This new book, “The People’s Constitution”, contains the latest research about the values and aspirations of Australians and their need to enshrine those values along with their voices and human rights in a new Australian Constitution if they wish to take a rightful share of power in their own governance – a share sufficient to help them build the future of wellbeing and security that they need and deserve. As Australia walks on to an Indigenous Voice in the Constitution and then walks towards a decision one way or another about a republic, we will need this new people’s constitution.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers proposes a new management model for the Australian economy. Although presented as a model of “fairness” that overcomes the social failings of the free market, it sounds very much like the failed models of “guided democracy” tried in various failing socialist states.   “The Treasurer says Labor will ditch the free-market policy consensus that has steered rich countries over two generations and fashion a values-based economy in partnership with business, unions and community groups.”   This model of forcing Labor dogma under the cover of “elites” will also fail.   True engagement of the electorate is the way forward…

The Federal Treasurer is now in the important stages of preparation for his May Budget. As he does this, he needs to address a structural deficit and chart a path back to the surplus required to reduce debt accumulated during the COVID shutdowns. Additionally, the growing costs of the NDIS and an ageing population need to be funded.   There are significant political hurdles to overcome in making the hard revenue and spending choices needed to overcome the structural deficit. Only through effective engagement of the population can the hard decisions be made in a way that neutralises the political risks.