Revitalising democracy: possibilities for electorate level mobilisations to achieve better parliamentary representation

Faith in our political system is declining as it becomes less functional. Campaigning on important policy issues such as climate change falls on deaf ears in government, and party memberships are shrinking as members find it difficult to make an impact. How then can citizens make a real difference in our democracy?

Drawing on community campaigns to get independents elected, especially in Indi, retired academic Dr Rob Salter believes we need a concerted effort to encourage electorate-by-electorate mobilisations aimed at radically improving the way constituents are represented in parliament. He believes that our loss of faith is politics derives in part from the fact that we have little real say in choosing our MPs, we know little about them and only a small minority of us have contact with them. Sixty-one per cent of voters can't even name their MP.

Electorate level mobilisations could organise kitchen table conversations, as occurred in Indi, through which constituents articulate their values, the issues they feel strongly about, and their expectations of their MP. From there they could pursue any of a range of ways to achieve better representation. Putting forward a community supported independent candidate is one option, but there are many others, as Rob will outline.

Through these measures, Rob argues that MPs could 'look more like' their constituents, be better known and respected by them, improve communications with constituents and better understand their values, needs and policy preferences, and thus be more effective representatives. And citizens could have more faith in the system, and a new sense of agency and efficacy, a sense that they have a critical role in maintaining a healthy and effective democracy.

In this online forum, Rob will briefly outline these ideas and discuss them with participants, including the question of how they might be implemented.

Agenda

- Welcome and purpose

- Checkin

- Presentation of key ideas

- Questions

- Small group conversation

- Sharing insights and questions in large group

- Next wise steps

- Checkout

- Close

Let us know if you have any questions

Sincerely

Peter Tait

Secretary