Reading: Parliament under Challenge and its Response

The reading opens by referring to the revival of parliament as a tool for the peoples' collective decision making for the country. It mentions the strengthening of parliament and it's increasing acceptability of innovation and change "Members of parliament have found new and affective ways of pursuing political agendas." (Halligan 2007, 2) after the decline of parliament throughout the mid-twentieth century. While indeed there is an increasing acceptibility of innovation, I believe that the level has not nearly kept up with contemporary society, as parliament still follows an outdated traditionalist structure.

"by stripping our rank and file politicians of continuing responsibility in parliament, particularly in the House of Representatives, the proceedings have generated into a continuous and elementary election campaign." (Reid in Halligan 2007, 3)

 The following quote emphasises my belief that a multi-member council rather than hierarchical formal structure could be beneficial to parliamentary governing.

"A committee system can be seen to have distinctive advantages through reducing overload on the chambers; allowing for a different operating style and less partisan discussion; offering scope for members to make concrete contributions and facilitating communication with citizens." (Hallidan 2007, 4)

Halligan, J., & Informit. 2007. Parliament in the Twenty-First Century Institutional Reform and Emerging Roles. Carlton, Vic: Melbourne University Publishing.