newDemocracy News | February 2016
Deliberative democracy – does it really work? Public decisions that are more representative, less adversarial, based on public judgment not the loudest opinion – these are the fundamental principles espoused by the concept of deliberative democracy. Is there anything not to like about it? The newDemocracy Foundation has run over 12 juries for a range of government...Continue reading
Sydney lockout: A groundswell of opinion isn’t the considered view of the silent majority
The silent majority don’t speak unless spoken to, and when they’re “consulted” in polling or focus groups, no real opportunity is afforded for deliberation. They get asked opinions for two minutes, but rarely a considered view after learning more deeply about an issue. In December 2013, the City of Sydney and the state government decided...Continue reading
Sydney lockout: A groundswell of opinion isn’t the considered view of the silent majority
Luca Belgiorno-Nettis, Sydney Morning Herald. Comment. 17 February 2016. The silent majority don’t speak unless spoken to, and when they’re “consulted” in polling or focus groups, no real opportunity is afforded for deliberation. They get asked opinions for two minutes, but rarely a considered view after learning more deeply about an issue. In December 2013,...Continue reading
Power and gardens for the people
Athens can teach us a lot about real democracy – not the weasel democracy practised so often, British classics scholar Robin Lane Fox tells Kevin Chinnery.
Infrastructure Victoria: meeting Victoria’s infrastructure needs (2016)
As citizens and voters we all want and value infrastructure. Unfortunately, over the years this has led to the community looking at public decisions about major public investments with a weary cynicism: is this really the project we need, or is this simply a project to appeal to a marginal electorate? This perception is enough...Continue reading
What can the UK learn from Australian Democratic Innovation
As part of Policy Network’s work on democratic innovation and renewal, in partnership with the Barrow Cadbury Trust, Policy Network discusses Australian democratic innovations, and how the UK can learn from them. Panellists Luca Belgiorno-Nettis, Alison McGovern, Claudia Chwalisz, Jeremy Purvis and Shahrar Ali discussed the potential for citizens’ juries and assemblies in the UK, and...Continue reading
newDemocracy News | December 2015
Ideas, not Ideology The turmoil of the Civil War in 17th century England was the crucible for great political and philosophical upheavals. John Locke’s Enlightenment ideas of individual freedom and the importance of scientific (i.e. rational) thinking changed forever the way people looked at themselves with respect to their government. It was the Enlightenment ideals which...Continue reading
Governments have lost the art of involving the people
Premier Jay Weatherill | Democracy Renewal Forum Governments have lost the art of involving the people Democracy is not in crisis – it is just that governments have lost the art of talking to people about their concerns and involving them in the solutions. When Australians can still vote in free elections and influence government decision-making...Continue reading
What the bee can teach us about running a democracy
Luca Belgiorno-Nettis | SMH Comment Planning for human hives – our cities – could be strengthened by adopting the wise ways of bees. When honeybees move their hive, scouts “waggle dance” to persuade the swarm of the merits of the new location. “One of the popular misconceptions about honey bees is that they are ruled by...