Forum

 
  Back to OzPolitic.com   Welcome, Guest. Please Login or Register
  Forum Home Album HelpSearch Recent Rules LoginRegister  
 

Pages: 1 2 3 ... 6
Send Topic Print
4/6 model for Federal Parliament (Read 2354 times)
Auggie
Gold Member
*****
Offline


The Bull Moose

Posts: 8571
4/6 model for Federal Parliament
May 31st, 2020 at 12:36pm
 
In order to strengthen federalism in Australia, I propose a 4/6 model for the Federal Parliament.

This means:

- 4 years for the House of Representatives

- 6 years for the Senate.

Now, the Senate will consist of 40 senators (instead of the current 76). Each State will elect 6 senators (territories 2). Rather than electing one-half of the Senate every time we choose the House of Representatives, one-third of the States choose their senators every 2, 4 and 6 years.

E.g.

First group of senators (NSW and WA) retire after 2 years (and then 6 years thereafter);
Second ground (QLD and VIC) retire after 4 years (and then 6 thereafter);
Third ground (SA and TAS, NT and ACT) retire after 6 years (and then 6 years thereafter);

The benefit of choosing the Senate and House of Representatives at different times is that it will make federal politicians give more focus on issues relating to the specific States during that election cycle. At the moment, Senate elections are always overshadowed by House of Reps elections, and so this doesn't give voters the opportunity to focus their attention of their own State.

Of course, the 4 year term will put House of Reps elections in line with State lower Houses, all of which are now 4 years. Considering that the federal government has expanded its responsibilities since federation, it makes sense to give them more time.



Back to top
 

The Progressive President
 
IP Logged
 
John Smith
Gold Member
*****
Offline


Australian Politics

Posts: 71950
Gender: male
Re: 4/6 model for Federal Parliament
Reply #1 - May 31st, 2020 at 12:46pm
 
no
Back to top
 

Our esteemed leader:
I hope that bitch who was running their brothels for them gets raped with a cactus.
 
IP Logged
 
Captain Nemo
Gold Member
*****
Offline


Australian Politics

Posts: 8344
Melbourne
Gender: male
Re: 4/6 model for Federal Parliament
Reply #2 - May 31st, 2020 at 12:49pm
 
Auggie wrote on May 31st, 2020 at 12:36pm:
In order to strengthen federalism in Australia, I propose a 4/6 model for the Federal Parliament.

This means:

- 4 years for the House of Representatives

- 6 years for the Senate.

Now, the Senate will consist of 40 senators (instead of the current 76). Each State will elect 6 senators (territories 2). Rather than electing one-half of the Senate every time we choose the House of Representatives, one-third of the States choose their senators every 2, 4 and 6 years.

E.g.

First group of senators (NSW and WA) retire after 2 years (and then 6 years thereafter);
Second ground (QLD and VIC) retire after 4 years (and then 6 thereafter);
Third ground (SA and TAS, NT and ACT) retire after 6 years (and then 6 years thereafter);

The benefit of choosing the Senate and House of Representatives at different times is that it will make federal politicians give more focus on issues relating to the specific States during that election cycle. At the moment, Senate elections are always overshadowed by House of Reps elections, and so this doesn't give voters the opportunity to focus their attention of their own State.

Of course, the 4 year term will put House of Reps elections in line with State lower Houses, all of which are now 4 years. Considering that the federal government has expanded its responsibilities since federation, it makes sense to give them more time.





I like the idea of a 4 year term, but I would prefer the model as seen in Victoria, where the Upper House and Lower House are both elected on the same day.

No more "unrepresentative swill" in the Upper House.

You get what you voted for.

True, you might end up with 4 years of things happening that you don't like ... but you get the chance to turf them after that 4 years.

Back to top
 

The 2025 election could be a shocker.
WWW  
IP Logged
 
Auggie
Gold Member
*****
Offline


The Bull Moose

Posts: 8571
Re: 4/6 model for Federal Parliament
Reply #3 - May 31st, 2020 at 12:56pm
 
John Smith wrote on May 31st, 2020 at 12:46pm:
no


According to the UN Human Development Index (inequality-adjusted report), 9 countries rank higher than Australia.

