In Episode 34 Bronwyn Kelly reads Chapter 9 Parts 1, 2, 3 and 4 of her book, The People's Constitution: the path to empowerment of Australians in a 21st century democracy. She discusses the democratic processes by which Australians might alter their Constitution and examines potential obstructions to those processes. Bronwyn then suggests options for overcoming these obstructions. She also highlights the fact that time is running out for Australians to secure their rights and freedoms and to secure their future safety in the face of climate change and global conflict.
Relevance to the referendum on the Indigenous Voice
For those who are still considering whether they should vote Yes or No in the referendum on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament, this chapter of The People’s Constitution may provide some insight into why inclusive types of constitutional reform like the Indigenous Voice are so important for Australia’s ability to transition to an enabling form of democracy where everyone has political equality and a greater share of influence over the decisions that affect them. A Yes vote for a constitutionally enshrined Indigenous Voice is essential to a democracy of political equals. This will pertain regardless of whether the referendum passes next week.
This Chapter 9 shows why an enabling form of democracy is a must-have for all Australians, not just Indigenes. It also shows how we can make that necessary transition by establishing an orderly, nation-wide collaborative process for development of a people’s constitution.
A Yes vote next week will make the transition to an enabling form of democracy for all easier and quicker. A No vote will slow it down but it will not remove the need for the transition. The good news is that regardless of the result at the referendum, Australians can still rescue their democracy if they collaborate to build a people’s constitution.
Want to keep reading?
If you wish to keep reading, the full book has already been published and is available in paperback here and on Kindle here. Or click on the picture below. Or visit the Australian Community Futures Planning website to purchase The People’s Constitution at https://www.austcfp.com.au/publications
Stay tuned for the next episode
Next Episode: Chapter 10 - The possibilities of a new democracy under a people's constitution
Chapter headings of The People’s Constitution
Chapter 1: The limits of Australia’s representative democracy
Chapter 2: Setting a path to power for the people
Chapter 3: Finding a place to start
Chapter 4: Essentials for a new start as a nation
Chapter 5: Essential No. 1 – Building a statement of Australian national values
Chapter 6: Essential No. 2 – Enshrinement of human rights and obligations in an Australian people’s constitution
Chapter 7: Essential No. 3 – A process for expression on the Australian people’s national voice
Chapter 8: Essential No. 4 – Priority constitutional amendments for an inclusive democracy
You are here in Chapter 9: Processes for engagement on and adoption of The Australian People’s Constitution
Chapter 10: The possibilities of a new democracy under a people’s constitution
Episode 34: The People's Constitution by Bronwyn Kelly (Chapter 9 - Parts 1 to 4)