Australians are
dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic well. But they aren’t dealing so well with what
has been identified by noted epidemiologists like Professor Michael Marmot as
an “epidemic of disempowerment”. In the face of the biggest challenges
like climate change, growing tensions between global powers and growth in
inequality, Australians' confidence in their democracy has declined
substantially. But there is a way to organise ourselves to use our
democracy more efficiently and fairly. We can integrate our plans for the
future. See how in this launch of Australia's first national long term plan
- "Australia Together":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYmAQ1-6B-o&t=4s
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.
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.
"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"
Matt Levy
IdeaSpies
Glenn Barnes
Jonathan Chrimes