Clean up Australia’s constitution and place state/federal finances on a sustainable footing

1 December 2023 by Glenn Barnes

Governance

2023 has again demonstrated the challenges of amending Australia’s constitution and managing the nation’s finances through the unresolved issues stemming from the Federation in 1901.

Our political leaders have demonstrated their inability to address complex issues within the context of modern-day politics, and they need more vision and statecraft to build consensus within the community for sorely needed change.

A constitutional convention that includes everyday people – not just politicians, insiders, academics and elites – would be an excellent process for building a better future for all Australians.

What do you think?

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Comments

percy @ 2023.12.08 4:11 AM

Great idea, but after the Voice referendum failed the government may be too timid to try anything bolder.

Glenn Barnes @ 2023.12.09 9:52 AM

Sadly, the signs are of a government on the back foot and only willing to invest its political capital on issues favouring insider interests.

Although there is a lot of encouragement to be "bold", I cannot see the capability or courage to do so.

Related Posts

Governance

Australian Institute for Ethics

Australia - as with many other liberal democracies - has a problem with TRUST!Loss of trust in our institutions and their leaders continues to wear down our social fabric. Continued flagrant lying by our politicians (including Prime Ministers) is just one example of why institutional trust is at such a low ebb.For the sake of future generations, we need to reverse this situation.Establishing and broad community support for an Ethics Institute would be a significant first step in stopping the rot and re-building trust and the compact that underpins our social fabric and order.

16 February 2024 by Glenn Barnes 1 Comments

Governance

Involving the public in selecting the Australian Governor General

Constitutional Law expert and Scientia Professor George Williams has proposed another exciting idea for Australia’s governance. That is, to explore the opportunities our constitution offers and that the conventions with the Crown provide for selecting and appointing our Governor General. Prof Williams raises several interesting issues regarding the potential powers of the position and alternative ways of selecting and appointing a Governor General. Public discourse over these issues could catalyse community interest in our country’s governance and help us evaluate options for constitutional refreshment and our head of state's role, status and powers.

14 February 2024 by Glenn Barnes 2 Comments

Governance

A Mission-Led Industry Policy to Improve Productivity

"A programme of investment in the key activities and technologies of the 21st century to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss

8 February 2024 by IdeaSpies 1 Comments

Why support us financially?

"Great ideas, research and innovation can come from anyone – so often the best ideas do not have a voice. IdeaSpies provides a platform for people to share ideas that create a better world"

Sharing Ideas that Do Good