Writer
Klaas Woldring
Klaas Woldring is a retired A/Prof of Southern Cross University and was active in the ALP in the 1980s, when he twice stood for the federal seat of Richmond, based on Lismore.
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The Australian colony: When will the ALP Government initiate system reform?
The visit of the British royals was for many Australians a non-event, an almost unreal formality that has to be experienced and processed. During the visit, Lydia Thorpe felt compelled to very publicly state: “You committed genocide against our people. Give us our land back. … We want a treaty in this country. This is Continue reading »
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Proportional voting: Hare-Clark versus party list
Australia should consider moving away from the dominant Single Member Electoral District system but few journalists and academics appear to promote this change. This article considers the Hare-Clark and Proportional Party List systems, favouring the latter. Continue reading »
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More support for the two-party system? High time for major electoral reform
The Government is planning to introduce a package of reforms to make it harder for Independent candidates to attract donations to win seats. This articles argues that it would be much better to concentrate on major electoral system reform: Introduce Proportional Representation – Party List. Continue reading »
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A Republic needs a new Constitution
The Australian Republic Movement has been silent on the need for major constitution renewal. Continue reading »
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The Tasmanian election result is a challenge to improve democracy in Australia
The recent decision by PM Albanese not to proceed with an important ALP election promise unless the Opposition supports the proposal surely runs counter to the two-party culture often claimed to be a holy aspect of the Westminster political system. At issue is the ALP’s promise to protect the right of religious schools to practice Continue reading »
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The Trias Politica and Australian governance
In recent years a growing number of Australians have lost confidence in their system of governance, but few journalists and political theory academics have suggested alternatives. If Australia is to improve its governance system and its democracy, it should look to European alternatives. Continue reading »
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The ALP can improve democratic representation
The need for major governance system change in Australia is becoming more obvious daily but this is not obvious to the party in power federally and in five states, the ALP. Therefore, it is useful to reflect on this so that more ALP members begin to encourage their politicians to act accordingly. A preparedness to Continue reading »
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The ABC could improve political education greatly
The issue of the Voice referendum has again brought to light problems that have to do with a serious lack of understanding of governance systems in Australia and, even more seriously, where major problems exist, lacking a capacity to generate superior alternatives. Continue reading »
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For the Australian Republic Movement, minimalism is history
It’s time for the Australian Republic Movement to move on from the minimalist campaign of the 1990s and embrace reform of our archaic constitution. Continue reading »
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Wake up Australia! A new constitution, not a new war!
What are the Australian people doing about their archaic and undemocratic Constitution? Continue reading »
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New election study shows need for proportional representation
The recently completed 2022 election study by Australian National University and Griffith University political scientists clearly shows the need for an electoral system that will provide democratic opportunity for fair representation. Continue reading »
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Outrageous executive salaries: undemocratic, unethical and unproductive
The current threat to democracy in several countries is not helped at all by the growth of executive salary packages. Continue reading »
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What kind of Republic? Who will campaign for it?
The passing of the Queen has reawakened the Republic issue. A quite varied number of responses appeared in the media recently. That is a most heartening by-product of a sad event. Continue reading »
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Stop tinkering at the edges: Australia needs a bold move to proportional representation
The pandemic crisis forced Australia to seek national solutions for a specific health threat. This could be a prelude to seeking other national solutions and ending the oppositionist cultures that have damaged democracy. Continue reading »
