Direct Democracy on the map in Australia, says Direct Democracy New Zealand.

“The introduction of the Commonwealth Electoral Amendment (Democratic Plebiscites) Bill 2007 in Australia will see an Australian Federal Government supporting Direct Democracy for the first time in its 106 year history” says Deputy Leader of the Direct Democracy Party, Steve Taylor.

“The reason Direct Democracy is now on the political map in Australia is as a result of an astounding decision by Queensland Premier Peter Beattie to first arbitrarily amalgamate all Queensland councils from 156 to 72, and then threaten with dismissal and fines any Queensland Councils who allowed their electorate to vote in a plebiscite (referendum) on the Council amalgamation issue”.

“The Federal Government has responded to this gross abuse of power by Mr Beattie; Federal Government have offered fully funded plebiscites (referendums) run by the Australian Electoral Commission, and paid for by Federal Government – and to top it off, both the Prime Minister John Howard, and Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd have backed the proposal, giving the implementation of Direct Democracy into Australia a guaranteed majority” says Mr Taylor.

“Subject to the passing of what will be a milestone in Australian politics, the plebiscites (referendums) may be held on polling days”.

“While it is unfortunate that plebiscites are non-binding in Australia, this is not the same for matters of Constitutional significance in Australia, whereby the will of the people is binding upon the Government of the day”

“New Zealand citizens would do well to look at what the enormously positive benefits are of Direct Democracy, and apply those benefits to New Zealand, including the opportunity to bring a wayward Government to heel” says Mr Taylor.

For more information on Direct Democracy, go to www.ddp.co.nz

ENDS

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