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.

  We are yet again seeing the lack of integrity of our politicians as the Prime Minister breaks an absolute promise made in seeking an election victory.   Increasing taxes on people’s hard-earned income by stealth is dishonest, yet all politicians continue the practice. One that continues to shrink family budgets and the incentive to work hard and get ahead.   Australia needs a nationwide discussion of broadscale tax reform. A discussion that draws the community together to agree on a tax system that is equitable and able to fund the society that we wish to have.https://www.ideaspies.com/posts/an-opportunity-to-help-families-get-ahead    

In a thoughtful article in The Daily, Michael Pascoe reminds us of the human obligation of governments, individuals and communities who are better off in terms of wealth, influence and power responsibly giving back to others.https://www.thenewdaily.com.au/opinion/2024/01/06/michael-pascoe-scary-world"From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded, and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked."

Yesterday, our Federal Minister for Finance Katy Gallagher, launched a draft code of ethics for government suppliers. Our politicans should adopt this for themselves! ‘‘The Commonwealth expects its suppliers to conduct themselves with high standards of ethics such that they consistently act with integrity and accountability,’’ according to the proposed code. ‘‘Ethics is considered to encompass, at a minimum: honesty, integrity, probity, diligence and fairness. Ethical behaviour also extends to not making improper use of an individual’s position or benefiting from practices which may be dishonest, unethical or unsafe.’’ (Source: Tom Burton AFR)

The Labor, Liberal and National Parties continue to play to their shrinking support bases on the old Right/Left Axis. The Greens seem incapable of escaping the pull of their extremist influencers. The independents (other than the Teals) flip-flop on policy as they seek relevance and favours for their electorates.   Although imperfect and uncoordinated, only the Teals seek to understand and strategise around the common interests of the major and centre part of the electorate. Additionally, they look to understand the electoral need for politicians to regain the public's trust through increased transparency, integrity, and evidence-based policy development.