Better Democracy NZ

New Better Democracy New Zealand website & democratic tools

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Baron) — Thu, 28 Aug 2014 06:20:00 +0000

Have you been to our new updated website www.betterdemocracy.co.nz and our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/betterdemocracynz

Many new and exciting features not to be missed.

Steve

P.S. Our old blog will no longer be used and you will no longer receive notifications like this one unless you friend us on Facebook.

BLOG DISCONTINUED

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Baron) — Sun, 06 Jul 2014 02:59:00 +0000

The Better Democracy New Zealand blog has now been discontinued.

Please visit www.betterdemocracy.co.nz

or

visit our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/betterdemocracynz

Is a paradigm shift happening in the democratic world?

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Baron) — Tue, 24 Jun 2014 01:30:00 +0000

Politics must be changing when British politicians talk direct democracy! Nigel Farage has said UKIP wants to give people direct democracy - with referendums to decide some policy.

Click here to watch the video

Gregory Ferenstein: What Happens When Silicon Valley Experiments With Direct Democracy

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Baron) — Sat, 14 Jun 2014 00:57:00 +0000

http://www.fastcoexist.com/3031800/what-happens-when-silicon-valley-experiments-with-direct-democracy

Like a few other cities, the city is letting some citizens vote directly on how the city spends its money. But, of course, it's adding an online twist.

Press release:

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Baron) — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 04:41:00 +0000

2^nd June, 2014

For immediate release:

New Zealand suffering from democratic deficit says lobby group:

Fast-tracking the introduction of Internet voting and ensuring that governments implement the outcomes of Citizen’s Initiated referenda are two ways to address New Zealand’s democratic deficit, according to a newly released documentary this week.

While most New Zealanders probably believe they live in a democratic society, Better Democracy New Zealand and its Founder, Steve Baron, suggest otherwise and have produced a documentary to substantiate their argument.

In the You Tube documentary, which is already attracting a large number of viewers and positive reaction, Better Democracy New Zealand suggests a number of significant changes to New Zealand’s democratic system. These include using the rollout of Ultra-fast broadband to address inadequacies in the voting system by enabling online voting, scrutinising legislation coming from the House of Representatives and introducing a direct democracy system that is enjoyed by more than 70% of Americans and all Swiss citizens.

The documentary titled, New Zealand’s Democratic Deficit, raises issues about many other aspects of the New Zealand political system; the façade hiding what actually happens in Parliament, the quality of political leadership and their disregard for political processes, the lack of a codified Constitution, the fallacy of entrenched laws, the dilemma of ‘conscience votes’ in Parliament, the abuse of the ‘urgency’ process, along with what the documentary is calling New Zealand’s “Hall of Shame” which highlights the dark side of numerous past and present Members of Parliament.

Steve Baron says, “The feedback from people viewing the documentary has been very encouraging and the content has struck a chord with New Zealanders right across the political spectrum because they know there’s a problem with their political system but they just haven’t been aware of what the solution is, until now. It’s time we took a deep and thoughtful look at our very weak political system and made much needed changes”.

“It’s ironic that the Internet Party, which announced Laila Harre as its new leader this week, doesn’t even advocate for the use of the internet to improve our electoral system, says Mr Baron.

This documentary leads the viewer to consider what it suggests are powerful tools New Zealanders can use to resolve this democratic deficit—direct democracy, the Swiss based system of binding Citizens’ Initiated referendums, Veto referendums and Recall referendums which have held the Swiss political system in high regard by many political scientists around the world for over 140 years.

Mr Baron says, “We give our politicians too much power with the only check and balance being an election every few years which simply isn’t satisfactory in a modern, well educated, well informed society which now demands more say over issues that directly affect their lives”.

END

This documentary may be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-sH4vM6CD8

For more information please contact:

Steve Baron

Email: steve@betterdemocracy.co.nz

Ph: +61457032081

Swiss Minaret ban three years on

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Baron) — Thu, 29 May 2014 02:14:00 +0000

New Zealand's Democratic Deficit video

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Baron) — Wed, 28 May 2014 23:48:00 +0000

Check out our latest video production which is an insight into the problems facing New Zealand's democracy.

