The constitution and democracy in Victoria: Westminster on trial

This article provides a broad overview and critical appraisal of the major changes to the role and rationale of government and public administration i n Victoria brought about by the Kennett Liberal-National Coalition governme nt (1992-99). It does so in order to revisit and highlight the fading relev ance and viability of the Westminster system of 'responsible government' in the constitutional systems of the States. We show how the Victorian Consti tution provides very few restraints upon a government seeking to undermine civil and political rights, weaken the Opposition, marginalise contestatory institutions and restrict information. Against the Westminister system, we defend a republican constitutional arrangement that is able to maintain th e contestability of public power. To this end, we suggest a range of workab le reforms designed to strengthen democracy acid to improve the accountabil ity of public power, particularly that of the political executive.