If we measure democracy
by whether living standards are improving, then it has failed us in the last
decade. Lots of solutions are being proposed. Some are about reform of the
instruments of democracy, such as codes of conduct for politicians. Others are about
increasing participation by we the people in democracy through things like
citizen’s assemblies. They’re all good but they wouldn’t help reverse the
decline in our quality of life. To do that, we need a well thought out long
term plan. Now there is a way to build that together. See how at https://johnmenadue.com/our-democracy-is-broken-but-it-can-be-fixed/
Federal Government debt is currently
$630bn and is expected to climb to $1trn by 2026, creating budget problems and a
debt that future generations will need to pay.
Recent history predicts that no
political party will have the ability to initiate the structural tax changes
needed for post-COVID budget repair due to fear of voter anger.
It is in our best interest as a
community to contribute ideas on what should be done to raise more revenue, reduce
costs and produce common interest solutions. Let's put together some ideas to help
our governments make the hard decisions.Your ideas?
“At some point in the next term of government,
sooner rather than later, the treasurer of the day will have to lay out a
comprehensive program of budget repair, not simply a cursory exercise in good
housekeeping.” “It demands a set of hard rules and reforms that
will enable us to live within our means.”
(Tom Dusevic, The Australian)
Politicians have been unwilling to 'bite the bullet' due to fear of voter anger. This is a classical case for a Citizens Jury to
review all the facts and recommend a new revenue-raising structure that works
for the common good.
Lynn Wood
Madeline Cunningham
Pool Buddy