A wise Australian polity has told its parliament: "You must do better". Given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, political parties and independents have the chance to improve structures and streamline operating systems for the good of the people. A long time ago, the chambers were places of philosophy and principle, where great ideas resonated and nation building began: CLA suggests some simple ways to start restoring people's faith in politicians.

It's a sorry choice facing liberties and rights people as Australia heads into the 2010 election. Three years of Labor have been disappointing, but the Liberals are unlikely to offer improvement.  Meanwhile, unnoticed, the Senate is still operating and is continuing with a select committee inquiring into 'Reform of the Australian Constitution' that could change the shape of Australia's democracy and how we are all governed.

The takeover by Julie Gillard as Prime Minister of Australia in June may mean there are opportunities to re-visit some issues thought dead under former PM Kevin Rudd's agenda. Among these is a bill of rights nationally. Such a bill has new momentum because Tasmania's Attorney-General and Deputy Premier, Lara Giddings, recently committed that state to seriously considering both a charter of rights and euthanasia legislation in the coming 12 months.

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The 2010 federal budget papers show the Rudd Government is spending more than $500m to "further strengthen security" this year...but has allocated zero funds to further safeguarding the liberties and rights of Australians. The massive spending imbalance follows nine consecutive years of over-spending on police and security, ever since a terrorist attack on the USA in 2001.

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As the Rudd Government fails to honour traditional Labor policy to introduce a Bill of Rights, there's hope that the new Tasmanian Government may lead the other states by introducing just such a bill, already supported in a widespread consultation process across the island state.

A major report into aged care is ringing loud alarm bells in a sector of health care often not usually closely watched or supervised. CLA is preparing a campaign to help protect the rights of older people, and the mentally ill. Meanwhile, police car chases are top of mind, with an horrific smash killing four in Canberra, and the Queensland coroner producing a major report after a series of smashes and deaths in that state.

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