Prime Ministerial Power
Prime Ministerial Power, Simon Grantham ‘ A Strong tendency in modern politics is the ‘presidentialisation’ of the role of the head of Government – many democracies see little more than elected monarchies.’ How powerful is the position of Prime Minister in the Australian system of government? Modern Politics in recent times has seen many Westminster-Style nations develop a form of Prime Ministerial Government; with a strong executive authority and all the props and accoutrements of a President. The role of the Head of Government in Australia has changed dramatically since federation, especially within the last 25 years, it is undoubtable that today’s Prime Minister enjoys far more institutional advantages, media spotlight, and a great capacity to sway the decisions of Cabinet than any of his early colleagues. ... It is central to understanding the current ‘presidentialisation’ of our head of government to look at the sources and limitations on the Office of Prime Minister and adequately assess what has caused us to get to where we are today, with a Prime Ministerial Government. When looking at the issue of Prime Ministerial power one of the great sources of his power is relationship between Cabinet and the Prime Minister. ... Chairman of this Council is the Prime Minister; an immediate power base for the leader parallel with the fact that no minutes are recorded, the impact of cabinet solidarity and the conventions related to Collective Ministerial Responsibility give the Prime minister significant sources of power to wield over his team. As chair of the cabinet, the Prime Minister seeks consensus on government initiatives, formal votes are rare; and in any case senior Ministers particularly those holding economic portfolios tend to have a greater say on policy direction. Prime Minister Bob Hawke was said to be tougher on expenditure proposals when his Treasurer was in the room. Fraser however was an interesting character around the Cabinet table, and would often invite prime ministerial displeasure (‘Can we have one meeting please? ... Another major source of power is Loyalty, the loyalty that the Cabinet has to the Prime Minister is crucial in having a successful PM, A loyal Cabinet, is a unified Cabinet and furthermore in many cases happy to support the PM’s policy initiatives. An example of this recently is in Howards last Ministerial Reshuffle he dropped Vanstone from the Inner Minister with her Education Portfolio to the outer minister and promoted Kemp in her place in order for a more loyal Cabinet. Also in Keatings government to improve loyalty he dropped all those ministers who had a close affiliation with Ex Prime Minister Bob Hawke. The ever expanding power base of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet along with the Office of the Prime Minister are secure sources of power for a Prime Minister and are becoming the focal point of the decision making process. This department is the only government department in the entire nation which knows about all issues affecting the Prime Minister, and reports to Prime Minister on these issues.