Dominic Baron: Our Constitutional Spokesperson

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Baron) — Sat, 29 Mar 2014 03:03:00 +0000

Better Democracy New Zealand is also pleased to announce that Dominic Baron is our Constitutional Spokesperson. Dominic was born in Buenos Aires in 1943 and educated in Argentina, Switzerland, England, and Spain. He is tri-lingual, speaking English, French, and Spanish and is an information technology specialist having worked in IT for over 40 years for companies in England, USSR, Switzerland, Spain, Australia, and New Zealand. Dominic has long held a special interest in Constitutional issues and recently put in a huge amount of work to produce our recent submission to the Constitutional Review Committee.

Gary Holmes: Our new Local Body Spokesperson

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Baron) — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 01:39:00 +0000

Better Democracy New Zealand is pleased to announce that Gary Holmes is the latest addition to our team as our Local Body Spokesperson.

Gary Holmes has been involved in local body politics for the past 18 years and served three terms as a North Shore City Councillor from 1998 – 2007 and is currently in his second term as a member of the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board in the Auckland Council.

Gary has always been a strong advocate for participatory democracy and while a city councillor attempted to introduce binding citizens initiated referendums at North Shore and argued strongly that major decisions such as the sale of airport shares should be determined by referenda. He is also a strong supporter for constitutional reform.

Gary has a background in public relations and, outside of his political role, manages the operations and activities of three Auckland business associations.

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Baron) — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 21:51:00 +0000

An interesting article by Professor Martin Devlin taking Sir Geoffrey Palmer's swipe at direct democracy prior to Christmas, to task.
http://www.nzcpr.com/an-arrogant-affront-to-democracy-in-new-zealand/

Winston Peters on Direct Democracy

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Baron) — Thu, 02 Jan 2014 00:03:00 +0000

Steve Baron interviews Winston Peters from the New Zealand First Party about direct democracy.

Colin Craig on Direct Democracy

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Baron) — Thu, 02 Jan 2014 00:01:00 +0000

Steve Baron interviews Colin Craig from the Conservative Party about direct democracy.

Swiss Voters Use BCIR for Basic Income Poll

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 18 Nov 2013 00:36:00 +0000

100,000 Swiss voters recently used their voting power to petition a referendum on a guaranteed Basic Income . Please note BCIR New Zealand has no policy on the Basic Income .

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GK4mjfpk58

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYAuAVVdEOE

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Baron) — Wed, 06 Nov 2013 06:18:00 +0000

Please donate and help us spread the word about this new fundraising initiative to raise funds to create a new video about the lack of real democracy in New Zealand. Thank you in advance.

https://www.pledgeme.co.nz/1571

BCIR's Steve Baron on the Voting System

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 17 Oct 2013 09:34:00 +0000

Citizens' direct democracy, new system

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 29 Jul 2013 07:27:00 +0000

An example of improvements towards more direct democracy, assisted by internet and mobile phones.

We should introduce this and better systems in UK and our countries and cities.

In early 2012 the Finnish parliament made law which enables a large number of citizens to put forward a law proposal. The proposers have six months to collect 50 thousand endorsements which is about 1.2 percent of eligible voters.

The proposal can be in the form of a drafted law and assuming that certain standards have been met the parliament is obliged to treat the proposal like a parliamentary "bill".

This is not full "citizen-led" (direct) democracy because, even if parliament rejects the proposal and refuses to put it into law, no referendum or plebiscite of the electorate must follow.

So, the Finnish citizens' initiative might be termed an agenda-setting tool, with small teeth (e.g. parliament must process and debate or consider the proposal and may NOT simply ignore it).

This innovation in governance shows some features of "electronic democracy" (e-democracy). Statements of support from signatories may be collected electronically or in paper form. The government has set up an online system to collect statements of support. A self-management system may also be used subject to certification by the Communications Regulatory Authority. An NGO named Open Ministry has assisted people and groups wishing to make a law-proposal. Open ministry states that in one case "the threshold of 50 000 supporters needed to pass the initiative to Parliament was met within 9 hours of launching the campaign and by midnight some 120 000 people had signed the initiative with their online bank codes or mobile phone."

