As traditional global politics and social structures are put to the sword, Australians need to identify what is required from our elected representatives as the Australian two-party system becomes fractured and will eventually collapse.
1. Strong Social Safety Net
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Universal healthcare: Expand Medicare to include dental, mental health, and aged care.
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Free or subsidised education: Including tertiary education, with strong support for vocational training.
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Universal Basic Services (UBS): Free public transport, internet access, and legal aid.
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Job guarantees or a universal basic income (UBI) to ensure no one falls below the poverty line.
2. Market Economy with Social Goals
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Private enterprise thrives, but with guardrails. Businesses operate freely but must adhere to:
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Ethical labour practices
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Environmental sustainability
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Fair taxation
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Cooperative ownership models encouraged, like worker co-ops and community-owned enterprises.
3. High but Smart Taxation
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Progressive taxation with higher marginal tax rates for the ultra-wealthy and corporations.
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Heavy investment of tax revenue into social programs, green infrastructure, and innovation.
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Wealth taxes and inheritance taxes to promote equity over generations.
4. Democratic Economic Planning
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Economic planning is guided by long-term social goals, such as reducing carbon emissions, increasing public housing, and expanding education.
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Local communities are given a say in economic planning through participatory budgeting and citizen assemblies.
5. Labour Rights and Empowerment
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Strong union protections.
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Four-day workweek pilot programs.
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Mandatory worker representation on corporate boards (like in Germany).
6. Sovereign Wealth and Public Assets
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Strategic industries (e.g., energy, transport, water) are publicly owned or managed.
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Profits reinvested into society through a sovereign wealth fund, similar to Norway’s model.
7. Indigenous Sovereignty and Inclusion
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Treaty and voice to parliament embedded within the constitutional framework.
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Support for First Nations-led economic development, land rights, and cultural preservation.
8. Environmental Stewardship
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Shift towards a green economy, investing in renewable energy, conservation, and sustainable agriculture.
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Carbon pricing or dividends returned to citizens.
What Makes This Uniquely Australian?
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Localized decision-making through strong states and territories.
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Emphasis on multiculturalism, inclusion, and reconciliation.
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Leveraging Australia’s abundant natural resources for public good rather than private profit.
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A culture that prizes “a fair go” aligns well with the values of economic democracy and equality.
