can place opposing pressures on the government, meaning they have to select which one to acknowledge