Australian Citizens' Parliament

Australia's first Citizens' Parliament has now been concluded. One hundred and fifty people, randomly selected from across Australia, have spent four days discussing and deliberating on our democracy and how it could be improved.

Co-chair, Fred Chaney, said that "the Citizens' Parliament was an extraordinary forum. Australians not normally involved in the political process were able to make their contribution to how our governments work. The strengths and weaknesses of our democratic system were reviewed."

"Then through personal experiences, varied opinion and the sharing of information, our Citizens' Parliamentarians have put forward a number of options for change."

These options for change include empowering citizens to participate in the political process through community engagement, education and encouraging youth engagement in politics. The Citizen Parliamentarians have also recommended that there be a reduction of duplication across levels of Government by reviewing the laws and accountabilities across state boundaries and ensuring there is open and accessible government.

In overseeing the handover of the Parliamentarians' report with his co-chair Lowitja O'Donoghue, Fred Chaney said, "The conversations during the Citizens' Parliament have been about complex subjects. Congratulations need to be given to these citizens of Australia who have so enthusiastically considered the enhancement of their democracy.

"We would also like to thank the many volunteers those who have encouraged and recorded the deliberations of the Citizen Parliamentarians. This enthusiastic engagement is enormously important - the engagement of the Australian people which is at the heart of maintaining and improving our Australian democracy," Fred Chaney said.

The Citizens' Parliament is funded by an Australian Research Council Linkage Grant in conjunction with The newDemocracy Foundation.

Further information or to arrange interviews please contact Kathy Jones on 0411 250 541