Episode 12: The People's Constitution by Bronwyn Kelly (Chapter 5 - Part 3)

In Episode 12 Bronwyn Kelly reads Chapter 5 Part 3 of her book, The People's Constitution: the path to empowerment of Australians in a 21st century democracy.She begins by asking that if we are to build a new preamble to Australia’s Constitution containing a Statement of Australian Values, what values might be selected that will actually reflect those of a 21st century Australian society? In answer, she suggests that if we attend to the wishes of Australians as they have been expressed in responses to surveys and community engagement, then we will be unlikely to confine ourselves to the values espoused on our behalf by the government’s Department of Home Affairs. Instead we will be likely to build a Statement of Australian Values that displays a much wider character for the nation - one in which peace, honesty, safety, stability, good health, equal opportunity, fairness, benevolence, compassion, inclusion, egalitarianism, social justice, appreciation of diversity, freedom and environmental protection feature prominently.Bronwyn then suggests that because Australians have been so forthcoming about their preferred values we can now assemble a draft list for their consideration. She then outlines a list of 29 values as a starting point for a national conversation. 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