61A.1 The present Constitution vests executive power in the Queen then says it is exercisable by the Governor-General: s.61. This is misleading, as in practice executive power is exercised by the Government. The proposed model recognises reality by vesting the power in the Government.
61A.2 The proposed section also defines the Government - it comprises the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and his or her Ministers. Again, this simply recognises reality, in a way that our current Constitution fails to do. People reading the Constitution should understand how Government works.
61A.3 The net result of s.61A is to advance democracy. Power will be vested in those who are elected to Parliament, then chosen by the House of Representatives to govern. Power will no longer be exercised - nominally or otherwise - by an unelected Queen or Governor-General. |