This article explores the reasons behind Australia's distinctive three-year parliamentary term, contrasting it with the practices of other nations. It delves into the historical context of this system, established at federation in 1901, and examines the rationale behind its maintenance despite the adoption of four-year election cycles in state and territory parliaments. Furthermore, the article highlights the differing terms of senators and members of the House of Representatives, explaining the rationale behind the six-year term for senators.
The federal election is set to take place within the next four months, with campaigns underway from both Australian major parties. With a term only lasting three years, incumbent governments have a short period to achieve their agenda before the next election. So why does Australia have shorter parliamentary terms than other countries such as the United States and Germany? In 1901, at federation, the constitution established the Australian parliament.
The view then was that three years was the optimal term to create consistency with the existing colonial parliaments of each jurisdiction. While every state and territory now has four-year election cycles, the federal calendar remains unchanged. Prime ministers generally serve the full length of their three-year term unless they lose the majority of the House or are replaced as the leader of their party. There is no fixed number of terms a person can serve as prime minister. Sir Robert Menzies was the longest-serving prime minister of Australia and held office for 18 years — from 1939 to 1941 and again from 1949 to 1966. Senators have longer terms, and are up for election over six years, or two election cycles. The difference in the terms of senators and members of the House of Representatives reflects the distinctions between them. Senators represent the whole of their state, a much larger number of people than members of the House of Representatives. A six-year term gives them more time to work for the people they represent. Among 186 nations with active legislatures, just over half have five-year terms, and 40 per cent have four-year terms according to the Parliament of Australia website. Only six have three-year terms including Australia, El Salvador and New Zealand. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition leader Peter Dutton have expressed support for changing Australia's three-year parliamentary terms to four years. However, voters appear ambivalent on the proposal, with a March Newspoll showing 51 per cent support for the idea with 37 per cent against. If the government wanted to change the term length, it would require a referendum, which takes support from a majority of Australians in a majority of states to pass
PARLIAMENTARY TERMS FEDERAL ELECTION AUSTRALIA CONSTITUTION REFERENDUM PRIME MINISTER SENATORS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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