How is the government kept accountable?

There are many ways the Australian Government is kept accountable, including systems created by the Australian Constitution, the courts, the Parliament, the media and elections.

The Australian Constitution divides the power to make and manage laws between:

• the Australian Parliament
• the Executive – the Australian Government
• the Judiciary – the federal courts.

This division is based on the principle of the separation of powers, where each group keeps a check on the actions of the others.

Federal courts hear cases to decide if government actions have exceeded the powers given to them in a law. The High Court of Australia has the power to interpret laws made by Parliament and judge if laws are consistent – valid – with the Constitution.

In the Australian Parliament, Question Time allows the opposition, minor parties and independents to ask government ministers to explain their decisions and actions in the areas they are responsible for. In the Senate, the government rarely has a majority of senators. This means the government needs to work with opposition, independent and minor party senators to get their bills – proposed laws – passed. Bills are often amended – changed – to get the support of the majority of senators. In Senate estimates hearings, ministers and top public servants are interrogated by senators about government spending.

The media also has a role in scrutinising and bringing attention to the actions of the government. They report on Question Time, debates in the Senate and House of Representatives, and the policies and decisions of the government.

Citizens also keep the government accountable by voting in elections. Australians vote to elect senators and members of the House of Representatives, and the party (or coalition) that secures a majority in the House forms government. If voters disagree with a party’s decisions, they can support another candidate or party at the next federal election.