How were you educated on politics?

It's no wonder we are not engaged with politics. Most of us feel jaded, ripped off by our politicians with their added work perks, constant allegations towards each other on who's corrupt, no accountability, and I don't think there would be any Aussie in the last 50 years who hasn't seen disappointment from their parents or heard them cussing at the TV about politics.

So unfortunately, we have very little respect for our representatives because, basically, we have no relationship with them and don't know them, which advocates no trust or interest. 76 in the Senate & 151 in the House of Reps—can you name 10 MPs and their electorates or positions? Pfffft… didn't think so. And if you knew 6-9, you watch too much TV. That's the only reason you got that many—because you've seen their name smeared across media for putting a foot wrong!

Rarely are our politicians commended for their tireless effort, so unless you're studying journalism or political science, you're not going to be well-informed or educated on our political system. It's not taught in schools. In fact, the first time kids today take notice or are introduced to politics is their first pay packet, discovering that filthy word TAX.

Suddenly, it's on them—learning from workmates, colleagues, family, friends, TV, Facebook—it's everywhere, and everyone seems to have their own view. It's a lot to digest and may seem too confusing to grasp the first time around—until moving out or settling down with a partner, the baby, that first home loan. Again, we get interested and indulge in a little bit more chatting, reading, analysing—just SELF-EDUCATION really.

Trying to find out what benefits are available, what you're eligible for, how to reduce tax and get ahead, you vote with hope but find little changes, wondering if your vote even mattered. You find yourself cussing at the TV just like your parents did. You're still self-educating, and it doesn't get better.

Now you're older, you get wiser and start to fully see through the bureaucratic bullshit. THEN you turn off. Disengage. Just like they want you to. Become complacent. Take what you're given. Shut up. NO VOICE.

Are you happy with that?

Well, you think you know. Know what? What you yourself have managed to assemble from the media, family, friends, and surroundings.

DAMN STRAIGHT! FIRE UP!

THE-DDU is with you, believing Australians are highly educated when it comes to the inner corruption & mismanagement of our current governing system, thanks to genuine journalists exposing the truth for decades.

THE-DDU believes that if Australians are asked questions about what they want, they will give answers! Especially if those answers are publicly available in demographic breakdown format, with enough swing to clearly indicate to our national cabinet what Australia is really thinking—where and when—in real-time and completely cost-effective.

That's deliberative democracy.

Yes, it is very possible indeed.

History has shown us time and time again in our political history that some of our biggest changes have come from one person standing up and saying:

"THAT'S NOT FAIR."

How do you think democracy was born?

Here is a little history that may inspire you to believe your voice matters.

No women or Aboriginals were allowed to vote, and only men who owned land could.

Six separate constitutions and parliaments had been formed with unelected representatives calling the shots. Meanwhile, Victoria’s gold mining boom led to the government enforcing mining licences without warning. Most miners couldn’t afford one and were fined by police. Clashes and violence erupted—miners had no representation in government.

One miner from Ballarat stood up and said: "THAT'S NOT FAIR."

His name was Peter Lalor.

• He rallied miners and citizens to form a rebellion against government policies being enforced without representation.
• The movement grew stronger until December 3, 1854, when miners clashed with police in a violent stand for their rights.
• 24 miners died, 2 police officers were killed, and many rebels were imprisoned.

This clash became the controversial birthplace of Australian democracy.

The government listened.

• Miners’ rights were recognised.
• They chose their own representative.
• All miners were granted voting rights.
• The Eureka rebels were released two years later.

• All men were granted voting rights across all six colonies—this was called suffrage.
• Women protested but were denied the right to vote.

• People had to line up and sign their choice in front of a witness, leading to intimidation and pressure.
• People stood up again: "THAT’S NOT FAIR."
• The government listened.
• The secret ballot was introduced in 1856.

She said "THAT’S NOT FAIR" and formed the Women’s Suffrage League.

• She fought for 10 years.
• In 1894, South Australia became the first place in the world to allow equal suffrage—men and women could vote.

• All men and women over 21 could vote.
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, Pacific Islanders, Asians, Africans, and non-British residents were excluded.

• Australia’s biggest referendum in history had an overwhelming YES vote—a true display of democracy.

Those who stood up and said:

"THAT’S NOT FAIR."

History teaches and reminds the government who they serve.

Stop waiting for change.

The government won’t do it—especially when they know you’ve switched off.

Only the people can change our democracy.

Not the Queen.
Not the Governor-General.
Not the Prime Minister.
Only YOU—the people—can.

Through a referendum.

How do we get the PM to have one?

With your VOICE.

By standing up just like those before us and saying:

"THAT’S NOT FAIR."

By rallying together as a movement.

It’s the only way to stop the two-party stranglehold.

No minor party or independent has been PM since 1941.

THE-DDU can change that.

• Sign up today. You won’t receive spam emails—it’s just like signing a petition.
• Stop complaining—let’s get serious about change.

More coming—DON’T SWITCH OFF, AUSTRALIA.

👉 Read "FAIR SAID" Hit the link

Pete Carter
📜 Copyright – All rights reserved 2019.