Should Australia introduce plebiscites instead of politicians conscience votes?

[The Russ]

How would the questions to be decided be chosen and should they be held concurrently with general elections?

 

[mintie_boy]

A system similar to the Swiss would be better. That is parliament goes like it does now, but if a member of the public doesn't agree with a particular bill passed they can petition for a referendum on the bill. They have to get X number of signatures before a referendum is called ...

This way it ensures that referendums aren't held on each and every bill passed by government, but may lend people a voice on particular bills that they feel they should be directly voting on.

 

[Screwy Louie]

No. Though the concept of the idea is good, it would be too expensive.

 

[Safÿre]

The LAST thing I want is to waste even more of my time voting! And a plebiscite doesn't mean the bastards will listen anyway.

What should happen is that when there is an election, the member emphatically states what they will do if elected. If they reneg on that "promise" (and I'm immediately thinking about a certain Ranga that swore she would not introduce a Carbon Tax)... that person should immediately be chucked out of office for Breach of Promise!

Politicians need to be held accountable for their election promises. Not draggin' us to the polls every time they have a temper tanty in Parliament.

 

[Commie Hunter]

i agree with cc of oz