The responsibilities of opposition

Abstract

I congratulate the Graduate Program in Public Policy for its continuing initiative in generating heightened debate about important issues concerning the governance of Australia. It is all too rare for a concerted and intelligent approach to be taken to issues affecting our democracy; to the need to bring our democracy into a modern context; to the need to apply the principles of democratic government to the circumstances of 21st century Australian society. There has never been a more appropriate time to focus on the importance of accountability. Recent high profile issues have highlighted the outcome of power and responsibility without accountability. There is now a very simple question and answer approach which would illustrate the importance of the often misunderstood, sometimes frustrating and much maligned checks and balance of a democratic constitution. ... The overlapping roles of the Opposition in our democracy as I see them, can be summarised as follows: (i) to provide a viable alternative government (ii) to develop coherent program of policies and communicate them to the electorate as the basis for that viable choice (iii) to provide and ensure that the public receives information about the political process (iv) to subject the Government to parliamentary scrutiny in both Houses of Parliament (v) to provide opportunities for the public to express their views and be heard.