Deliberative Democracy in Australia
The Changing Place of Parliament

This book evaluates the role and performance of the Australian parliament, and presents a compelling case for reform.

John Uhr (Author)

9780521624657, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 13 April 1998

282 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.5 cm, 0.38 kg

'This is a splendidly produced book. It shows what it means to have Cambridge University Press as publisher. It is a mine of information, it is stimulating and thought-provoking.' Anthony Mason, Canberra, Bulletin of Public Administration

Parliament is central to the democratic claims of our system of governance. This book evaluates the role and performance of this centrepiece of Australian government. It explores the institutional design of the parliament, and its principles and practices, presenting a compelling case for reform. Uhr discusses parliament's representative and legislative roles, and the issue of accountability. He looks at the place of representative assemblies in liberal political theory and assesses current institutional performance. He argues that republicanism can be seen as a form of deliberative democracy, examining ways in which such democracy might be made more effective and meaningful in Australia. Combining an authoritative knowledge of political theory with a familiarity with the inner-workings of the Australian parliament, the author makes an important contribution to debates in Australia and internationally.

Part I. Framework of Analysis: 1. Deliberative democracy in theory
Part II. Parliament in Political Theory: 2. Theories of parliamentary power
3. Doctrines of responsible government
4. Devices of deliberative democracy
Part III. Parliament in Australian Practice: 5. The ends of representation
6. The means of legislation
7. Accountability: parliamentary principles
8. Accountability: parliamentary practices
Part IV. Combining Theory and Practice: 9. Deliberative democracy in Australian practice.

Subject Areas: Political structure & processes [JPH]