If we measure democracy by whether living standards are improving, then it has failed us in the last decade. Lots of solutions are being proposed. Some are about reform of the instruments of democracy, such as codes of conduct for politicians. Others are about increasing participation by we the people in democracy through things like citizen’s assemblies. They’re all good but they wouldn’t help reverse the decline in our quality of life. To do that, we need a well thought out long term plan. Now there is a way to build that together. See how at https://johnmenadue.com/our-democracy-is-broken-but-it-can-be-fixed/

“How we can restore hope, rebuild trust and inspire optimism.”   "…If we dare to dream of a more loving country – kinder, more compassionate, more cooperative, more respectful, more inclusive, more egalitarian, more harmonious, less cynical – there’s only one way to start turning the dream into reality: each of us must live as if this is already that country. If enough of us live like that  - and in turn, demand our elected representatives embrace those same values and aspirations – change will come. Revolutions never start at the top.”   Hugh Mackay

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 

With the recent increases in social support spending, a lot is being written about what needs to be done about debt levels and the direction of Australia’s fiscal health.   This discussion gives us as citizens a great opportunity to contribute to a clearer definition of the type of country we wish to be, and how this should be funded.   If we want: ‘A truly participative liberal democracy that offers equal opportunity, cares for the less fortunate and encourages individual endeavour’. Then let’s have a discussion on the ‘how’. A great topic for a citizen’s jury!  

Israel’s UAV’s ability to operate beneath radar detection level yet unnoticed by those on the ground makes it a unique and essential part of any military arsenal these days. Today Israeli combat & surveillance drones are used worldwide.However, in recent years Israel is developing drones to be deployed for public use, with the aim to ultimately reduce congestion on public roads, transporting medicine and medical equipment and performing medical tasks and delivering various commercial goods more quickly.Some of the key start-ups in the drone sector include Heven Drones, Nando Drones, Highland, and Airwayz. Check them out! https://israeltrade.org.au/2021/05/14/israels-drones-set-to-improve-civilian-life/

Federal Budget time again and lots of ideas are swirling around about how we should change the tax mix and re-distribute the revenue.   Unfortunately, the ideas continue to add to already over complex tax and distribution processes – and the numbers and cost of the public servants that administer the system.   Australia has one of the highest taxing environments of the developed world – and some good re-distribution systems. However, there are areas requiring improvement and great frictional loss in the system due to process ineffectiveness and inefficiencies.   We need to rethink and reset the system for better outcomes.