Episode 9: The People's Constitution by Bronwyn Kelly (Chapter 3)

In Episode 9 Bronwyn Kelly reads Chapter 3 of her book, The People's Constitution: the path to empowerment of Australians in a 21st century democracy. She begins by examining where best to start if we are to create an inclusive democracy – one in which diverse people and cultures can efficiently and meaningfully participate and hold those they elect to account. The discussion suggests that because so much has changed in our nation’s attitudes and circumstances since the Constitution was framed in 1901, that document is now largely discordant with the values that might be expected in a multicultural, gender equal, universally enfranchised, class conscious but relatively wealthy society.Chapter 3 also sets out how the current Australian Constitution is geared to override the people’s will. It concludes by suggesting that if Australia is to escape its ineffective power system and start again as a strong nation ready for 21st century challenges, it will need to do more than apply piecemeal amendments to the Constitution. 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