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.

Question 1:

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

1(b). Overall discussion with reference to the case