Vision
Our vision for “Doing Democracy Differently” includes:
- Getting the influence of big money out of Australian politics, particularly if the source of the 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 interests and gives paid lobbyists for vested interest better access to Ministers and party deal-makers than “back benchers”, 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; and
- Having an elected local, state or federal representative who has the ability and the integrity to properly examine and evaluate evidence and them make decisions/vote in accordance with their declared values.
The values to which we wish our representatives to adhere are located here.
What is 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 or 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.