Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Is Australia over governed?

An interesting discussion popped up on Twitter earlier about whether Australia is over governed/represented. After doing a few searches and some back of an envelope calculations We (myself (@australiavotes), @banditcountry and @The_kennel)  came up with some interesting numbers. Australia has (by my count) around 7,380 elected officials which going by the ABS population clock is 1 for every 3003 people.

EDIT: Canada was brought up as it's similar in population and size to Australia. My figure (which could be way off) is based on results I could find and includes Federal and State MPs plus regional Mayors, Councillors and schhol boards. I work it out 4100 which is 1 for every 8048 people.

Australia
1 for every 3003 people
Canada 
1 for every 8048 people
U.K
1 for every 2,745  people

In 1992, The U.S had 1 for every 501 people. They elected judges, school baords, and plenty of other things though.


EDIT: Have been told by Anonymous in comments that the U.K figure is 1 for every 2,745 people.

3 comments:

  1. I think your UK figures are wrong.

    There are 641 MPS in the Westminster Parliament and 129 in the Scottish Parliament. There are another 108 MLAs in the Northern Irish Assembly and 60 in the Welsh Assembly. That equals 938.

    There are 19,657 councillors in England, 1,222 in Scotland, 1,264 in Wales and 582 in Northern Ireland. 21,625 in total.

    Add on the 25 members of the London Authority and the 13 directly elected mayors you have a grand total of 22,601. This works out at one politician for every 2,745.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Excellent items from you, man. I have remember your
    stuff prior to and you are simply too great. I actually like what you've acquired here, certainly like what you are saying and the way in which by which you are saying it. You are making it enjoyable and you continue to care for to keep it sensible. I can not wait to read far more from you. This is actually a terrific site.

    Also visit my weblog ... raspberry ketone reviews

    ReplyDelete
  3. What's Taking place i'm new to this, I stumbled upon this I've discovered It positively helpful and it has helped me out loads. I am hoping to contribute & assist other customers like its aided me. Great job.

    Also visit my web blog :: http://www.aguev.com/

    ReplyDelete

All content that comes from Wikipedia is used under license. Terms available here