Sometimes it feels like the people who are running this country don’t always get it right.
The Australian government and our leaders are largely unwilling to commit to any real change, because the main agenda is keeping power.
Theoretically, those in power have more experience. But they are not necessarily attune to what the public of our country values and believes in. So how can I get my voice heard?
The Citizen Initiated Referendum
“The means whereby citizens can demand that a particular issue be put to a binding vote of the whole electorate.”
Senator John Madigan introduced the Citizen Initiated Referendum Bill to the Senate on March 12 2013.
Look at the Bill here
Senator John Madigan. Supplied.
Senator Madigan, from the Democratic Labour Party believes that “a lot of people are disheartened by the political process.. if their vote is good enough for a election, why is their opinion not listened to?””
The steps:
- Collect 150,000 signatures
- Put to the electorate vote
- Voting every four years
The first proposed vote for a Citizen Initiated Referendum (CIR) in Australia is 2016.
Learn more at the CIR Australia webpage here.
Watch Bob Katter talking about the CIR
Empower the people, says Bob Katter. Bring on recall elections, and Citizen Initiated Referenda
Bob Katter has been the Federal Member for Kennedy since 1993, following a highly successful 18 year career in Queensland State politics where he held four M…
Australia has shown interest in CIR throughout different states in the past and in many parts of the world CIR are used successfully within governments. For example, currently in Japan there is a call for a CIR against nuclear power in their country.
View Citizen Initiated Referenda Internationally in a larger map
Read about why CIR has failed so far in Australia here
Get Involved
Rohan Wenn from GetUp! Australia, sees the potential in Citizen Initiated Referenda.
“Generally speaking anything that increases participation is a good thing.
Corporate bodies have a massive advantage because they have the money.. This allows people who don’t have money to have a voice”
But could individuals, political parties or corporations utilise their power to create support for referendums vested in their interests?
Senator Madigan said “There is that chance, but what do you think theyre doing now?”
Rohan Wenn from GetUp! Australia agreed, “As long as there is a proper political debate, it should be ok.”
Verdict?
Although there’s trust in the Australian people, there is still worry that the public may not know whats best.
Governing is about making choices, and through providing more power to the people, some fear the wrong decisions would be made.
The CIR would result in our opinions carrying more weight, and with that comes the responsibility to be informed and engaged in democracy.
Senator Madiagn “has faith” in the Australian people.
What do you think?
