Episode 11: The People's Constitution by Bronwyn Kelly (Chapter 5 - Part 2)

In Episode 11 Bronwyn Kelly reads Chapter 5 Part 2 of her book, The People's Constitution: the path to empowerment of Australians in a 21st century democracy. She lays out the history of attempts to define and shape Australian values since 2000. The results paint a picture of Australians as compassionate, fair, socially oriented (as opposed to individually self-centred) and concerned for the welfare of all. In particular, they show we value peace in the world. For Australians, it seems that harmonious relationships (in the family, nationally and internationally), and the personal safety such relationships make possible, matter more than straight down the line individualism, sectarianism, isolationism, and assertion of nationalist virtue or supremacy. Despite this, governments have attempted to shape Australian values so that Australians will be more inclined to support entry into wars. But research shows that Australians feel negative about this. They are unified in having “a new hope for a more compassionate, sustainable and tolerant future with a fair go at its heart.”Bronwyn concludes with evidence that Australians value an inclusive democracy but to secure this we will need to insert a Statement of Australian Values into the Constitution. Otherwise laws cannot be rightly made in accordance with those values. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bronwynkelly.substack.com