Parliament is comprised of members elected by their community to represent their interests. Government passes laws in accordance with those interests after bills are put to the parliament and debated by its elected members. If passed, they become law.
Majority government by a single party or coalition is one way to form government. However, it is not the only way to effectively govern at the Federal level.
A minority government occurs when a major party or coalition does not have the majority of seats in the House of Representatives, also known as the lower house.
Minority government is increasingly anticipated as a real possibility in the next election.
Bills to create new laws require a majority of votes. A party without a majority of members in parliament needs the support of independents and minor parties (known as crossbenchers) to pass laws. This process involves negotiation, collaboration and shared power in the lower house, rather than reliance on party doctrines and policies. This is where independents make a difference. They advocate for their community interests, as opposed to party line interests.
Minority governments are historically not uncommon in different countries including New Zealand, Norway, Canada and Denmark. The first three Australian federal governments were minority governments. The Gillard government (2010 – 2013) was also a minority government, passing laws such as the NDIS, reduction in carbon emissions and instigating a Royal Commission into child sexual abuse. One Aussie dollar also bought $1.05 U.S. dollars.
Independents consider each proposed bill on its own merits to represent the views of their electorate. They are not chained to party policies with whip in tow.
Minority government can provide effective governance, nurturing democracy.
