Except for matters which are in the party platform the representative in parliament should base votes on the wishes of the electorate, personal conscience , party philosophy and the good of Australia. I have never been questioned by my representatives in parliament as to my opinion on a particular issue. The truth is that our representatives do not represent our opinions. They are only machines to direct resources to the electorate. Our representatives running for re-election do not tell us how well they have representated our opinions or what good they have done for Australia they tell us what funding they have been able to attract.

Extreme party discipline contradicts democracy. In many issues there should not only be debate but also an opportunity for public input. Public input should include the issues the public would like parliament to discuss.

"Military decisions such as committing to the Afghan War should be matters for parliament"

Cut it out, that would be interfering with market forces!

How would this work in a hung parliaament?

socrateade

I wouldn't trust the Parliament to make the right choice either- put it to referendum and see Australia's war participation record come to a screeching halt.

Why don't we pass a new law in Parliment.In times of war, all children of Pollies and arms dealers must be represented on the front lines of battle.Just watch them find peaceful solutions in an instant.