DEAR News Of The Area,
PAUL McKeon’s letter (18 April) raising concerns about a hung parliament in a dangerous international environment is unduly alarmist.
He claims that it would be impossible for a minority government to act “firmly and quickly” because it would have to get the agreement of minor parties and independents. This is simply not the case.
The Government, whether it has a majority in the House of Representatives or not, has executive power under the Constitution.
The Prime Minister and Cabinet Ministers make decisions and take action on a huge range of things without needing to go to the Parliament.
This applies not only to everyday matters (e.g. actioning policies and directing the work of government departments) but to major defence and national security matters.
John Howard did not need to seek parliamentary approval to send Australian troops to war with Iraq.
Scott Morrison sprang the AUKUS deal on the country without consulting anyone much, certainly not the Parliament.
Indeed, the Parliament has never even had a debate about AUKUS.
Unless a particular Government action requires new legislation or the amendment of current legislation it does not need to involve the Parliament.
The effect of a hung Parliament is that the Government has to consult more widely with other parties and independents to get laws passed.
How refreshing – bring it on!
Regards
Barbara GUTHRIE,
Bellingen.
