12.3.4 Working together: The Governor-General The third part of Parliament is the British monarch, represented in Australia by the Governor-General. The Governor-General gives royal assent to new laws passed by Parliament. They can also ask for changes before the law is made ofýcial. The Governor-General has special powers called ‘reserve powers’. They can call a new parliament, open or end it before an election. They usually follow the government’s advice but can ignore it. In 1975, the Governor-General used these powers to call an election and dismiss the government. It remains a hotly debated topic in the history of Australia’s democracy. 12.3.5 Working together: Executive government The Governor-General holds the executive power for Australia on behalf of the King. They lead a group called the Executive Council that gives advice. However, the Prime Minister and Cabinet run the government. An Executive Council meeting includes the Governor-General and at least two Cabinet ministers. They meet every two weeks to approve decisions made by the Cabinet. The Council doesn’t make new decisions but follows conventions that existed in the Westminster system before Australia’s federation. Examples include the following: • The Governor-General usually follows the advice of ministers, like old British conventions. • The Constitution doesn’t mention the Prime Minister or Cabinet. It relies on old British conventions to create these roles. • The Prime Minister and Cabinet not only carry out laws but also decide which Bills to present to Parliament. They choose which laws to create and decide how to spend government money, usually through an annual budget. This follows old British conventions.
12.3 SkillBuilder activity QUESTIONING AND RESEARCHING, COMMUNICATING 1. Research the parliamentary system of the United States of America or the United Kingdom. 2. Present your ýndings in a diagram-like FIGURE4 . Include names of current leaders and the houses.
FIGURE4 Australian parliamentary system
Australian Parliament
Lower house
Upper house
Executive
The House of Representatives: • Passes bills • Controls government expenditure
The Senate: • Debates and amends bills • Scrutinises government expenditure
Governor-General, Prime Minister and Cabinet: • PM and Cabinet sit in lower house • Creates and executes laws • Signs bills into law
448 Jacaranda Humanities Alive 7 Victorian Curriculum Third Edition
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