Jolt of people power

want. They are given relevant information by experts and others with interest in the issue being considered: the kind of people who would make make submissions to a government inquiry. They are then tasked with coming to a consensus and making recommendations. They then step down and have no further role. Elected government then has to make the final decision but has been given a clear direction. It is easy for government to ignore submissions made by interested parties but it would be brave to reject outright the recommendations of the citizens’ jury without being able to provide good reason.

The New Democracy Foundation here in Australia has been promoting this form of decision making for some time. They have conducted a considerable amount of research in this area and convened citizens’ juries to consider a number of issues.

Here in Tasmania current issues such as the State Government takeover of Taswater or reform to the Local Government Act would be a good candidates for deliberation by citizens’ juries.

Rather than having the matter decided by a government minister, who may have political or other motivations, a citizens’ jury could be convened and make relevant recommendations.

Winston Churchill is credited with saying that “democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others”.

If we value democracy — and we should — we must recognise that times are changing and democracy must change with them if it is to retain our trust and so remain effective. Pat Synge is public officer for Funding & Disclosure (Inc).