Australians are looking beyond elections for meaningful and impactful ways to affect change throughout the political cycle, write Emma Fletcher and Emily Jenke.
For anyone who values democracy, it’s sobering to consider that voter turnout for elections in the UK and US hovers just above 60 per cent.
That’s thankfully not a familiar story in Australia, where compulsory voting is an essential tenant of our democracy. It’s helped build a more equitable society and alleviates the impact of extreme political polarisation upending democracies around the world.
Recent YouGov research for DemocracyCo found support for compulsory voting is widespread in Australia, with more than 80 per cent of Australians saying that they would still vote if it wasn’t compulsory. It appears voting, as a mechanism for shaping the Australia we want, has been ingrained in our psyche.
However, despite our commitment to voting (and, of course, our democracy sausages!), we feel increasingly pessimistic about our ability to influence politics.
PEW research in 2022 found that just 28 per cent of Australians feel like they can influence change. This affects how Australians view politicians, with only 30 per cent believing people in government can be trusted (AES, 2022) and 16 per cent viewing ministers as trustworthy (Ipsos, 2022). It’s no surprise that people are turning to local community-based independents at the ballot box – who many feel more directly represent their voice.
DemocracyCo’s research also suggests that Australians are looking beyond elections for meaningful and impactful ways to affect change throughout the political cycle. Almost two-thirds (64 per cent) view referenda or plebiscites as important ways of ensuring their voices are heard, and 35 per cent view petitions as an important mechanism. This isn’t surprising given the impact of the recent Voice referenda.
But a groundbreaking new approach is also making a big impact. Almost a third of Australians identify providing advice to their members of parliament via community forums – as a desirable way to have their voices heard.
By comparison, very few Australians feel the models MPs typically use to amplify community voices are effective. Just 17 per cent say ‘street corner’ meetings are an ideal democratic approach, and even fewer (14 per cent) say calling their MPs is an effective way to be heard.
Turning voices into democratic action
Australians want more from their elected representatives and members of parliament across political divides are responding by trialling electorate-based advisory forums.
Liberal member for Menzies, Keith Wolahan, and Labor member for Bennelong, Jerome Laxale are both currently working with diverse groups within their communities to explore solutions for addressing energy costs.
These ‘People’s House Forums’ involve 50 community members, selected by democratic lottery, who advise their MPs on cost-effective energy initiatives. Participants hear from some of Australia’s top experts on energy efficiency, design, and renewable and nuclear power, as well as representatives of organisations already implementing cost-saving energy initiatives nationwide. These forums are also accessible online, allowing all constituents to contribute ideas and attend expert-led information sessions.
Both the members of parliament involved have publicly committed to listening, responding and advocating on behalf of what their community wants.
These initiatives follow earlier People’s House trials led by Labor MP Alicia Payne (Canberra), Liberal MP Aaron Violi (Casey), and other forums initiated by independents including Kate Chaney (WA) and Kylea Tink (NSW), which all received glowing feedback from their respective communities.
Strengthening mutual understanding
People’s House Forums aren’t just about giving communities a voice; they also help the public better understand the role of their MP and civil servants. Forums held to date have significantly increased community trust in their representatives and improved social cohesion.
Amid historically high levels of polarisation, distrust and even social and political violence – both towards politicians and members of the public – there is an urgent need to take the temperature down and constructively bring communities together.
MPs, as elected officials in respected positions of power, are uniquely placed to act as ‘conveners’ who unite disparate groups of people for their community’s collective wellbeing.
Elections are just one aspect of a democracy; continuous citizen participation in important conversations is crucial for true representation. Now, more than ever, we need leaders who create opportunities for people to participate beyond election cycles. That’s the key to rebuilding trust and bridging divides within our democratic system.
Emma Fletcher and Emily Jenke are co-founders of DemocracyCo
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