Hi weeds, can you tell I have not much to think about at work while I'm colouring in. But good on you, great to hear, and yes we should.
Watched 4 corners last night. Perhaps another example of how companies push governments, the people, and their resources because the government is desperate for jobs and growth and hence votes. Salmon farming is apparently sustainable, but when the really big players come in the politics change, false "green approval" from earthy third parties arrives. And contempt for the industry and the environment take over as profits roll in. Science yet again is a load of *&%$#!, as how can this little show in a harbour affect the big wide world.
Seems to me to change the existing circus, a new way of doing things needs to be free from preferential voting, political donations, not be a full time career, have significant local grass route input, and reduced labour wants, liberal wants, and not cost a fortune every time a question is asked to the people. We need a common ground that we all live on, the earth as the wholly grail. After all it is what sustains us; not unions, nor businessmen, or entities donating for decisions to favour more money making above everything else.
Been reading up on the Switzerland direct democracy model. Its the closest model to being true us humans have produced that I can tell, and seems a much fairer way then representative democracy. It's basically designed to involve the people and keep them interested in their countries direction, and let them have a direct influence over it, on a basis of their choosing. The legislative branch are not full time, they have their own jobs, so it keeps them moving through society at a daily non elevated level. The people can decide if legislation needs amending if its not right for them by direct vote. Switzerland is much much smaller that Australia, and I'm not sure if they are intrenched 45, 45, 10 in their political sway as is Australia. So that may have some baring on its success, and of course it neutral. From wikipedia "A Self imposed, armed and designed to ensure external security." New Zealand just call it geared up for Aid work. I'm sure we could slip into that as well.
I spoke to an IT mate who works on making hospitals paperless. The system tracks patients, staff, and movements of medications and procedures plus a lot more all online. He said yes a voting system could be made, and hack proof, just don't get IBM to do it. Don't know about you, but I watched in wonder and shame as the census crashed. IBM had muffed it again after the Qld government payroll debacle.
Found this web site that compares countries prosperity to Australia, and in landmass. No populations however, or political systems so I have provided them. It seems representative democracy is not doing so well, and population has little or no baring.
http://www.ifitweremyhome.com/compare/AU/CHSwitzerland 8.4 million Direct Democracy
US 324 million Federal Republic with parts of direct democracy at State and local level.
Canada 36 million representative Westminster
UK 65 million representative Westminster
Aus 24 million representative Westminster