• Citizens Charter

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16 March 2010Australian citizens are being asked to provide input into a nation-wide discussion about how to improve the rules governing our country.

Rethink Australia spokesperson Rodger Hills, says the time has come to review the way Australia is run. “As citizens, we have a responsibility to plan for a brighter future and a more enlightened democratic process than
the one we have inherited from our fore bearers.”

Rethink Australia has released a public discussion paper today to provide the basis for dialogue and deliberation amongst members of the public over the coming months.

“This dialogue is necessary to ensure we have explored all the ideas and approaches to reforming our system of government to cope with the increasing demands of the 21st century,” said Hills.

Rethink Australia which is a national campaign run by the non-profit democracy reform organisation Citizens Charter, aims to focus public attention on the need to rethink many of our outdated and dysfunctional
political governance processes. It seeks to ignite people’s imagination about the possibilities of a better run and more accountable political system than the one we have now.

Using everyday language, the discussion paper sets out three main approaches to Australia’s long-term political future. It contains arguments for and against each position and the public activities associated with each position.

Rethink Australia is asking for views on possible long-term approaches and is interested to hear about more effective alternatives to our present way of governing the nation that are citizen-based, fairer and less complex.

“Rethink Australia is taking on a monumental challenge, not dissimilar to the one facing those who created our Federation,” said Hills. “We are making a significant effort to ensure the Australian people not only have
their say, but are able to decide on a democracy that is truly of, by and for the people.”

Australians are very aware of the problems in our healthcare system, education system, environment and other areas which they want fixed. They are looking for new answers and new ways of thinking. Our goal should be
to build sustainable, vibrant and safe communities, within a political system that is sane, forward thinking and accessible to people sayes Hills. “If people believe there are improvements we could make to the political
system while maintaining our high standard of living and stable democracy, we would like to hear about them.”

The discussion paper forms the basis for consultation on the design of our system of government. All members of the public are invited to comment. The discussion paper “Rethinking the Rules Governing Australia: Adapting to a New Century” will be freely available today on the Rethink Australia website http://www.rethinkaustralia.org.