Is the Senate a safeguard or a handbrake on democracy? (Australia)

The ability to dismiss, alter and permit a set of laws that will ultimately change the lives of millions is always going to be a complex and difficult task. By allowing control over the decision-making process to be shared between the governing party and the senate, the Australian ‘Washminister’ system can be said to be more democratic than most governing systems. This essay determines whether the Australian Senate acts as a safeguard or a handbrake …

…Rodney Smith, in J. Brett, J. Gillespie and M. Goots eds., Developments in Australian Politics, Macmillan, Melbourne, 1994. ‘The Senate and Good Government’, by C. Sharman, Papers on Parliament No.33, Department of the Senate, Canberra, 1999. Current Issues Brief 10 1998-99, Scott Bennett Politics and Public Administration Group, 20 April 1999. http://www.aph.gov.au/library/pubs/cib/1998-99/99cib10.htm Transcript No. 99/15 – Doorstep Interview with Peter Costello – Parliament House. http://www.treasurer.gov.au/treasurer/Transcripts/1999/tsr015.asp