1       Norway      0.889      0.954      6.8      Increase 0.010
2       Iceland      0.885      0.938      5.7      Increase 0.052
3       Japan      0.882      0.915      3.6      Increase 0.094[a]
4        Switzerland      0.881      0.946      6.8      Increase 0.015
5       Finland      0.876      0.925      5.3      Increase 0.040
6       Sweden      0.874      0.937      6.7      Increase 0.031
7       Denmark      0.873      0.930      6.1      Increase 0.021
8       Ireland      0.872      0.942      8.2      Increase 0.063
9       Netherlands      0.870      0.933      6.8      Increase 0.033
10       Australia      0.862      0.938      8.1      Increase 0.010

All of those countries have 4 year terms in their Parliaments, except for Ireland which has a 5 year term.
Back to top
 

The Progressive President
 
IP Logged
 
Auggie
Gold Member
*****
Offline


The Bull Moose

Posts: 8571
Re: 4/6 model for Federal Parliament
Reply #4 - May 31st, 2020 at 12:57pm
 
Captain Nemo wrote on May 31st, 2020 at 12:49pm:
Auggie wrote on May 31st, 2020 at 12:36pm:
In order to strengthen federalism in Australia, I propose a 4/6 model for the Federal Parliament.

This means:

- 4 years for the House of Representatives

- 6 years for the Senate.

Now, the Senate will consist of 40 senators (instead of the current 76). Each State will elect 6 senators (territories 2). Rather than electing one-half of the Senate every time we choose the House of Representatives, one-third of the States choose their senators every 2, 4 and 6 years.

E.g.

First group of senators (NSW and WA) retire after 2 years (and then 6 years thereafter);
Second ground (QLD and VIC) retire after 4 years (and then 6 thereafter);
Third ground (SA and TAS, NT and ACT) retire after 6 years (and then 6 years thereafter);

The benefit of choosing the Senate and House of Representatives at different times is that it will make federal politicians give more focus on issues relating to the specific States during that election cycle. At the moment, Senate elections are always overshadowed by House of Reps elections, and so this doesn't give voters the opportunity to focus their attention of their own State.

Of course, the 4 year term will put House of Reps elections in line with State lower Houses, all of which are now 4 years. Considering that the federal government has expanded its responsibilities since federation, it makes sense to give them more time.





I like the idea of a 4 year term, but I would prefer the model as seen in Victoria, where the Upper House and Lower House are both elected on the same day.

No more "unrepresentative swill" in the Upper House.

You get what you voted for.

True, you might end up with 4 years of things happening that you don't like ... but you get the chance to turf them after that 4 years.



The idea of having staggered terms is that it puts the focus on individual States with respect to federal issues. Electing both the House and Senate at the same time would defeat this purpose.
Back to top
 

The Progressive President
 
IP Logged
 
Captain Nemo
Gold Member
*****
Offline


Australian Politics

Posts: 8344
Melbourne
Gender: male
Re: 4/6 model for Federal Parliament
Reply #5 - May 31st, 2020 at 12:59pm
 
But, the State can get things done in that 4 year term - without being blocked in the Upper House all the time.

The "House of review" often turns out to be the "House of blocking and making special deals".   Sad

Back to top
 

The 2025 election could be a shocker.
WWW  
IP Logged
 
John Smith
Gold Member
*****
Offline


Australian Politics

Posts: 71950
Gender: male
Re: 4/6 model for Federal Parliament
Reply #6 - May 31st, 2020 at 1:06pm
 
Auggie wrote on May 31st, 2020 at 12:56pm:
John Smith wrote on May 31st, 2020 at 12:46pm:
no


According to the UN Human Development Index (inequality-adjusted report), 9 countries rank higher than Australia.

