A governor-general with no discretionary power might seem to be something of a waste, but there's a widespread reluctance to inquire about it. And a republic would be unlikely to help.
Category: Australia
On saving the governor-general, part I
The secret ministries affair in Australia has thrown up important questions about the role of the governor-general. The solicitor-general's advice on the matter fails to cast much light.
A note on preference flows
The release of more figures from May's Australian election gives an insight into the behavior of those who support minor parties and independents.
The Senate comes through again
Australia's Senate once again shows itself to have better democratic credentials than the House of Representatives, despite its severe malapportionment.
Australia’s new pendulum
Updating the electoral pendulum with the results of Australia's May election reveals some interesting things about the way the different parties are placed.
Tactical voting, here and there
Boris Johnson suffers two sweeping by-election defeats, one of them strongly influenced by tactical voting. It provides an interesting counterpoint to the discussion of tactical voting in Australia.
June electoral roundup
A regular feature: this month, electoral news from Israel, Bulgaria, Grenada and Australia.
Four big results
Four results with conflicting lessons, in Australia, France, Spain and Colombia.
Be careful with those numbers
We know most of the results that matter from last month's Australian election, but until counting is complete it's easy to be misled by some of the figures.
Another shocker in Canada
Ontario's vaguely Trumpist government is re-elected, despite again having far fewer votes than its opponents – a common Canadian problem.
The World is Not Enough 