Tag: Australian Constitution
Explainer: the governor-general is also commander-in-chief of the defence forces. What does this mean in practice?
One of the governor-general’s roles is as commander-in-chief of the defence forces. While it’s a largely ceremonial role, she could exercise defence powers, on ministerial advice.
US conservative Candace Owens is set to tour Australia. Can the government stop her?
Owens reaches million of people online and wants to do five shows across Australia, but there are calls to deny her entry. Here’s what the federal government has to consider.
South Australia’s plan to ban political donations raises big risks as well as benefits
Banning political donations may sound like a good idea, but Peter Malinauskas’ plan raises political and legal risks.
Two people want to share the job of MP for Higgins. Is it constitutional?
If two people were to job-share the role of federal MP, it would take much more than changing the Electoral Act.
Grattan on Friday: Albanese has made a statement in choosing Sam Mostyn as governor-general, but he could have been bolder
Governor-general designate Sam Mostyn would become the latest punching bag in the culture wars. But how will her Governor-Generalship compare to others past?
High Court reasons on immigration ruling pave way for further legislation
The High Court judges unanimously held that a person must be released from immigration detention where there is no real prospect of them being deported in the foreseeable future.
Indigenous voices can be heard without being constitutionally enshrined, just look at the US
The failed Voice to Parliament referendum dashed the hopes of many mapping out a path to reconciliation. If we look to the example set by North American Indians, there might be another way forward.
State and territory ballots will be counted differently at the Voice referendum – is that fair?
From a legal standpoint, there is a difference between a state and a territory, and for some that justifies giving territory voters less say over changes to the national constitution.
Explainer: what is executive government and what does it have to do with the Voice to Parliament?
A Voice to Parliament would advise the “executive government” – that is, ministers and the public service – on issues that affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
A divided Australia will soon vote on the most significant referendum on Indigenous rights in 50 years
The last time the country voted in a referendum on Indigenous affairs was in 1967. Advocates for the ‘Voice to Parliament’ say it is the best way to remedy a long legacy of failed policies.
A retiring NZ MP has suggested joining Australia – we should at least think about it (before saying no)
Outgoing New Zealand MP Jamie Strange used his valedictory speech to propose a trans-Tasman political union. Wondering how that might work reveals just how different the two countries really are.
