About NCV

Doing Democracy Differently

Northside Community Voices is tired of the harm being done to Australian democracy by the failure of the two-party-preferred political system — manipulated by powerful industry lobby groups and hidden vested interests acting against the best interests of ordinary Australians.

Our vision

Our vision for “Doing Democracy Differently” includes:

Getting the influence of big money out of Australian politics, particularly where the source of funding is disguised or hidden

Moving away from the corrosive influence of party discipline that stifles debate and the ability of members to stand up for local priorities — and gives paid lobbyists for vested interests better access to Ministers and party deal-makers than backbenchers, community groups or Indigenous organisations

Stopping local members prioritising loyalty to party factions or their own career aspirations over their obligations to place the best interests of the voters of their electorate first

Having elected representatives with the ability and integrity to properly examine and evaluate evidence, then make decisions and vote in accordance with their declared values

The values we wish our representatives to adhere to are outlined in Our Values.

What's wrong with democracy now?

Northside Community Voices is tired of the harm being done to Australian democracy by the failure of the two-party-preferred political system that is being manipulated by powerful industry lobby groups and hidden vested interests acting against the best interests of ordinary Australians.

We want democracy to work better for all Australians

We believe ordinary people should be more involved in how we choose our political representatives, and they should be more accountable to their voters in how they behave, make decisions and vote on issues. With party politics, the allegiances of representatives lie mainly in maintaining the electability of their party, rather than acting in the best interests and aligning with the values and priorities of their electorate.