Irresponsible Government? Der australische Senat als institutionelle Singularität im Zeitalter parteipolitischer Fragmentierung

Whereas second chambers in most Westminster-Systems tend to be subject of reform or abolition efforts, the Australian Senate managed to defend its outstanding strong position within Australia’s system of government . Australian exceptionalism of its federal bicameral- ism roots in its combination of a “strong” second chamber elected by proportional repre- sentation with a first chamber elected through a majority formula (“alternative vote”) fol- lowing the British constitutional pattern . Holding the balance of power, minor parties and independent Senators use their representation in the Senate to gain political influence . Si- multaneously, rising party fragmentation in the Senate requires the government to use coa- litions depending on the issue in order to obtain support for their legislative measures . Re- cent developments in Australian climate policy show how consensual decision-making and interparty negotiation are incorporated in a system originally based on majority rule . While the government accepted the power of the Senate and the delay of its legislative program, the Senate acknowledged executive supremacy over budget and supply legislation in ex- change . [ZParl, vol . 47 (2016), no . 1, pp . 117 - 138]