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Thursday March 22 2018

In 2016 I wrote a series of articles about the state of our democracy, and from them I deduced what I think a socially progressive party like Labor should do to repair and make better the democracy we currently have. What follows are a series of thought-bubbles that may or may not work. Please note that it is just an exercise of “creative” thinking.

I am asking you to expand on any of my thoughts or indeed present some new ones. I’m planning to write an essay on; “The way forward to a better society.”

The list is in no particular order or relevance.

1 A need to divorce Labor from the negativity of institutionalised politics. A rejection of neo-liberalism with an empathises on new economics. Economic development through higher education.

2  Create new ways of purposeful participation in the body politic.

3  A two-year constitutional review toward a full-time sitting scrutiny committee.

4  Review of Labor’s outdated social objectives.

5  The need for a wider range of social experience when pre selecting candidates.

6  An independent speaker heading an Independent Speaker’s Office with clout: overseeing MP’s expenses; political donations with a fact-checking offshoot; a review of the purpose and function of Question Time, perhaps by former Speakers; real consequences for lying to Parliament; more say to members in electing Labor’s leader.

7  An independent review of Australia’s voting system.

8  The teaching of politics in year 12 with the possibility of allowing 16 year-olds to vote if registered at high school and completing the politics course.

9  Fixed 4 year terms with a fixed date.

10  A review of free speech in an enlightened society.

11  A continuance of superannuation, negative gearing, capital gains, and other policies taken to the last election including the shares imputation debate currently being debated.

12  Reconsideration of the Henry Tax Review.

13  A policy return to some form of pricing on carbon emissions.

14  Making sure that mining companies pay the highest royalties.

15  That multi-nationals and Australian companies pay their fair share of tax.

16  The need for a Department of the Future.

17  A guarantee of affordable health care.

18  A national Anti-Corruption Commission modelled on the NSW ICAC. With teeth that can bite.

19  A suitability test for prospective MPs. Must complete an aptitude test.

20  A 10 point common good caveat for all proposed legislation.

21  Look at ways to achieve a fairer more responsible media.

22  Look at ways in which to become a republic sooner rather than later.

Can you think of anything else to add to my list or could you perhaps expand on items within it.

My thought for the day

“The exchange and intellectual debate of ideas needs to be re energised and it is incumbent on the young to become involved.”

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