Episode 27: The People's Constitution by Bronwyn Kelly (Chapter 7 - Part 3)

In Episode 27 Bronwyn Kelly reads Chapter 7 Part 3 of her book, The People's Constitution: the path to empowerment of Australians in a 21st century democracy. In this section she explains that a single open space on the internet must be established to enable Australians to develop their national voice. This space must be an inclusive, well organised one where Australians are supported with information and data necessary to help them build and monitor their own integrated plan for their preferred future.Bronwyn explains that an inclusive model for efficient operation of such a space already exists in state legislation that has been in place and working well in local government areas for more than a decade. This legislation for Integrated Planning and Reporting has enabled communities to form the terms of a social contract with their elected local councils and it has provided them with a means of holding councils accountable. It has also enabled communities to collaborate with councils on the best way to fund their plans at the lowest long run cost.The evidence-based plans and reports that have arisen from this process have positioned Australians to do something with their democracy that has hitherto proved impossible – creating a full scale democracy that need no longer exclude the voices of its electors. It has enabled them to create terms of trust with the governments they elect.Bronwyn finalises the section by showing that this system has been adapted by Australian Community Futures Planning for use at the national level and is now being pilot tested by ACFP. 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