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.

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Shining a spotlight on parliament will inevitably lead to more focus on the core institutions of the nation, such as the constitution, the notion of a monarchical or republic system, and whether the current form of federation remains a good thing. These are big issues, too important to be rushed, CLA has told a Senate Select Committee.  Meanwhile, where power is shared, big change is possible: Tasmania may have its own charter of rights by the end of 2011. This month's CLArion includes cover-ups, of both the clothing and secrecy kind, and highlights the danger 'sexting' could pose to children.

Other topics covered in September include:

• prison and corrective service practices come under fire;
• God leaves the court in the NT...but police get more stun guns;
• lecture will analyse what war does to civil liberties;
• new directors join CLA board, web systems boosted;
• Victoria adopts automatic electoral enrolment;
• Supreme Court to try man for 'assisting suicide';
• USA plans attacks on other countries' computer networks;
• China, Japan consider cutting back on death penalty;
• drugs should be decriminalised, top UK doctor says;
• claim Tonga inquiry into judicial independence is 'farce'; and
• calls to end Malaysia's 'emergency'...after 50 years.

Click to read this month's CLArion »... or view below