Kingsland is a fictitious state in Australia with a population of 6 million. Its 83-seat Parliament (legislature) is unicameral (i.e., only one house) and is governed by the Labor Party since the state election of 2021.

Structure

Labor Party - 40 seats Liberal Party - 35 seats National Party - 5 seats Independent member #1 - 1 seat Independent member #2 - 1 seat Independent member #3 - 1 seat

42 seats are required to form government which went to the Labor Party after seeking support from 2 independent members.

42 votes are required to pass legislations.

The Bill (proposed law)

The Long-haul Drivers Safety Bill 2022 [fictitious] is in the process of being drafted by the Labor Party. The proposed law covers a range of safety rules & regulations for long-distance drivers (more than 3 hours of continuous driving, or night driving, of a commercial vehicle or a bus/coach). The initial draft bill did not cover the use of anti-sleep devices.

Priced upwards of $300, anti-sleep devices are wearable gadgets [worn as a ring or bracelet, or around- the-ear] that monitor the consciousness of drivers. They alert fatigued and drowsy drivers with a quick & sharp audible beep and vibration - preventing microsleeps (nodding off).

Coffee, energy-drinks or a short rest are only short-term solutions for fatigued drivers. Anti-sleep devices are much more effective, where driver fatigue contributed to 20-30% of all motor accidents.

Businesses will benefit if these devices become law for long-distance or night-time drivers, such as those driving trucks, delivery vans and buses - some 30, 000+ in Kingsland.

Other supporters include (a) health professional bodies, e.g., Australian Medical Association, and (b) insurance companies. Those who are against the idea of a mandatory use of these devices are the transport industry associations (representing businesses and drivers in the transportation sectors) - mainly because of the added costs of these devices and compliance.

The Players

The ruling Labor Party is in full support of the proposed law because it is in line with its ideology. All the 40 members are expected to vote the same.

Coalition

1

The Liberal-National coalition is against the bill - primarily because of its stand on individual freedom and minimal government interference.

Adam is an Independent (member #1) and own shares in a company that sells anti-sleep devices. He has declared that interest to Parliament upon being elected. He is unsure whether the Parliament will have a problem with that.

The Kingsland Trucking Association and Puma Express (Kingsland largest courier company) are regular donors to the Liberal Party - donating a total of $220, 000 prior to the 2021 state election.

Mary is the owner and CEO of the biggest chain of automobile accessories shops in Kingsland specialising in driver safety devices including a range of anti-sleep devices. She is a close friend of William, a Labor Party member of parliament for the past 20 years. It was through Mary socially that he had learnt about the effectiveness of these anti-sleep devices and as a favour to his friend, was very keen to include the devices' mandatory use in the Long-haul Drivers Safety Bill 2022. After much persuasion from William, his party agreed to add the mandatory use of the device for certain groups of drivers to the draft bill.

A month before the presentation of the bill to Parliament, Independent member #2 received a 'donation' of $20, 000 from the owner of Zapp Company, an importer of the best-selling anti-sleep device in the US. The accompanying note read: 'In appreciation for all the work that you had done representing the disadvantaged people of Kingsland'. The member did not declare the gift to Parliament.

Jane, a sitting member of the National Party, is of two minds about which way to vote. Her husband had died several years ago as a result of being hit by a fatigued truck driver who had driven non-stop for 6 hours.

Requirements:

Question 1:

IN YOUR OWN WORDS, explain and discuss each of these concepts within the context of the above case. Hint: Concepts must be discussed (or explained) by referring to the case, i.e., as they apply to the case.

1. The Legislative process

2. Party vote vs conscience (or free) vote

3. Lobbying

4.Political donations - legality vs ethics

5.Political corruption - legality vs ethics

6.Conflict of interest

1(a). Overall explanation of the concepts [10 marks] 1(b). Overall discussion with reference to the case [10 marks]