Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's recent comments that federal parliament's "terms are too short with just three years" has raised expectations for a referendum for four-year fixed terms if his government is re-elected next year. A referendum is required because s28 of the Australian constitution stipulates a maximum of three-year terms for the House of Representatives but with flexibility to go earlier if needed.
Not only should governments not have longer terms, individual politicians should also have limited terms, whether they are in government or not. The evidence shows that the longer politicians spend in Canberra, the more willing they are to increase government spending. As Milton Friedman said, "It is always so attractive to do ‘good’ at someone else's expense".
We need to make career politicians a thing of the past.
Not only should governments not have longer terms, individual politicians should also have limited terms, whether they are in government or not. The evidence shows that the longer politicians spend in Canberra, the more willing they are to increase government spending. As Milton Friedman said, "It is always so attractive to do ‘good’ at someone else's expense".
We need to make career politicians a thing of the past.