Does the executive dominate decision-making in the Australian parliamentary system?

Thanks for your question. The Australian Constitution defines the 3 groups who have the power to make and manage Australian law: the Parliament, the Executive and the Judiciary. This is known as the separation of powers. The Executive includes the Prime Minister and ministers who have the power to put law into action. While most bills – proposed laws – are introduced by the government, only the Australian Parliament has the power to make laws for Australia.

A large green room with a table in the centre. A man in a suit stands to give a speech at the table. Men and women in suits sit in rows of seats behind him.

The government side of the House of Representatives.

Penny Bradfield/DPS AUSPIC

The government side of the House of Representatives.

A large green room with a table in the centre. A man in a suit stands to give a speech at the table. Men and women in suits sit in rows of seats behind him.

Penny Bradfield/DPS AUSPIC

Description

The Prime Minister stands and speaks at the table in the House of Representatives. Members of the government sit in the 5 rows behind him.

Permission should be sought from DPS AUSPIC for third-party or commercial uses of this image. To contact DPS AUSPIC email: auspic@aph.gov.au or phone: 02 6277 3342.