A recent successful campaign has produced a law proposal which aims to reduce penalties on small-scale private downloading from peer-to-peer networks. In Finland as elsewhere, strong public opposition has grown against draconian penalties imposed for apparently trivial on-line offences involving "downloads".
----------------------------------------------------------------
report by

Campaign for direct democracy in Britain
Citizens' Initiative and Referendum I&R ~ GB
http://www.iniref.org/ Link to site index
http://www.iniref.org/carta.htm Election campaign call

Trust in the collective wisdom of citizens - the Greek experience

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 22 Jun 2013 00:45:00 +0000

Greece has been the poster child for European economic crisis, but former Prime Minister George Papandreou wonders if it's just a preview of what's to come. “Our democracies," he says, "are trapped by systems that are too big to fail, or more accurately, too big to control” -- while "politicians like me have lost the trust of their peoples." How to solve it? Have citizens re-engage more directly in a new democratic bargain.

George Papandreou draws on lessons learned from the Greek debt crisis as he helps guide the EU through difficult waters

http://www.ted.com/talks/george_papandreou_imagine_a_european_democracy_without_borders.html

Constitutional Review Debates

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 13:14:00 +0000

The first in a Sunday series on National radio on the basics of our constitutional review

http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/lecturesandforums/constitutional-review

Helen takes exception to the draft Constitution Title

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 07:29:00 +0000

What does everyone else think ? Is having the word "Aotearoa" in or out of the Constitution a dealbreaker for many people ? Would reading it stop you reading any further ?

I have only got to the cover page of your Constitution but before I read any further I take issue with calling our country Aotearoa/New Zealand. We are New Zealand and any change to our country’s name should only be by referendum. Slowly Aotearoa is creeping in as part of our country’s name, when it isn’t. Before we know it the New Zealand part will be dropped and we will just be called Aotearoa and this must never happen without a referendum. I will personally oppose it strongly whenever it comes up. We are New Zealand and its people are New Zealanders first and foremost. Next thing we will be called Aotearoans or something equally ridiculous.

So, I oppose that part of your Constitution before I go any further. I cannot support it whilst Aotearoa is connected to our country’s name

New Zealand Constitution - draft

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 08:43:00 +0000

https://www.box.com/shared/qb3r03dwk355rrlxpay9

Special thanks to Steve Baron & Dominic baron for many hours put into devising this demonstration Constitution for New Zealand . They believe a Constitution must grow organically & be a true initiative of the people of New Zealand , rather than of the existing parliament & political parties who are too influenced by the dsire to protect their power .

Australian Citizen Initiated Referendum Bill 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 04:47:00 +0000

Submissions being sought NOW !

Could this bill provide an example for New Zealand ?

The reasons for the referral are for the Committee to consider [ & seek public submission ]

1. Citizens' Initiated Referendum (CIR) promotes greater openness and accountability in public decision-making.
2. Laws instituted as a result of a CIR are more clearly derived from the popular expression of the people's will.
3. Government authority flows from the people and is based upon their consent.
4. Citizens in a democracy have the responsibility to participate in the political system.
5. The Inter Parliamentary Union's call on member states to strengthen democracy through constitutional instruments including the citizen's right to initiate legislation.

Citizen Initiated referendum Bill 2013

Australian Senate Bill for Citizens Initiated Referenda

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 02:28:00 +0000

YOUR opportunity to make a submission - see below

-------- Original message --------
From: Ronald Evans <President@CIR-Australia.net>
Date: 20/03/2013 18:26 (GMT+10:00)
To: Evans Ronald <President@CIR-Australia.net>
Subject: Inquiry into Citizen Initiated Referendum Bill 2013

Behold, I bring glad tidings. Please see below.

Ladies & Gentlemen, this is a once in a lifetime chance to get Citizens' Initiated Referendums (CIR) so please do whatever you can to express your support. You could send a very brief statement to the committee merely saying that you support this proposal. Just one page, not many minutes of your time, please. You might also send an email to your federal MP and as many of your Senators as you think fit. A few paragraphs, that's all; please. (Remember, it is always best when writing to a legislator to make clear that you are one of their constituents.)

You may be assured that the the committee of CIR Australia will be making detailed submissions to the inquiry and will be doing everything possible to support this initiative from Senator Madigan.

To the barricades citizens!

Ronald Evans

President CIR Australia

www.CIR-Australia.net

THE SENATE

STANDING COMMITTEE ON FINANCE AND PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

Legislation Committee

20 March 2013

Mr Ronald Evans

President

Citizens Initiated Referendum- Australia

PO Box 3034

Norwood SA 5067

Em: President@CIR-Australia.net

Dear Mr Evans

Inquiry into Citizen Initiated Referendum Bill 2013

On 14 March 2013, the Senate, on the recommendation of the Selection of Bills Committee, referred the Citizen Initiated Referendum Bill 2013 to the Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee for inquiry and report by 24 June 2013.

