The Tasmanian Greens believe that democracy depends upon the effective participation of all citizens in the political life of the community and that, in a rapidly changing world, our public institutions and civic life need nurturing and constant renewal in order to function well. 

Many Tasmanians feel marginalised, detached and isolated from public life and increasingly mistrustful of the formal institutions of democratic governance. A growing culture of intimidation against those who dissent has induced a climate of fear where corporate entities are seen to hold disproportionate influence over government. Convoluted and valueless consultation and appeal processes have exasperated and alienated many members of the community.

This can be overcome by revaluing the involvement of citizens in the affairs of their communities, especially in the face of globalisation of the economy, decision-making and communications, and the increasing centralisation of political power. We aim to make governance more transparent and government more accountable.  

Domination of decision-making by executive government rather than by elected representatives can be redressed by a return to a clear separation of powers in government, and simple procedures through which citizens can influence the decisions that affect their lives and communities. 

The effectiveness of the Tasmanian Parliament has been severely undermined by the reduction in the number of House of Assembly seats, diminishing the representation of community views. The smaller Parliament has become functionally deficient as a result, and the Greens support a return to a thirty five member  House of Assembly, comprising seven members from each of the existing five electorates.

Measures

Parliamentary Reform:  increase the representativeness of the Tasmanian Parliament; convene an open Constitutional Convention to explore further parliamentary reform;  legislate for fixed four year terms for both Houses of State Parliament; legislate that no individual may hold a seat concurrently on a local council and in State Parliament

Human Rights:  legislate to protect the rights and freedoms of citizens; counter ongoing erosion of human rights; create the role of state Human Rights Commissioner

Participatory Democracy:  ensure that access to Parliament House Gardens for peaceful political gatherings is not curtailed; allow optional enrolment to vote in elections for those aged 16 and 17 years, with the stipulation that once that option has been exercised, voting then becomes compulsory

Government Accountability:  ensure that, where they are at variance, public interest prevails over corporate interest;  extend or enact legislation relating to misleading and deceptive conduct to apply to political advertising;  enact state political donations disclosure laws;  support the right of citizens to be given reasons for administrative decisions affecting them;  upgrade disclosure requirements especially in regard to politicians’ pecuniary interests, including those in local government; enhance the Lobbyists Register, increase the right of access to government-held information

Public scrutiny:  improve public access to the services of the Ombudsman and the Health Complaints Commissioner; upgrade legislation protecting the rights of those who publicly disclose information on maladministration and the illegal activities of politicians, officials, government departments and private corporations; support the independent investigation of complaints against public officials

Integrity Authority:  establish an independent authority to investigate alleged ethical impropriety or legal breaches within the public sector, and educate public sector officials on community expectations of ethical standards

Public Participation:  develop wider democratic participatory processes;  ensure community input into decision-making that reflects public priorities, values and needs;  foster political involvement across socio-economic barriers;  honour difference and diversity in the community;  foster cooperative partnership agreements between the community and the government; promote equitable access to information;  provide training in facilitation of broad-based participation

Technological Democracy:  explore and implement effective innovations in information technology to facilitate democratic interactions; trial electronic voting subject to the electoral commission ensuring security of results;   promote the availability of electronic petitions

Education:  encourage greater Civics and Citizenship education for all school students and for all citizens