Hi Paul,

There's nothing particularly American about four-year terms, or fixed terms. We even have them down here in South Australia.

So even if 'America = bad', it doesn't necessarily mean that 'four-year terms = bad', or 'fixed-terms = bad'. Try to think beyond the surface features.

The point about both is that they may give the political process a bit more stability, and let governments get on with their core business of looking after their mates.

Cheers,

Joe

Joe, thanks.

Paul, I don't think that the idea of the "term" going outside the direct control of the incumbent would hurt the minor parties at all. Currently the date of the election is manipulated to try an maximise the chances of the party that currently holds power. Maybe there is a better plan than a nominated % of both houses as being the way to bring an election on early, your thoughts on that.

What I don't like is the idea of any party being able to manipulate the election cycle for their own benefit, a fixed term with an out to allow for some unforeseen crisis seems to be a far better plan than what we have now.

If nothing else think how hard it would have been for the Libs to change leaders over the last 12 months not knowing when the election would be held (a sudden early election while the party is still getting over a leadership spill?). I have no idea of what members really think of Abbott but it's clear that ousting him would have been very risky with the existing rules.

R0bert

I hope that Thomson gets a fixed term too, and that his trial runs over September.

Why is there so much corruption and dirt among Labour members, it must be their pre-selection process? I don’t think organised crime would be able to fit so much low-life into parliament. Look at the recent NSW Labour Government; they have been compared to the NSW Rum Corps in levels of corruption

I think to answer your question siller needs a study of the background
of the members.
The vast majority of them come from within the trade union movement.
It is the career path of choice, delegate, organiser, negotiator,
parliamentary assistant and finaally candidate.
There has been a number of scandals regarding embezzlement of union funds.
Certainly a lot of dodgy use of expenses funds.
Perhaps an enquirery needs to start there.