Democracy and Electoral Reform

1. Principles

The Queensland Greens believe that:

1.1 Parliament is the central authority of representative and responsible government.

1.2 Citizens have the right and the responsibility to participate in the processes of government both as electors and contributors to participatory processes. The contribution of diverse groups to the political process is inherently valuable.

1.3 A democratic parliamentary system requires: a Bill or Charter of Rights, separation of powers, a system of checks and balances, genuine representation in parliament of significant shades of opinion in the community, and complete information and public debate underpinning the making of laws and policy.

1.4 Queensland's electoral system and unicameral parliament do not provide proper democratic checks and balance or a parliament that is genuinely representative of the community.

1.5 Recognition of local government in the Queensland Constitution should be maintained, but further protection of the integrity of local government is required.

1.6 Legislated authority for regional planning and regional bodies is a legitimate and necessary check in a modern democratic system faced with complex ecological sustainability problems.

1.7 Formal participative processes are a valuable and legitimate means of engaging communities and community bodies.

1.8 Community participation in decision making should be not be arbitrary, but should involve whole communities or duly constituted community groups. Processes should be transparent, stable and authoritative.

1.9 Marginalised groups should participate in policy debates.

1.10 Community groups and individuals must be provided with sufficient information to enable meaningful participation.

1.11 Involvement in community participation should be recognised as work.

2. Goals

The Queensland Greens want:

2.1 Electoral and constitutional reform so that Queensland has a truly democratic system of government.

2.2 Proportional representation in State and local elections.

2.3 A Bill or Charter of Rights and Responsibilities.

2.4 Fixed four year terms of Parliament with fixed election dates.

2.5 The elimination of "Big Money" election campaigns to reduce the risk and appearance of influence peddling.

2.6 To ensure that community organisations and individuals, including public servants, are able to participate in public debate without fear of retribution.

2.7 Support and resources for representatives of marginalised groups to participate in consultation processes.

2.8 To ensure that government agencies take account of the time and money spent by community groups in participation processes.

2.9 To ensure that governments provide free and timely information to citizens.

2.10 To ensure that the Public Service provides independent advice free from political influence.

3. Measures

The Queensland Greens will:

3.1 Propose a public enquiry on appropriate proportional representation for Queensland.

3.2 Introduce a Bill or Charter of Rights and Responsibilities for Queensland.

3.3 Introduce four year fixed terms of Parliament.

3.4 Strengthen the Whistleblowers Protection Act so that it actually protects whistleblowers.

3.5 Ensure that How-to-vote information will be displayed securely in standard design and format in each polling booth.

3.6 Provide facilities for representatives to enable them to communicate effectively with their constituents, with special provision for large remote electorates.

3.7 Fund educational and support programmes to assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to take their place as parliamentary representatives, including local government.

3.8 Review the Parliamentary committee system to determine ways to make it more effective and accountable to parliament.

3.9 Provide non-government members of parliament with adequate resources to effectively carry out their responsibilities.

3.10 Restore Queensland's Freedom of Information (FOI) legislation as originally enacted.

3.11 Appoint an Information Commissioner who will have powers of investigation (akin to that of an ombudsman) to examine if government denials and appeals against FOI exposure conform to the spirit and the law of the Act.

3.12 Extend FOI to cover all government entities, including Government owned coprporations

3.13 Review FOI photocopy fees so that FOI remains affordable.

3.14 Reform the system of public funding of election campaigns so that it promotes a level playing field for candidates.