From an aristocratic anachronism to a democratic dilemma: an elected House of Lords and the lessons from Australia

Abstract

The British government recently proposed to replace the House of Lords with an upper house that is largely elected by proportional representation. Could such a reform paradoxically pose a threat to Westminster-style democracy? Australian experience provides one of the best guides to the likely consequences. Australia not only has over 100 years experience of an elected federal Senate, but it also has over 150 years experience of upper house reforms in the various state parliaments. These state parliaments, though rarely discussed, provide good comparative reference points for understanding the likely effects of Lords reform. Australian parliamentary history suggests six main lessons about the potential dangers of these British proposals. It also points to the importance of properly considering the option of abolishing the upper house, and it highlights the main democratic safeguards that need to be put in place if an elected second chamber is introduced.