#ausvotes

Inevitably, large compromises are made by each party and rarely is this type of union possible unless there exists some common ground in ideology between them. Typically a Coalition government will not only endure for the long term but its sheer strength and united front will be prioritized over individual member party values; a common platform will be projected in parliament. Given this unison, a Coalition government will be indistinguishable from a majority government. Even with a slim majority, a Coalition is far more confident of retaining the support of the Lower House than is a minority government.

Minority Coalition

One step removed from the formal and long suffering Coalition is the minority Coalition, where the circumstances are precisely the same however, while unity must be maintained; only policy specific collective support is required with individual parties free to retain their own identity and ideology for all other policy platforms. Invariably the policy specific collective support will surround supply bills and non confidence motions, but certainly will extend to other polices of mirrored interest.

Interestingly, a New Zealand minority coalition has involved the assumption of front bench ministries by smaller members of the coalition, with an obligation to a collective stance on matters relating to that particular ministry.

Otherwise, the member is free to pursue their own party objectives. Here, the small parties are able to affect real policy, receive support from the departmental heads of government in public service, and yet retain their individuality. Ordinarily, smaller parties would have their identities drowned by that of the larger party to the Coalition. Equally possible is the prospect of having twinning roles within a single portfolio. Having two ministers attend to the one ministry may at times be difficult to implement, but if some common ground is shared, it may indicate an opportunity for smaller parties to affect their policies. The government too will benefit reciprocally, and gain much needed support along with an objective opinion.

Minority Government Continued

Negotiations & Compromise to Maintain Support

The alternative extreme is of course to form a minority government. Here a large party will approach holders of seats outside their party such as those from minor parties or Independents, with a view to negotiating support on a far more short term basis than that of a Coalition. Often the agreements will be limited to very specific support, the most fundamental of which is in defense of a no confidence motion from the opposition, and money bills to obtain funds from the consolidated revenue fund in order to finance government operations.

A minority government is able to be reached on an ad hoc basis and so it leaves parties to the agreement able to pursue their own agenda on other matters. Most importantly to smaller parties, their unique identity is preserved within parliament and so even their support for the government on certain issues will be highlighted as achievements of policy. The Greens claiming the salvation of the Australian economy through support of the 2009 stimulus packages is a case in point.

The risk of course to government is that its efforts toward support of its policies and strategy are undermined by other alliances formed with the opposition or other members of the chamber. When however, a minority government reaches agreement for particular objectives it receives support in consideration of other concessions or benefits directed toward the interests of the supporting party. These can be of substantial value to a smaller party willing to support the government on a particular issue. As can be seen, compromise is the order of the day with minority government.