FEDERALISING STATUES

The Australian Constitution was drafted to ensure that no one State dominated the legislature process thus ensuring that the States with the highest population density didn't monopolise Federal policy decisions.

This has worked well (some will dispute this) by providing a stable Political and Economic environment.

However times have changed.

We live in a Country (and World) where distance has become a non issue. The internet has made us instantly accessible regardless of where we live.

We have separation of responsibilities embedded in our Constitution that clearly defines the responsibilities of the States and Federal Government.

This often causes conflict as the people expect their government to provide certain services as and when needed, but too often we get the blame game.

Should we start the process of Federalising Statutes so all Australians are working and living under the same laws regardless of where they live. Are local environmental circumstances so great that it cannot be provided for in new Federal legislation?

Is it necessary to have 9 different Statutes covering the same issue? Should we Federalise Licences so anyone can work, live and play anywhere in the country without having to apply for state licences?

These are all questions that we, as a nation, need to decide upon if we as a community want a society where we are one country with one law.

This is a question for you and the other 16 million voters to decide. 

When our Constitution was drafted in the 1890's  it was a very different world.

Communication was slow, Travel was slow, Commerce was slow (by today's standards)

The system of legislation process was, at that time, created to ensure that the wishes of the Electorate was reflected through local representatives that would in turn reflect these wishes at the Local, State and Federal levels.

Although far from perfect it has indeed served us well in the whole.

This system is expensive, and by  design inefficient.

Up until recent times there has been no viable alternative, however we now find ourselves able to access any information instantly. This also applies to Government agencies.

We live in a rapidly changing world that will require our ability to make more rapid decisions in order to remain relevant.

Do we still need three levels of Government or would we be better served by having two levels of Government? Is this a more efficient model? Would the money spent administering three levels be better spent in other areas if we reduced Government to two levels?

This is a Question for you and the other 16 million voters to decide.

This is such a emotive issue!

Whenever it comes up in discussion the response is instantly either in favour or against, usually without hesitation.

Could corporal punishment serve as a useful deterrent, especially for the young? Do we need to be tougher on criminals? Is this the way to go about it? Is corporal punishment simply medieval in concept and an indictment on society?

Whatever you think, this should be a topic for discussion and resolution, lets not be afraid of having the tough conversations in a constructive, structured manner that ensures that all Australians can have their say.

It is up to you and the 16 million other voters of Australia.

In 1985 the Hawke Government banned the tax deductible lunches citing it as a fringe benefit and therefore should be subject to tax.

Many critics forecast the end of the industry which of course did not happen, but of course 1985 was a very different economic time than it is today.

We have recently had a string of high profile restaurateurs going broke or being caught out underpaying their staff, is this a time to reconsider the issue of the tax deductible lunch in order to boost employment, restaurant profitability and the proper payment of the staff working in this sector?

With modern technology it is relatively easy to impose thresholds and limits to avoid businesses rorting the system and claiming fraudulent or excessive deductions.

Would this encourage employment, prosperity and the ability for our young to get employment at a time where traditional blue collar jobs are diminishing?

This is a decision for you and the other 16 million Australian Voters