A healthy and vibrant Opposition is regarded as essential in a parliamentary system of government. A strong Opposition is able to question the government and hold it to account for its actions.
The Opposition is able to provide both alternative policies and an alternative government and Prime Minister.
Definition of Opposition: The party or parties which hold the second largest number of seats in the House of Representatives. The leader of that party or coalition of parties is known as the Opposition Leader.
The Opposition’s spokespeople are known as Shadow Ministers.
- Complete List of Opposition Leaders since 1901
- Tony Abbott – the current Leader of the Opposition
- Current Shadow Ministry
- 2003 Latham Shadow Ministry
- Latham Announces Shadow Ministry [Dec 08, 2003]
- 2003 Crean Shadow Ministry
- 2002 Crean Shadow Ministry
- Crean Announces New ALP Shadow Ministry [Aug 23, 2002]
- 2000 Beazley Shadow Ministry
- 1996 Beazley Shadow Ministry
- Beattie Provides Support To Depleted Opposition [Apr 28, 2003]
Archived Posts
- Apr 19, 2012: Queensland ALP Announces Six-Member Shadow Cabinet
- Dec 12, 2011: Who Says Abbott Should Flick The Switch To Positive?
- Oct 21, 2010: Is It Time For The Liberals To Dispose Of Abbott?
- May 15, 2008: Nelson Promises Reduction In Petrol Excise In Budget Reply Speech
- Dec 06, 2007: Nelson Announces Shadow Ministry
- Dec 06, 2007: Coalition Shadow Ministry From December 6, 2007
- Nov 29, 2007: Brendan Nelson Elected Liberal Party Leader In Close Vote
- Jan 28, 2005: Howard In Davos For WEF; Comments on Habib, Beazley
- Dec 08, 2003: Mark Latham’s Shadow Ministry
- Feb 27, 2001: Beazley ALP Shadow Ministry 2001
- Mar 19, 1996: Kim Beazley’s ALP Shadow Ministry 1996
