Key Differences Between the Lima Agreement and the Australian Constitution in Terms of Governance
The Lima Agreement and the 1901 Australian Constitution differ fundamentally in their governance principles, scope, and implementation. Below is a comparison highlighting these differences:
| Aspect | Lima Agreement | Australian Constitution |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Focuses on redistributing global industrial production to support developing nations[3][6]. | Establishes Australia’s federal system of governance, ensuring sovereignty and democratic accountability[1][2]. |
| Scope | International agreement aimed at economic cooperation and equity among nations[6][7]. | Domestic framework governing Australia’s political, legal, and economic systems[1][2]. |
| Decision-Making Process | Signed by the government without public consultation, bypassing democratic processes[3][4]. | Requires public approval for constitutional changes through referendums[1]. |
| Economic Implications | Mandated reduction in manufacturing, leading to job losses and reliance on imports[3][6]. | Protects economic sovereignty by granting Parliament powers over trade and commerce[2]. |
| Accountability | No direct accountability to Australian citizens; decisions made at an international level[3][6]. | Ensures accountability through elected representatives at federal, state, and local levels[2]. |
| Impact on Sovereignty | Critics argue it undermines Australia’s economic independence by outsourcing production[3][6]. | Designed to safeguard Australia’s sovereignty and independence in governance[1][2]. |
Conclusion
The Lima Agreement’s international focus contrasts with the Constitution’s emphasis on domestic governance and democratic accountability. While the Lima Declaration aims to promote global equity, its implementation has raised concerns about breaches of constitutional principles such as economic sovereignty and public consultation.
Citations:
[1] Infosheet 13 – The Constitution – Parliament of Australia https://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/House_of_Representatives/Powers_practice_and_procedure/00_-Infosheets/Infosheet_13-_The_Constitution
[2] Three levels of government: governing Australia https://peo.gov.au/understand-our-parliament/how-parliament-works/three-levels-of-government/three-levels-of-government-governing-australia
[3] DLP Calls for Review of the 1975 Lima Declaration – https://dlp.org.au/dlp-calls-for-review-of-the-1975-lima-declaration/
[4] Hansard – Senate 15/10/2018 Parliament of Australia https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Hansard/Hansard_Display?bid=chamber%2Fhansards%2Fd7fb77b1-0930-425d-ad2a-6fd86946e453%2F&sid=0042
[5] Hansard – Senate 16/10/2018 Parliament of Australia https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Hansard/Hansard_Display?bid=chamber%2Fhansards%2F75ffa9bb-442e-4b6c-8a2d-070e6c2e7224%2F&sid=0330
[6] The Lima Declaration: How Australia Sold Out Its Industries https://auscastnetwork.com/article-category/looking-for-the-latest-in-business/the-lima-declaration-how-australia-sold-out-its-industries/
[7] [PDF] Lima Declaration and Plan of Action on Industrial Development and … https://www.unido.org/sites/default/files/2012-10/Lima%20Declaration%20and%20Plan%20of%20Action%20on%20Industrial%20Development%20and%20Co-operation_26.3.1975_0.PDF
[8] [PDF] Submission on the review of the native vegetation regulation https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/vegetation/subs/NVRegSub115.pdf
