The distinguishing feature of the Westminster form of responsible government is the virtually iron clad nexus between the elected executive and the parliament. Unlike other forms of responsible government, all ministers must be drawn from the membership of the Westminster parliament. Richard Herr considers some of the problems associated with small parliaments, exemplified by the...

Specialist committees are now a common feature of the Australian parliamentary landscape. This is especially the case in New South Wales, where parliamentary committees supervise most of the independent investigatory agencies, writes Gareth Griffiths in this survey of the role of committee.

This paper presents the preliminary results of a study of instances of crossing the floor in federal parliament.

With the release of the March quarter 2005 population estimates by the Australian Statistician on Thursday 22 September 2005, the Australian Electoral Commissioner now has the information needed to determine the representation entitlements for the states and territories. Gerard Newman and Stephen Barber look at the figures and their implications.

John Howard made unexpected concessions last week to avert a backbench revolt in parliament. But why is crossing the floor seen as such a major step? Paul Rodan looks at the precedents.