Rugby Union in Australia has struggled now for many years under a governance regime that has failed to keep up with the times, and has resulted in both poor-performance relative to other football codes in Australia and other Rugby Union playing Nations. Additionally, the code is in a perilous financial position.   Andrew Forrest has suggested an AFL-style commission. This could be the way forward to better governance of the code. Australian Rugby Union certainly needs a revolution!

It is of deep concern that our politicians are failing to deliver universal, complete, transparent and timely facts on donations, conflicts of interest and other issues of integrity.   If this behaviour was seen from the private sector there would be political outrage and calls for immediate regulation, legislation or even a Royal Commission.   It is time the electorate pressured for urgent and effective action from our politicians to correct the situation.

There is a concern in the US with executive power being over-used by President Biden.   Australia has a similar problem with our Federal Parliament sitting very few days per year (~67) and an increasing trend for government by regulation - and dictates from the Prime Minister and State Premiers.   We should all contact our State and Federal parliamentary representatives and demand higher quality policy formation. A return to a more independent public service, crafting well thought through and widely circulated and discussed Green and White Papers as part of the policy development program, would be a big step forward.

Our community is increasingly debating the merits of celebrating “Australia Day” on January 26th. There is a growing recognition that the particular date represents a significant negative for Indigenous Australians.   Perhaps we should consider replacing “Australia Day” with the celebration of two important issues:   Heritage Day (January 26), where we recognise and celebrate the wonderful range of cultures that now make up our Nations Peoples, including the many Peoples and cultures of our First Nations.   Federation Day (May 9th - Opening of first Commonwealth Parliament) where we recognise the importance and privilege of living in a participative democracy.

Knowledge of how our democratic processes work, what citizens’ rights and legal obligations are and understanding our national values are basic to our social cohesion. It is concerning that among numerous shortcomings, the nation’s education system is failing to equip most secondary students with the knowledge and skills to become active and informed citizens.  Nationwide testing shows that young people are also losing interest in political news and world affairs Minister Alan Tudge is right when he says: “We all have an interest in our kids learning about our democracy before they hit voting age.” Source: The Australian 21/1/21

I support the proposition: “The federal government will be obliged to consult the Indigenous Voice to parliament when crafting laws on race, native title and racial discrimination which impact upon Aboriginal Australians.” (Source AAP/SBS)Additionally, the federal government should be obliged to effectively consult the broader community (citizens jury or like process) when crafting policy and laws which have a significant impact on their lives and the wellbeing of future generations. Examples are climate change, energy policy, taxation & the social safety net, affordable housing, education, healthcare and the wellbeing, socialisation & learning development of children.https://www.democraticrenewal.org.au/