1       Norway      0.889      0.954      6.8      Increase 0.010
2       Iceland      0.885      0.938      5.7      Increase 0.052
3       Japan      0.882      0.915      3.6      Increase 0.094[a]
4        Switzerland      0.881      0.946      6.8      Increase 0.015
5       Finland      0.876      0.925      5.3      Increase 0.040
6       Sweden      0.874      0.937      6.7      Increase 0.031
7       Denmark      0.873      0.930      6.1      Increase 0.021
8       Ireland      0.872      0.942      8.2      Increase 0.063
9       Netherlands      0.870      0.933      6.8      Increase 0.033
10       Australia      0.862      0.938      8.1      Increase 0.010

All of those countries have 4 year terms in their Parliaments, except for Ireland which has a 5 year term.


I don't care. The pigs are at the trough for to long as it is. Increasing their term in office just means they have an extra year to not give a poo what the people they're supposed to represent, think.
Back to top
 

Our esteemed leader:
I hope that bitch who was running their brothels for them gets raped with a cactus.
 
IP Logged
 
Valkie
Gold Member
*****
Offline


Australian Politics

Posts: 16088
Central Coast
Gender: male
Re: 4/6 model for Federal Parliament
Reply #7 - May 31st, 2020 at 1:16pm
 
I have a better suggestion.

Hang the lot of them

Confiscate all their properties and wealth as proceeds of crime.

Employ some competent people, on a contract, to make Australia better.

Halve the public service, make any who stay justify their roles
Easy for police, nurses, firemen etc, bloody impossible for fat cats.

Gaol all multinationals until they pay the taxes they should have paid for years.

Export all druggos to Antarctica, where there is plenty of ice.

Cut the dole off for anyone who has been on it for more than 2 years.

Eliminate abbo benifits, one dole for all, one system for all.

BINGO......a better AUSTRALIA.
Back to top
 

I HAVE A DREAM
A WONDERFUL, PEACEFUL, BEAUTIFUL DREAM.
A DREAM OF A WORLD THAT HAS NEVER KNOWN ISLAM
A DREAM OF A WORLD FREE FROM THE HORRORS OF ISLAM.

SUCH A WONDERFUL DREAM
O HOW I WISH IT WERE TRU
 
IP Logged
 
Auggie
Gold Member
*****
Offline


The Bull Moose

Posts: 8571
Re: 4/6 model for Federal Parliament
Reply #8 - May 31st, 2020 at 1:17pm
 
John Smith wrote on May 31st, 2020 at 1:06pm:
Auggie wrote on May 31st, 2020 at 12:56pm:
John Smith wrote on May 31st, 2020 at 12:46pm:
no


According to the UN Human Development Index (inequality-adjusted report), 9 countries rank higher than Australia.

1       Norway      0.889      0.954      6.8      Increase 0.010
2       Iceland      0.885      0.938      5.7      Increase 0.052
3       Japan      0.882      0.915      3.6      Increase 0.094[a]
4        Switzerland      0.881      0.946      6.8      Increase 0.015
5       Finland      0.876      0.925      5.3      Increase 0.040
6       Sweden      0.874      0.937      6.7      Increase 0.031
7       Denmark      0.873      0.930      6.1      Increase 0.021
8       Ireland      0.872      0.942      8.2      Increase 0.063
9       Netherlands      0.870      0.933      6.8      Increase 0.033
10       Australia      0.862      0.938      8.1      Increase 0.010

All of those countries have 4 year terms in their Parliaments, except for Ireland which has a 5 year term.


I don't care. The pigs are at the trough for to long as it is. Increasing their term in office just means they have an extra year to not give a poo what the people they're supposed to represent, think.


Of course, no change in structure is better than a change in people. Good people will always produce better outcomes in any structure. What I'm saying is we need both better people and a better structure.
Back to top
 

The Progressive President
 
IP Logged
 
Auggie
Gold Member
*****
Offline


The Bull Moose

Posts: 8571
Re: 4/6 model for Federal Parliament
Reply #9 - May 31st, 2020 at 1:23pm
 
Captain Nemo wrote on May 31st, 2020 at 12:59pm:
But, the State can get things done in that 4 year term - without being blocked in the Upper House all the time.

