ADV - How Does the Government Get Away with Gagging Debate on Bills?
In a stunning display of parliamentary efficiency—or an affront to democracy, depending on your perspective—the government has just gagged debate on 27 bills, rushing them through in mere hours. But how is this even possible? Let’s break it down, add a touch of satire, and talk about why this practice needs reform when the government changes.
How It Happens
Government Majority Rules
When the government holds a majority in the House of Representatives or Senate, it can control the legislative agenda. With enough votes, they can pass motions to limit or cut off debate, also known as "gagging" or "guillotining" debate.Standing Orders and Rules
Parliamentary procedures allow the government to curtail discussions. This includes imposing time limits on bills or grouping them together for expedited passage.Timing Is Everything
Governments often cram contentious bills into the final hours of a sitting period, banking on reduced public scrutiny. “Oh, don’t mind us, we’re just signing away democracy—very efficiently!”Lack of Transparency
Without robust public and media scrutiny, these maneuvers often go unnoticed. The rushed process can leave voters unaware of significant legislation being passed with little to no debate.
Why This Is a Problem
Democracy Undermined: Gagging debate silences the voices of elected representatives, limiting the diversity of perspectives that should inform legislation.
Lack of Accountability: When laws are passed without scrutiny, the government avoids being held to account for their impacts.
Hasty Legislation: Rushed bills often lead to poorly considered laws with unintended consequences, requiring costly amendments later.
Wait, This Sounds Familiar…
Could these be laws with sweeping impacts on our daily lives? Oh wait—they’ve already done that this week with the social media ban. We all love a good “ram it through Parliament” moment, don’t we?
What Can Be Done?
If we want to restore democratic integrity, parliamentary reform is essential. Here are some ideas for tightening procedures when the government changes:
Strengthen Debate Rules
Mandate minimum debate times for all bills.
Require that major or controversial bills be given extended debate periods to ensure proper scrutiny.
Limit Guillotines and Gags
Introduce stricter criteria for using gag orders, such as requiring crossbench approval.
Limit the number of bills that can be grouped together for debate.
Increase Transparency
Require a public justification for gagging debate, published for voters to see.
Increase awareness and education on the parliamentary system and the importance of civic engagement.
Launch marketing campaigns to encourage wider viewership of parliamentary sessions and foster public trust through transparent practices. This includes streamlining access to debates and making them more accessible.
Educate and Empower the Public
Ensure that voters understand how these parliamentary tools can affect their rights and the democratic process.
Why This Matters Now
Today it’s 27 bills; tomorrow, it could be laws with sweeping impacts on freedom of speech, privacy, or other fundamental rights. Sound dramatic? Well, this week’s social media ban says hi.
Democracy is not just about elections; it’s about accountability and representation every day in Parliament.
For more satire, commentary, and a dash of democracy-saving snark, follow me on X/Twitter!
Let’s hold this government—and all future governments—to higher standards. When the government changes, we need to prioritise parliamentary reform to ensure this can never happen again.
Your voice matters. Share this post, start the conversation, and let’s push for a stronger, more transparent democracy.
Let’s hold those in power to account—because democracy isn’t just a checkbox; it’s an ongoing commitment!
-Dianne
