Defending the functioning of democracy in Australia

After watching this video on the latest charges against despot djt in the USA, I was actually somewhat impressed by the laws that nation has to protect the functioning of its democracy - there’s still room for improvement, of course, but I think they’re better set up for that than we are here in Australia. 

We have laws against interference in elections (e.g., § 301 in my home states Local Government Act), some information about freedom of expression (see here, for instance) & countering foreign interference (see here as an example) & fake news at a national level, and a fair bit about advertising signs etc at state & national elections (which, in my opinion, is poorly enforced). 

Unfortunately, the at times violent transphobia and homophobia at some recent elections emphasises the shortcomings in our systems - again, in my opinion. 

That hate and aggression has also forced some local Councils in my home state to revert to online access to meetings “to maintain orderly proceedings” - which is allowed under the Local Government Act, but the bigotry of those contemptible acts of hate is a block to women and minorities being able to participate in governance ... which, IMO, is probably what the bigots (including some with internalised phobias) want. (I did read an article on this recently, but haven’t been able to find it from a brief search.)

Our political focus with regard to participation, freedom and fairness in political process seems to focus almost exclusively on money and elections, with a toxic masculinity approach to determining what constitutes intimidation or pressure. 

All of that has to change. 

Getting rid of bigotry - especially unconscious bias - is more important than compliance with the rich and elites notions of financial purity. 

The functioning of democracy in-between elections must be fair - which does NOT mean allowing untrammelled expression (or any, actually) to hate speech and conspiracy fantasies (the link given above applies). 

And the heads and hearts of all our representatives and agents in all governance organs (including courts and police) needs to be free of the limitations of bias, whether conscious or unconscious. 

There’s a lot to be done on that ... I suggest starting a letter or email or call to, or meeting with, your elected representatives. Just be sure to research these aspects for your state first. 

Some of the links in my post here may aid with your thinking, preparation and research.

 

If they are of any use of interest, the activism information links from my former news posts are available in this post. 

 

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Vote Yes for the Voice in Australia.  

Finally, remember: we need to be more human being rather than human doing.