E. Schmid is correct in saying that the big two are just as powerful as one another, in their own ways. Their similarities extend to the enforcement of individual MP's being forced to vote according to 'the party line'.

When I started to vote, I voted for Menzies simply because he actually permitted all members to vote according to their conscience and for the best interests of their electorate. In other words, he maintained a trust that as members of the Menzies government, they would be conservative in nature, but still having the freedom to vote for their electorate.

For as long as I can remember, when a Labor member arrives on the Back bench for the first time, he/she is forced to sign a pledge ALWAYS to vote for the party line.

Margo consistently quotes from Menzies famous 1942 speech, and rightly so, for he was probably the last PM to strictly follow the Westminster Act in Parliament, and oblige all his members to follow Queen's Regulations.

I would like to know why ALL Members of Partliament are not legally obliged to follow and obey Queens Regulations, as members of the ADF and Police are obliged to do. Then there would be no need for 'Guidelines' for MP's professional and personal conduct.

Such 'guidelines' are written as 'Regulations' and are there to be obeyed.

Kind Regards,
John C.