We need to strengthen our democracy so it works to protect the places we love. Our beautiful wildlife and unique landscapes are loved by everyone — and we must ensure our systems work to protect them for future generations. But right now, powerful voices like big coal lobbyists are distorting the political process and influencing our government for their own gain. Together we can make our political system transparent, accountable and free from corruption.
We can fix our democracy
Our vision for Australia’s democracy is one in which the wellbeing of all life is at the heart of every decision. Dollars don’t determine public policy — people do. Our 10 principles for a healthy democracy came from extensive research with diverse people around Australia. It is their vision that has informed ours. Some useful reading:
– How to build a healthy democracy
– Fossil fuel money is distorting our democracy
How to make it happen
Our democracy needs to be clean, fair, active and meaningful. Here’s where we start:
– Strengthen political donations and spending regulation. We need meaningful transparency and limits on donations to political parties, as well as spending limits to ensure corporations can’t use their oversized wallets to drown out our voices.
– Transparency around lobbying so we know who is meeting our politicians and why.
– A federal integrity commission that has the power to investigate allegations of corruption and uncover deep networks of influence in politics.
– A strong civil society to advocate for people and planet. Our right to advocate for the changes we need must be respected and protected.
A healthy democracy works for our people and our planet.
You can be part of this
Read the latest news, and find the actions you can take so our democracy works for the people.
– Submission to the inquiry into the Electoral Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous Measures) Bill 2020
– Submission on Commonwealth Electoral Amendment (Donation Reform and Other Measures) Bill 2020
– Queensland leads the nation with electoral reforms to get big money out of politics
– Why democracy must start with us
– More than doubled: Fossil fuel industry donations to Australian political parties on the rise
– Fossil fuel money distorting democracy
– One degree doesn’t sound like much, but it makes a world of difference
– Sign the open letter: Get big money out of politics!
– Donations data reveals scale of coal and gas industry efforts to influence Australian politics
– Do not criminalise legitimate protest and advocacy: civil society
– Join a community of people who show up, speak out and act
– Or donate to ACF today ›