Kevin Rudd's plan to present the states with a health system proposal - and then take it to the people by way of a referendum if they reject it would seem to be the ultimate lesson in democracy.
The people get to decide - but unfortunately history tells another story.
Referendums have never been won where there is conflict between the Federal government and the states.
Our national health system is a shambles and maybe this would be a good time to take the ultimate plunge and ask the people what sort of system they want as this country heads into the future.
Do we need the states ? Is the cost of nine individual governments to rule a small population of twenty-two million people justified ? Can we devise a better plan ?
Many will opt for a Republican system - but what sort of Republican form of government ?
At the last referendum we voted on a Republican system that still embraced the old Westminster model. It was restrictive because the Prime Minister held more power than the President - and the ministries were restricted to those who held a seat in the parliament. We sometimes elect representatives that we would be reluctant to let run a hot dog stand commercially - and from these our ministers are chosen.
Eventually there will have to be a choice between the present parliamentary model and some form of progressive system - and when that choice comes it will inevitably be a fight between the government in power on one side - and the states and the main opposition on the other.
This world recession scare should be a wake up call. The media would be doing a public service if they got a healthy discussion going on the alternatives available - and got a public debate going to allow public opinion to form.
It is a question we will have to face - whether the timing is now - or at some time in the future !
No comments:
Post a Comment