The recent Labor conference passed a motion to establish an independent Australian Constitutional Commission to advocate for electoral reforms in our parliament. Our democracy needs more than this if it is to flourish.   We need a permanent body – a Constitutional Council or Commission – whose role is to promote the understanding of our constitution and its importance to our democracy, advocate for needed changes and ensure that the community understands and supports change before the costly referendum process is undertaken. This body should frame the question to be put to the public and the parliament then runs the process.https://www.ideaspies.com/posts/a-way-of-breaking-the-referendum-deadlock

Our current polity and elites fail to deliver a fair and reasonable Australia for generations beyond the Baby Boomers. Politicians focus on power and protection of economic rents (for unions and businesses), stifling the changes that must be made.   If Australia is to create the appropriate environment for future generations to flourish, we need to find a way around the policy inertia that afflicts our governing politicians.   Citizen deliberative forums can sort through the facts and help the community understand common good policy initiatives to take our nation forward. Politicians can then legislate knowing the hard yards have been done!

Partisan politicians and elite groups can pervert focus in a liberal democracy. Constant vigilance is required to keep a polity focused on core democratic principles and deliver evidence-based policy, legislation and regulation.   Democratic governments across the globe have lost trust by failing to focus on such principles and serve "all" citizens equitably.   It is up to us citizens to force a change or be doomed to live our lives under government systems favouring the few. “Provided the rulers do not interfere with its material comforts and its cherished beliefs, it is perfectly happy to let itself be ruled." Aldous Huxley

Adam Tooze of Columbia University has looked at the complexity of challenges facing the global community: economics, politics, geopolitics, and environmental issues overlap to produce a polycriris.   “As publics lose perspective, forfeit historical knowledge, rely on self-reinforcing media and prioritise emotion over reason, the distrust between the people and the governing class will become entrenched. Australia has this problem to a lesser extent than other democracies but our problem is real and serious.” (Paul Kelly, The Australian)Australian politicians must grasp this complexity and fully engage the community to ensure social cohesion and the survival of our democracy.

The Treasurer is talking about EBP.  If the talk turns into action, then he is to be applauded.   Between 2018 and 2022, a small team under the leadership of Percy Allan AM ran a research project benchmarking 100 legislative initiatives from the Commonwealth and three states using the “Wiltshire Criteria” to determine EBP quality. Of these case studies, only 32% achieved a solid process ranking, and 25% achieved a below-par ranking – the balance rated mediocre.   Media, non-government politicians and the general public should all demand high-quality, evidence bases for all government initiatives from the Commonwealth and the states.https://evidencebasedpolicy.org.au/

When will our politicians accept that they are not trusted enough to sponsor a constitutional change successfully? Is it ego? Is it fear of losing the power to dictate?   A process that helps the whole community understand the need for change and how any proposal can improve things is required. Several ways of achieving this have been proposed in recent years.   It is heartbreaking to see the issue of indigenous recognition flounder for the lack of adequate community consultation. A pause in the process for broad consultation and some redrafting is warranted.   https://www.ideaspies.com/posts/a-way-of-breaking-the-referendum-deadlock