technology, but we’re still plodding off to the polls. In the intervening 100+ years, no one’s thought to re-evaluate the system based on new capabilities.
Is there a fair and economical way that each Australian could get an actual say in the policies and workings of government? Is there a way that we could bring back power to the people and end political apathy in this country?
I believe the answer is YES, and there has never been a better time to make these changes because we have the technological capability to do it. Of course, our representatives won’t give up their power so easily so I believe a new political party would need to be formed to push for governance with the knowledge that the first thing they would change is the constitution and ultimately dismantle their own representative rule over time.
Below are a list of concepts that would underpin the proposed new democratic framework in Australia (and these same concepts could work for any society where democracy already exists and internet penetration is higher than 80%).
GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE & OPERATIONS
The new framework would keep the government split into two “houses”, but the basis of the houses would be different:
- The Upper House (the Senate), would become the Peoples Representative House – which has representatives from each electorate.
- The Lower House, would become known as the Knowledge & Wisdom house – in which each representative Minister is an expert in administration, policy and the area of their portfolio (e.g the Minster of Health must have prior direct administrative experience in the health industry).
Parliament House Canberra, Australia (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Psychologically it makes more sense that the UPPER house, who are generally the reviewers, are representatives of the people, while it is the Australian people themselves (through voluntary policy voting) and portfolio experts who define the policies themselves. The Upper and Lower house most speak and interact much more regularly and freely than they currently do.
Checks and balances on the government in power
An overarching third body would be created that can hold the government accountable for its actions. This would replace the role of the Governor General and Queen who have only ever intervened once), it is important that the role is more than symbolic.
In matters where the will of the people will impinge on the human rights of those locally or in another country, this overarching third body has the right to intervene.
Checks and balances on the people
An independent body called the Council for Science, Well-Being, Economics, Psychology (COSWEP) provides support services to the government in power and the Opposition. If the Opposition strongly oppose a bill through The Peoples Representative House or the Knowledge & Wisdom House, they can request review from the council. If the council deems their point of view valid, their concerns must be addressed by a new joint policy, which both parties work jointly on and then it goes back for final vote to the people.
The new role of the Prime Minster
The role of the Prime Minister will be split into two. The Prime Speaker will be the leader of the House of Peoples Representatives, and they will be the prime speaker for and on behalf of the people of Australia, including being Australia’s delegate internationally. The Prime Minister will be the leader of the House of Knowledge and Wisdom and will be responsible for organizing all Ministers in the creation of sound policies and pulling together information to inform policy based on the will of the Australian people through policy votes. They will also be responsible for ensuring there is cohesiveness in parliament between the two houses.
The role of the Opposition
There are no PHYSICAL sides in parliament. A mix of ministers (those in power and those in opposition) will sit together.
For freedom of information, all incumbent government data and pricing or economics models driving policy must be made freely available to the Opposition and to the public.
The Opposition is not necessarily