Discussion Questions
Please answer each of the following questions. If you are taking this course in a group you may then meet to discuss your answers.
- Given the context of your country, how would you describe the pros and cons of a parliamentary budget process that is open to the media and the public?
- How does media access to parliament in your country compare against the recommendations of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association?
- Does parliament in your country hold hearings on the budget? Who participates in these?
- In your opinion, what is the quality of media reporting on the budget in your country? What can be done to strengthen reporting on the budget?
Relevant Internet Resources
International Budget Project
http://www.internationalbudget.org
Parliament of Australia:
Appearing as a Witness at a Parliamentary Committee Hearing
http://www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/documnts/Witadv.htm
Parliament of Australia:
Preparing a Submission to a Parliamentary Committee Inquiry
http://www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/documnts/Howsub.htm
World Bank Institute:
Journalism and Media Program
http://www.worldbank.org/wbi/governance/journalism/
Select Bibliography
Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (2003). Parliament and the Media: Recommendations for an Informed Democracy. London, CPA.
http://www.worldbank.org/wbi/governance/journalism/pdf/perth_conclusions.pdf
Folscher, A., Ed. (2002). Budget Transparency and Participation: Five African Case Studies. Cape Town, IDASA.
International Budget Project (2003). A Guide to Budget Work for NGOs. Washington, D.C., International Budget Project.
http://www.internationalbudget.org/resources/guide/index.htm
Messick, R. E. (2002). ‘Strengthening Legislatures: Implications from Industrial Countries.’ World Bank PREM Note (63).
http://www1.worldbank.org/prem/PREMNotes/premnote63.pdf
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (2003). Open Government: Fostering Dialogue with Civil Society. Paris, OECD.
http://www1.oecd.org/publications/e-book/4203011E.PDF
|
