[LINK] Turnbull's true colours

[Stephen Loosley]

Howard wrote:

> Richard wrote:
> 
>>> this could theoretically enable more participatory democracy because
>>> it would significantly reduce the cost and hassle of voting to the point
>>> where referenda could be commonplace.
>>
>> I don't know that we *could* build a reliable, trustworthy, and heavy-
>> grunt e-voting system for a similar price.
> 
> Yes, agreed, but it is not an every time cost.

A dedicated terminal in schools, post offices and libraries would allow
for a multiplicity of uses .. and/or .. one bank here in Vic offers a USB
biometric (finger-print) device for Internet customers .. right now we
require more ID to borrow a public-library book than we do to vote in
any Aussie election or referendum .. better, and for sure, more secure.

The Sunday Sun Herald reports (p24) there's a, 'push to give petitions
greater status and respect .. more than five million people have signed
parliamentary petitions since 1996 .. but, relevant ministers responded
to seven (of 3300) petitions.. Labour wants more a responsive system
including a committee that would consider each petition .. Chief Whip
Roger Price says "It's just insulting. Petitions are supposed to connect
people to parliament. And we just treat them with disdain .."

Thus e-petitions via a government sponsored website would be a start.

It may appear we of the au Internet community do have a democratic
duty to advise and assist with e-democracy in our democratic process.

Cheers all ..
Stephen Loosley
Melbourne, Australia