In undertaking the inquiry, the Committee is to consider:

1. Citizens' Initiated Referendum (CIR) promotes greater openness and accountability in public decision-making.

2. Laws instituted as a result of a CIR are more clearly derived from the popular expression of the people's will.

3. Government authority flows from the people and is based upon their consent.

4. Citizens in a democracy have the responsibility to participate in the political system.

5. The Inter Parliamentary Union's call on member states to strengthen democracy through constitutional instruments including the citizen's right to initiate legislation.

The Bill may be accessed via the link: http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22legislation%2Fbillhome%2Fs900%22

The Committee invites you to provide a written submission addressing issues that may be of relevance to you. The submission should be lodged by 19 April 2013. The Committee prefers to receive submissions online as an attached document through the Committee's website via the Upload Submission Online link https://senate.aph.gov.au/submissions/pages/logon.aspx. Alternatively, submissions may be emailed as an attached document to fpa.sen@aph.gov.au or mailed to the address below.

Submissions become Committee documents and are made public only after a decision by the Committee. Publication of submissions includes loading them onto the internet and making them available to other interested parties including the media. Please indicate if you wish the Committee to consider keeping your submission, or part thereof, confidential.

Any person or organisation making a submission must not release it without the approval of the Committee. Submissions are covered by parliamentary privilege, however the unauthorised release of a submission is not protected.

Information relating to Senate committee inquiries, including notes to assist in the preparation of submissions for a committee, can be located on the Internet at http://www.aph.gov.au/senate/committee/wit_sub/index.htm

The Committee will consider all submissions, and may invite individuals and organisations to give evidence at a public hearing.

Should you require further information, please contact the Committee Secretariat on (02) 6277 3530.

Yours sincerely

Christine McDonald

Secretary

Begin forwarded message:

From: "Committee, FPA (SEN)" <FPA.SEN@aph.gov.au>

Subject: Senate Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee- Inquiry into Citizen Initiated Referendum Bill 2013

Date: 11:00:50 AM ACDT

To: "President@CIR-Australia.net" <President@CIR-Australia.net>

Swiss referendum backs executive pay curbs

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 18:30:00 +0000

Report from BBC

Ex NZ First MP seeks secret ballot for Speaker role

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 02:12:00 +0000

http://www.sunlive.co.nz/news/38251-brendan-seeks-secret-speaker-ballot.html

More than eight voters out of ten want the right to sack their own MP

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 21:11:00 +0000

"Radical changes to the political system are overwhelmingly backed by voters after an expenses scandal
that has damaged all parties" (1)

"Eighty-two per cent (want) a system of “recalling” MPs (....) if they have broken the rules" Source: Survey for The Times (1).

Before the general election, knowing that many voters are dissatisfied with politicians and how government is run, the parties all promised effective reforms. After the victory of Conservatives and Liberal Democrats in 2010, the coalition agreement was published. This contains the following statement:

"We will bring forward early legislation to introduce a power of recall, allowing voters to force a by-election where an MP is found to have engaged in serious wrongdoing and having had a petition calling for a by-election signed by l0% of his or her constituents."

COALITION HAS FAILED TO INTRODUCE THE RECALL SYSTEM!

A recall bill was put before Parliament but the proposed procedure for sacking an MP was so bad that it was heavily criticised by experts from across the political spectrum. The recall bill was dropped. Private members (MPs) also presented proposals for recall but these failed to gain support. In late 2010 there are no bills or proposals about recall to be found at Parliament's web site.

When will the coalition government obey the will of the people by enabling we constituents to remove an MP who is corrupt or has performed badly?

If HM government is too incompetent to legislate on this, then give us the job. Hold a binding referendum to introduce the "recall". And let's add in a "piggy back" ballot proposal to give ourselves the right to obtain a referendum about any public issue (very useful if gov. "forgets" something important).

-------------------------------

1. Poll suggests voters want radical reform of Parliament, The Times May 30, 2009 Philip Webster, Political Editor.
2. The Coalition: our programme for government. Freedom, fairness, responsibility. David Cameron and Nick Clegg for HM government 2010

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Campaign for direct democracy in Britain
Citizens' Initiative and Referendum I&R ~ GB
http://www.iniref.org/ Link to site index
http://www.iniref.org/recall.html The Recall: How it works