Reinstating The Upper House Essay
The status of upper houses has remained in and out of favour between states over the past 50 years with Queensland being the only unicameral state parliament in Australia. Yet, the argument against reinstating an upper house has infrequently risen above base level exchanges against the respective side. Colonial upper houses were viewed as an important influence on the Australian senate, assisting and maintaining a strong bicameral culture (Stone, 2002). The abolition of this legislative chamber in 1992 could have paved a positive route for upcoming politics, however, subsequently Queensland governments have subjugated a unicameral parliament over which they have complete control. The reinstatement of upper houses can divide and limit governmental
…show more content…
Reinstating an upper house will further address apprehensions about legislative oversight. The introduction of a second chamber introduces an essential step for the enactment of legislation where it is a requirement for legislation it be permitted and approved by a second body of representatives (Aroney, 2008). This process enables more scrutiny and empowers a diverse quality of debate not only within the chamber but amongst media outlets, powerful framers of political action who provide the technological potential for interaction between the public and government (Althaus et al.,2007). Queensland’s LNP has been accused by Bob Katter’s Australian Party for their abuse of the system after controversial bikie and sex offender laws were rushed through parliament without scrutiny (ABC Premium News, 2013). Professor Nicholas Aroney from the University of Queensland articulates that reinstating an upper house would prevent issues like these happening in the future (ABC Premium News, 2013). The standard image of a responsible government proposes a chain of accountability (Althaus et al., 2007). Through the ability to analyse and review legislation upper houses have the capability to conduct inquiries and question ministers. This supports Aroney’s view that upper houses provide a very important layer of
Reinstating an upper house will further address apprehensions about legislative oversight. The introduction of a second chamber introduces an essential step for the enactment of legislation where it is a requirement for legislation it be permitted and approved by a second body of representatives (Aroney, 2008). This process enables more scrutiny and empowers a diverse quality of debate not only within the chamber but amongst media outlets, powerful framers of political action who provide the technological potential for interaction between the public and government (Althaus et al.,2007). Queensland’s LNP has been accused by Bob Katter’s Australian Party for their abuse of the system after controversial bikie and sex offender laws were rushed through parliament without scrutiny (ABC Premium News, 2013). Professor Nicholas Aroney from the University of Queensland articulates that reinstating an upper house would prevent issues like these happening in the future (ABC Premium News, 2013). The standard image of a responsible government proposes a chain of accountability (Althaus et al., 2007). Through the ability to analyse and review legislation upper houses have the capability to conduct inquiries and question ministers. This supports Aroney’s view that upper houses provide a very important layer of