No, they are very different things. We have a mix of both Westminster and Washington styles of governance.

Our state level of government draws from the Washington style while our representative parliament draws from Westminster.

What Bob Hawke would like is to be more in line with Washington's style of a republic.

If you are asking me for what I think is wrong with our democracy it is unrelated to what style of governance we have.

In my opinion, our democracy could be a lot more functional without political donations. I see the problem as, politicians do not feel inclined to represent their constituents unless they are in 'swing' electorates.

Representatives in 'safe' seats are just that, safe. They feel entitled to put forward their own agenda instead of their constituents (see Tony Abbott).

By removing political donations, which would remove the huge advantage the major parties have. Representatives would be a lot more accountable to their constituents.

That is my two cents anyway.