For the first time for many Australians, a view of a generally
stable planet and world order is being challenged.
We have two major powers seeking to undermine liberal
democratic government systems and a planet reacting negatively to the strains
we are imposing.
In the past, Australians have been willing to make economic and
life sacrifices to defend our liberty and leave a positive legacy.
Australians need to re-engage with our political processes
and ensure that our governments have the courage, conviction, and capability to
effectively lead us through challenges to world order and global
sustainability.
https://www.democraticrenewal.org.au/
We will only intrude on people’s lives when a demonstrated
and substantial need to do so exists. When action is required, we will always seek to find the “common
interest solution” that the majority can accept. Our policy formulation, taxing, spending and donations approach
will be evidence-based, fully transparent and consultative. We will establish caps on political donations and spending, with
a real-time declaration of money donated and spent and criminal penalties for
non-compliance.All our politicians will sign a binding oath always to serve the country honestly and in the community’s best interests and be held
legally accountable.
When a big change is required, a democratic government should seek
a solution that appeals to the majority and is least problematic to others.
Reform in Australia is inherently challenging as the ‘politics’
at both state and federal level can de-rail change, even if majority community
support exists.
Tax Reform in Australia has been held back for too long by
political wrangling and manoeuvring.
Our politicians should put their egos aside and seek community
input via a Citizens Jury to determine a tax reform package that is viewed as a
‘common good’ and then get on with implementation.
Opportunity exists to recognise and build on the heritage of all
the groups that make up today’s Australian community.
Noel Pearson and the Referendum Council have proposed a model of
‘three great streams’ to acknowledge the different but equally important core
groups who make up the Australian population:
· The Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander peoples and cultures;
· The British institutions and
histories which are the foundations of our liberal democratic system;
· The rich range of other
cultures, faiths and ethnic backgrounds that contribute to our multicultural
society.
Let’s celebrate our rich heritage this year!
Concerns are being raised about a new model for selecting a President
put forward by the Australian Republic Movement. These highlight unintended
consequences of moving too quickly in changing to a “Republic” model.
One key issue that is unclear, is what people expect an
Australian President to do!
Perhaps the President should be the champion of the
Constitution as Chair of a Constitutional Council, that advocates for an
effective and contemporary Constitution. The balance of the role could be clearly
defined in terms of official and ceremonial responsibilities - and the
requirement to avoid any political or partisan activity.
