Further to the article posted below ... Manifesto. Australia needs a political manifesto. Across all levels of government. These are some points that immediately spring to mind. Expansions are welcome. The manifesto doesnt have to be unwieldy. It simply has to lay down the ground rules for those who would be in power. 1. Deliberate lying is unacceptable. Anyone proven to have deliberately misled the electorate, as judged in a court of law, must be summarily dismissed, and any ill-gotten benefits received to be returned to the taxpayer, from whom it was stolen. Politicians making the charges are subject to the same penalties, if it can be proved that the charge was malicious. People external to the political process are subject to costs if the judgment is not upheld. The idea is to discourage frivolous charges. 2. The oath or affirmation of office must be adhered to. Why? Because it was a sworn contract with the Australian people. It is understood that situations change, and that some promises are unable to be kept. In which case the electorate is informed, and the variations debated in a joint sitting of parliament. 3. Any bill proposed to parliament should be tested for national or regional interest. Any proposal that is seen to benefit a vested interest should be voted down, and the proponent noted and registered. 4. Legislation must be enacted and enforced to ensure that all people and corporations pay the correct level of taxation. Over time, loopholes can be eliminated in the usual strengthening of such laws. Similarly, middle class and corporate welfare should be eliminated. Those with substantial or vast wealth should not be a drain on the social services required by the less well off. 5. All ministries should retain a panel of experts in the portfolio to advise the government, not yes men or apparatchiks. How can this not be appropriate? Lets hear some more.
Posted on: Thu, 27 Nov 2014 20:48:11 +0000