Roles and powers of Opposition

Question 1

Outline 3 ways the Opposition can hold the government to account

Answer 1

1. Question time - Allows scrutiny of government policies and ministers (questioned on their portfolio/decisions)
2. Censure motions - A motion is a procedure that triggers a parliamentary vote, debates on motions allow opposition to criticise government
3. Refusing pairs - Refusing pairs can be useful to the opposition if the government has a small majority and mps are away, which can upset the balance.

Question 1

Define a private members bill

Answer 1

A private members bill is a bill introduced by any member of parliament that is not in the ministry.
Private members include;
- shadow ministry and opposition leader
- opposition backbencher
- gov backbencher
- independents and minor party mps

(only private members many be members of parliamentary committees)

Question 2

Outline two roles of the Opposition in the Commonwealth Parliment

Answer 2

One role of the opposition is to keep the government accountable; this can be done through question time.
A second role of the opposition is to be a viable alternative government, presenting alternate policies.

Question 3

Outline the role of the shadow ministery

Answer 3

The shadow ministry is composed of opposition members who scrutinise and oppose ministers in the ministry. They check their corresponding ministers performance and portfolio. Shadow ministers sit on the Oppositions front bench.

Question 4

Outline 3 ways the Opposition is limited

Answer 4

1. Access to information - The PM and cabinet objectively have access to the most information, eg, COVID, Hurricane Alfred.
2. Governmental funding
   3.