PM Anthony Albanese suggests a potential referendum for four-year fixed terms in federal parliament.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has commented that federal parliament's three-year terms may be too short, raising expectations for a potential referendum on four-year fixed terms if his government is re-elected. Australian law currently allows for maximum three-year terms for the House of Representatives, with flexibility to end the term earlier. At federation, Australia chose not to follow the UK's seven-year terms or the US's four-year terms for presidents. Advocates for four-year terms argue that they give the government more time to develop long-term policies without being overly influenced by the electoral cycle. Governments would also feel more confident in making difficult decisions without worrying about their impact on the next election.

January 28, 2024
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