to GrahamY
Do you think that Mary Walsh's opinion under the heading World Federation Manifesto is getting close to the mark, under which we could start a petition? Also, to Mary, thank you for your suggestion it
looks terrific. I am not a solicitor, nor do I have the skills to
fine tune Mary's Post. This is turning into a Petition and not
a CIR, but that doesn't matter. We have to get something out there
which has some Punch! I still think that this Election Year is the
time to do it.
Lesley

Good idea, Lesley and also GY thanks for your wonderful suggestion.

There have been a few discussions on euthanasia I've taken part in, and it would be great if this discussion would result in a petition.

With Christopher Pyne as our minister for the aged, who is in favour of forcing elderly people to suffer a long and painful death, it can be a very long and painful journey. Starting by taking small steps such as a petition is a good plan.

You have my support.

i was breathless with anticipation when i saw "cir", at last ozzies are waking up thinks i!

no, it was about euthanasia. what a let down.

people, cir is the foundation of democracy, not a pill for weary oldies. still, quite right- if we had cir, we could have euthanasia whether pollies liked it or not. also, fair taxation, sustainable economy, peace, good schools, good hospitals, maybe even enough cbd parking.

would be a vast joke on the pollies tho', if this change to democracy was propelled by the most conservative cohort of the electorate.

Demos, Hope you have recovered your respiratory function!! Whilst I noted some small interest in our efforts, let me tell you Demos, that
'weary oldies', conservative though our parents may have been in the past, The Times are a'changin'. We marched in the 60's and 70's, you probably weren't born then. Remember Vietnam? Remember anti-nukes?
If Citizen Initiated Referenda is your Thing,(even though you sound academic about the whole proposal), Lend Us a Hand!! You might yet get your free parking? in the CBD!

Lesley

Also Celivia, thank you for your reasoned comment, and we look forward to your support.

Lesley

Perhaps we could add a CIR on the right not to be compelled to attend a polling booth.
Now, don't get me wrong folks. I believe in the right to vote and would actively encourage everyone to take part in the democratic process but there is something very, very wrong with a "democracy" which compels people to attend the ballot box - especially when the majority believe it also means they must actually vote. It's a system that makes for lazy, cynical politicians - esp in the major parties.
There would be no such thing as a "safe seat" any more!

lesley,
I am no expert on Citizen Innitiated Referenda, and I don't even know which countries have it, but basicly how it works is this.

If X number of people pettition the Government about a specific issue then the Government MUST hold a referendum at the next election in regards to the issue. Obviously the number must be reasonably high so as to prevent frivilous issues being brought forward. As Governments do not like to be shown up by referenda, it has the effect of Governments being more consious of the wants and needs of the electors, when passing legislation.

I would be pleased if someone can give info on what countries have CIR and how it works.

Me thinks it may be too democratic for our polititions to consider it, as they like their power.