Focus Voting

Why

We believe that the Australian Public feel disconnected and disinterested in the decision-making process currently in place.

The BPA will make changes to the Voting System and introduce the process of "Focus Voting"

What is "Focus Voting"?

In its simplest form, "Focus Voting" identifies individual issues which are fundamental to our Cultural identity and/or Expectations as a Community. 

It deals with that issue in isolation and gives the Australian Voting Public the ability to vote and decide on this issue without the white noise of a General Election.

Focus Voting establishes a set of guidelines that enables structured, constructive, robust arguments (for and against) the Issue at “Focus” so that the Australian Public can make an informed decision.

Main Points

1. 100% Inclusive
2. 100% Consultative
3. 100% Democratic
4. Time Efficient
5. Extremely Cost Efficient

What is the Benefit of Focus Voting?

It isolates issues that face us as a Nation and allows the Australian Public to have a democratic say on that particular issue, and only that issue, giving the Australian people a real voice in determining their future.

Focus Vote Issues will be, by nature, mostly controversial as they will address fundamental changes to our society that Politicians will not.

We fully acknowledge that it will take the Australian Public time to come to terms with this style of democracy; however we believe it is democracy at its highest level.

Essentially, this process is doing nothing more than bringing back the original Intent of the Australian Constitution, but in a 21st Century package.

It will be crucial that the public understands that their decision on the Issue, through a Focus Vote, will be legally binding on the Government to bring into law.

Focus Voting Process

The Parliament of the day will determine what Issues are appropriate for a “Focus Vote" to ensure that any Focus Vote meets the criteria established so as to eliminate frivolous or inappropriate issues. 

Once an issue has been accepted as suitable for a Focus Vote then two committees will be formed and these committees will exhibit their arguments for and against the Issue to the Australian Public

The Australian Voting public will then vote and the Majority Decision will prevail.

Once voted upon the issue will be deemed to have been resolved and then quarantined.

If the Australian public vote in favour then Parliament must pass the appropriate legislation by the implementation date.

How will we vote?

The actual voting process will be based on the same principles as it currently stands. 

However, to minimise cost and increase efficiency, there will be a shift away from paper votes, postal votes and absentee votes.

Voting will be available via an application on a smart device, personal computer or via a computer in the local Library/Community Center, regardless of where you are in the world you will be able to cast your vote electronically during a given 12 hour window.

Voting will remain compulsory.

As there will be significant security protocols in place to minimise the risk of cyber-attack the results of the vote may take some hours to collate and process.

Why Change the electoral voting system?

During the election Campaign Political Parties engage in a process we refer to as Populist Politics. 

A process where you promise the most (which we all know is mainly lies) and at the same time endeavor to offend (or put off side) the least amount of voters.

Inevitably there is nothing but white noise and rhetoric that becomes meaningless to the Voters who are left with no choice other than to vote for the party or person they like the most or, in reality dis-like the least.

Changing the way we vote on important Social and Cultural issues, will isolate these issues from the Electoral Campaign “noise” so we as a Nation can fully understand the implications and importance of individual issues.

This will bring certainty and closure. Even if you, as an individual, disagree with the result it is a democratic resolution which the community as a whole have determined.

Safeguards for the Passing of Legislation in both houses of Parliament

As the process of Focus Voting invites submissions from all interested Stakeholders to express their support or concerns with regards to the particular issue, this then gives the Members of Both Houses of Parliament the ability to assess the submissions and ensure that the legislation is appropriate and reflects the wishes and concerns of the Australian Community.

Examples of Issues suitable for a “Focus Vote” (in no particular order)