Democratic, Open and Accessible Government

Government in Australia is truly of the people, by the people and for the people. At the regular elections for all three tiers of government (local, state and federal) just about anyone can stand for council or parliament.

In fact, of course, the main access to candidacy at state and federal level is via political parties. They do not generally get involved in local elections.

Government of the people

There are three major parties: the Labor Party on the left and the Liberal and National Parties on the right. The latter pair are generally known as the Coalition, and tend to govern as a partnership. These three parties fill just about all of the places in the lower houses of Australian parliaments.

Minor parties like the Australian Democrats and the Greens have some seats in the upper houses. They occasionally hold the balance of power, and this can give them considerable influence.

Independent candidates are also elected quite regularly - they too can find themselves holding the balance of power and even deciding which party will govern.

Voting is taken very seriously in Australia, and is compulsory at all elections. Anyone who fails to vote without good excuse may be fined.

Major questions affecting the majority of Australians are sometimes put directly to the electorate at referendums, where voters are asked to express their preference.

The result is then binding on the government. Referendums are held at the same time as elections, mainly to keep the cost down.

Government by the people

Every voter has the option of standing for election. All they have to do is lodge a deposit with the electoral authorities. However, anyone who does not receive a minimum number of votes loses this deposit.

Anyone can join a political party and apply for preselection by that party, which means they can then stand for election with the party's support.

Many of Australia's ethnic communities have members in parliament - currently all of them are also members of one of the major parties.

Government for the people

The governments of Australia are not only accessible and accountable to the community at election times. Citizens are free to contact their local member of parliament, who may then raise their concerns with the appropriate government department or in parliament.

They can also draft petitions, which are then lodged with parliament itself. And they have a number of different avenues of appeal and assistance through such institutions as the Ombudsman or an appeals tribunal.

Governments also hold various enquiries and studies before they undertake or permit some projects. For instance, environmental impact studies are commissioned before major infrastructure projects are allowed to proceed, and the public has the right to put its point of view to these studies.

Public enquiries into government bodies like the police force also offer an opportunity for ordinary citizens to have their say.

In Australia, everyone is encouraged to take part in the democratic process. It's the Australian way.