The "House of review" often turns out to be the "House of blocking and making special deals".   Sad



Having a strong Senate is key to checking the Government of the day. In theory, if a government has been elected on a manisfesto which was accepted by the people, then the Senate shouldn't stand in the way of that. The Senate is there to prevent legislation that hasn't been given a public mandate.

Second, the idea isn't about States doing their thing in 4 years. It's about federal politicians having to focus on specific States during specific cycles.

For example, you're a Queenslander. At the moment, when the federal election comes around, the national conversation is about the new Government (i.e. the House of Reps). However, under my proposal, when Queensland's cycle comes around, then national conversation focuses on QLD (and the other State), which would induce politicians to focus on QLD issues.

Back to top
 

The Progressive President
 
IP Logged
 
John Smith
Gold Member
*****
Offline


Australian Politics

Posts: 71950
Gender: male
Re: 4/6 model for Federal Parliament
Reply #10 - May 31st, 2020 at 1:26pm
 
Auggie wrote on May 31st, 2020 at 1:17pm:
What I'm saying is we need both better people and a better structure.



you'll never get better people whilst donations remain a part of the system. Until you can get better people, changing the structure is like changing the plastic bag you've thrown your garbage into. It's still full of crap no matter how pretty the bag
Back to top
 

Our esteemed leader:
I hope that bitch who was running their brothels for them gets raped with a cactus.
 
IP Logged
 
John Smith
Gold Member
*****
Offline


Australian Politics

Posts: 71950
Gender: male
Re: 4/6 model for Federal Parliament
Reply #11 - May 31st, 2020 at 1:29pm
 
Captain Nemo wrote on May 31st, 2020 at 12:59pm:
But, the State can get things done in that 4 year term - without being blocked in the Upper House all the time.

The "House of review" often turns out to be the "House of blocking and making special deals".   Sad




nah ... the senate works how it's supposed to. It's up to the govt of the day to sell their policy. If they can't convince other politicians to vote for it then we're probably better of without it anyway.

Back to top
 

Our esteemed leader:
I hope that bitch who was running their brothels for them gets raped with a cactus.
 
IP Logged
 
Rider
Gold Member
*****
Offline


Australian Politics

Posts: 2669
OnTheRoad
Gender: male
Re: 4/6 model for Federal Parliament
Reply #12 - May 31st, 2020 at 1:38pm
 
Valkie wrote on May 31st, 2020 at 1:16pm:
I have a better suggestion.

Hang the lot of them

Confiscate all their properties and wealth as proceeds of crime.

Employ some competent people, on a contract, to make Australia better.

Halve the public service, make any who stay justify their roles
Easy for police, nurses, firemen etc, bloody impossible for fat cats.

Gaol all multinationals until they pay the taxes they should have paid for years.

Export all druggos to Antarctica, where there is plenty of ice.

Cut the dole off for anyone who has been on it for more than 2 years.

Eliminate abbo benifits, one dole for all, one system for all.

BINGO......a better AUSTRALIA.


Can't fault that. 

Get 12 D11's,  6 lengths 450ft anchor chain, raze Canberra.  Graze sheep there, it will be more productive.
Back to top
 
 
IP Logged
 
freediver
Gold Member
*****
Offline


www.ozpolitic.com

Posts: 47043
At my desk.
Re: 4/6 model for Federal Parliament
Reply #13 - May 31st, 2020 at 1:49pm
 
Do you choose these things randomly Auggie?
Back to top
 

I identify as Mail because all I do is SendIT!
WWW  
IP Logged
 
Jasin
Gold Member
*****
Online



Posts: 45561
Gender: male
Re: 4/6 model for Federal Parliament
Reply #14 - May 31st, 2020 at 2:07pm
 
Send the Ice Junkies to Antarctica.  Grin
Valkie's a cracker.
Back to top
 

AIMLESS EXTENTION OF KNOWLEDGE HOWEVER, WHICH IS WHAT I THINK YOU REALLY MEAN BY THE TERM 'CURIOSITY', IS MERELY INEFFICIENCY. I AM DESIGNED TO AVOID INEFFICIENCY.
 
IP Logged
 
Pages: 1 2 3 ... 6
Send Topic Print