The Role of Pressure Groups - Queensland Parliament

1 Factsheet The Role of Pressure Groups Many Queenslanders are members of Both types of lobby Groups can overlap, since an interest Groups : as participants in a organisation established on a sectional basis can church society; school association; also promote issues based on particular causes, conservation group ; trade union or beliefs or values. For example, the Returned business organisation. Interest Groups , Services League was established to sectionally acting as Pressure Groups , have become represent the repatriation interests of returned increasingly important as a means by service personnel, but it also promotes particular which individuals can attempt to influence value policies regarding Australia's defence and governments regarding their particular immigration needs.

2 Requirements. Although individuals within Pressure Groups vary in size and organisational a representative democracy possess rights, structure, which may not necessarily represent the allowing them to lobby parliamentarians amount of influence exerted upon a government's and governments concerning pertinent policies. It is obvious that trade unions, business issues, a collective approach can often organisations and professional associations can exert more powerful Pressure on decision- exert considerable Pressure upon governments.

3 Makers, as well as consolidating a range of On the other hand, a small ad hoc committee, similar ideas and opinions into a cohesive established because of a local issue, may rally format. sufficient supporters for mass demonstrations or There are difficulties in defining the many marches, and thus, Pressure a government into types of Pressure Groups . For example, quickly altering its policies. The anti-Vietnam War political parties are sometimes included. However, a common definition excludes political parties, concentrating on those Groups wishing to influence government policies and activities, whilst remaining apart from government.

4 There are two types of Pressure Groups : 1. sectional; and 2. promotional. Sectional Lobby Groups This includes self-interest Groups such as: trade unions; business and farming associations; churches; ethnic associations;. pensioner Groups ; and returned service personnel. Promotional Lobby Groups This category promotes particular causes, beliefs or values such as: conservation;. women's issues; Aboriginal; civil; or moral rights. A protest rally outside Parliament House. Updated July 2015. Factsheet The Role of Pressure Groups marches of the 1970's organised by small membership or organisation.

5 This influence Groups quickly mushroomed into large, may be out of proportion to their position in mass demonstrations which eventually society. culminated in a newly elected federal 3. The use of direct action by Pressure Groups government acting on an election promise (eg. strikes by unions, demonstrations, and withdrawing the remaining Australian blockades, pickets) can cause hardship to the troops. community in general. How do Pressure Groups enhance 4. Some Pressure Groups are not democratic the political system?

6 1 in themselves. Some have powerful, but 1. Pressure Groups are a vital link unrepresentative leaders who may not be between the government and the representative of anyone but themselves. governed. They keep governments Some leaders do not reflect the opinions of more responsive to the wishes of the their organisation's members. community, especially in between How do Pressure Groups exert their elections. influence? 2. Pressure Groups are able to express Pressure Groups may use a variety of methods to the views of minority Groups in the pursue their requirements.

7 These include . community who might not otherwise receive a hearing. (1) lobbying state members and the Parliament via petitions, letters and deputations;. 3. Pressure Groups are able to use their expertise to provide the government (2) consulting with ministers or senior public with important information. This has servants;. often been the argument in relation to motoring organisations such as the (3) hiring professional lobbyists;. RACQ. It is also applicable to issues (4) taking legal action through injunctions or such as Indigenous reconciliation.

8 Appeals to higher courts;. 4. Pressure Groups offer an alternative (5) campaigning for, or opposing, certain source of advice to the government, candidates at elections;. separate from that coming from the Public Service. (6) demonstrating outside Parliament and government offices or marching in the 5. Pressure Groups generally promote streets; and opportunities for political participation for citizens, without (7) using the industrial muscle of strikes for the need to join a political party. political purposes.

9 Moreover, they allow for the Because of the complexities of modern democratic rights of freedom of government, and the pluralistic nature of Australian speech, assembly and association to society, Pressure Groups provide a means by which be upheld. ordinary citizens can participate in the decision- making process, as well as maintaining a check on How do Pressure Groups distort government activity. Similarly, governments can be the political system? 2 better informed of the electorate's sensitivities to 1.

10 Pressure Groups may represent a policies, because of the pressures articulated by these Groups . P +61 7 3553 6000 F +61 7 3553 6419 powerful minority force in society and exert political influence to the 1. , Pressure Groups and Democracy . detriment of the majority of society. (last accessed This is an argument often leveled at 19/06/08). trade unions and business Groups . 2. , Pressure Groups and Democracy . (last accessed 2. Some Pressure Groups exert influence 19/06/08). because of their financial position, Updated July 2015.