Conducting Consultations on Legislation in Australia

Vicki BourneFormer Senator

Australian Parliament

• Ministers or Department originate legislation - “Bills”

• Members of Parliament ensure Bills are acceptable

Legislative Process

• A multi-party system

• Two chambers each elected differently

• All Bills must be approved three times by a majority in each chamber

Federal Parliament

House of Representatives

• Single member electorates; about 50,000 people per electorate

• The party with most seats in the House of Representatives forms the government

• Bills generally pass that Chamber quickly, with little or no change

The Senate

• Multi-member electorates of 12 Senators

• Elected by proportional voting

• The government party usually needs the support of other parties

• This will often involve amendment of a Bill

• Citizens know they can get a Bill amended

• They expect senators to consult

Citizens’ Expectations

Types of Consultations

• Meetings with individual or groups, public and private

• Lobbying by interest groups

• Discussions on radio television and internet

• Senate Committee consideration

Meetings Skills

• Understand what is in the Bill and and be able to explain it simple terms

• Listen to and understand constituent concerns

• If you promise to do something, make sure it happens

• Learn to deal with difficult people

• Expect the unexpected

Lobbying

• Make sure you understand the detail of the Bill

• Learn to deal with intense persistence

• Learn to recognise indirect influence

Mass Media

• Sound natural

• Don’t be afraid to say you don’t know

Senate Committees

• Made up of Senators with an interest and/or knowledge of the subject of legislation

• Chaired by a government Senator

• Committees often hold public inquiries

Senate Inquiries

• Committee will call for submissions

• People with substantial submissions will be asked to speak to the Committee and answer questions

• Hearings are usually held in suitable locations

• The Committee then recommends what changes, if any, should be made

Committee Skills

• Try to be pleasant when dealing with witnesses, no matter how unpleasant they are to you

• Be thoroughly prepared

To sum up

• Remember details

• Be prepared

• You can’t be expected to know everything