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Question

Difficulty: MediumThe Opposition and Shadow Ministers

When the Australian Government announces a major change to national security laws, how does the 'Shadow Minister' for that area typically respond as part of their official role?

  1. By closely examining the government's proposal and presenting the Opposition's alternative policy viewpoints.Answer
  2. B
    By working inside the government department to help the Minister implement the new security measures.
  3. C
    By providing the Governor-General with independent advice on whether to sign the new laws into effect.

Answer

The Shadow Minister responds by closely examining the government's proposal and presenting the Opposition's alternative policy viewpoints.
The Shadow Minister's primary responsibility is to act as a 'government in waiting.' This involves reviewing the government's work in a specific portfolio (like national security) and offering alternative policies so that the voters have a clear choice at the next election.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the relationship between a Minister and a Shadow Minister.
Each Government Minister has a corresponding 'Shadow' counterpart in the Opposition.
This 'shadow' structure allows the Opposition to focus on specific areas of government activity.
2
Determine the primary duty of the Opposition regarding government policies.
The duty is to hold the government accountable through scrutiny and debate.
In a democracy, the second-largest party ensures the governing party's decisions are questioned and examined.
3
Apply this to the role of a Shadow Minister during a policy announcement.
The Shadow Minister critiques the plan and suggests how their own party would handle the issue differently.
This provides the public with a choice and keeps the government focused on improving its policies.

Key Concept

The Scrutiny Role of Shadow Ministers

Hints

1
Think about whether the Opposition's job is to agree with and help the Government, or to check their work.
2
Shadow Ministers 'shadow' the Government Ministers. If a Minister makes a law, what would someone in the 'alternative' government do?

Practice More

Review the concept of the 'Shadow Cabinet' and how it mirrors the actual Government Cabinet.
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

The Opposition and Shadow Ministers

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