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Discussion: Constitutionally clarify the war powers
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Posted Anonymously |
Constitutionally clarify the war powers
Feb 26 2008, 8:34 AM EST
Our constitution should be clearer about which organ of government (ie parliament, cabinet, prime minister, the queen) has the power to declare wars on behalf of Australia and to send troops abroad.
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Randall_Berger |
1. RE: Constitutionally clarify the war powers
Feb 26 2008, 3:41 PM EST
"Our constitution should be clearer about which organ of government (ie parliament, cabinet, prime minister, the queen) has the power to declare wars on behalf of Australia and to send troops abroad. " As there hasn't been a declared war in a long time, it probably takes an act of parliament. The deployment of troops under ANZUS, the UN, NATO, or whatever ... as with Iraq, East Timor, Afghanistan, Solomon Islands, Malaysia, Korea, Vietnam, etc ... is probably at the discretion of the PM and Cabinet. 1 out of 3 found this valuable. Do you? |
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Posted Anonymously |
2. RE: Constitutionally clarify the war powers
Apr 18 2008, 3:56 AM EDT
i was under the impression that the executive government, altho not well defined in the constitution, has this power - and in practice, we do have a well-defined executive. - PM/cabinet. this may not be the best set up for sending a nation to war, as it does not reflect much of the national interest, really, but it is well-documented and accepted.
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KelticTonyRyan |
3. RE: Constitutionally clarify the war powers
May 9 2008, 10:38 PM EDT
War should only be declared by the people, not by some 'representative'. If national plebiscite decided the outcome there would rarely be a war. Anyway, the 1901 Constitution did not give this power to the Prime Minister and executive. Secondly, the Constitution disallows placing the interests of foreign powers ahead of Australians; and thirdly, such matters should be the subject of referenda. As such, the Iraq and Afghan wars are illegal; as are deregulation, privatisation, all UN Treaties; signing of the Oil Price Parity Agreement on Australian oil; tariff removal and floating of the dollar. Obviously, Government does not care what we think.
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