14 July 2004
MORAL STANDARDS, POLITICAL LIFE AND THE ELECTION
The lead-up to the next election has resulted in considerable debate about the moral foundations of the Australian nation. This election is seen by many to be extremely important in that many issues touch on the fundamental nature of Australian society in a way that previous elections seldom have.
A wide range of organizations, publications and websites have come into existence in recent times that focus on the honesty of politicians, the maintenance of standards of public accountability, parliamentary democracy and openness and the ethics of a fair public debate. In addition to the websites which appear regularly in this bulletin the following sites may also be of interest
SIEVX
Julian Burnside Website
A common feature of sites such as these is that they challenge a government or political party which seeks to manipulate the truth, to duck accountability or to lie to the electorate and focus on democratic and parliamentary accountability, the roots the Westminster system of government and core human rights and international conventions in relation to issues such as refugees, engaging in war, or to other broadly internationally agreed values
The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference have also recently released a pre-election statement "Having Faith in our Democracy: Building a Better Australia". The Statement highlights values and priorities for consideration in the forthcoming federal election.
Crucial challenges facing Australia are addressed according to the values of life, love, knowledge, health, care, reconciliation, hospitality, peace and creation. The document can be accessed at the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference website.
All readers of this bulletin are urged to ensure the voice for justice is loudly and clearly heard by candidates and parties participating in the election.
A wide range of organizations, publications and websites have come into existence in recent times that focus on the honesty of politicians, the maintenance of standards of public accountability, parliamentary democracy and openness and the ethics of a fair public debate. In addition to the websites which appear regularly in this bulletin the following sites may also be of interest
SIEVX
Julian Burnside Website
A common feature of sites such as these is that they challenge a government or political party which seeks to manipulate the truth, to duck accountability or to lie to the electorate and focus on democratic and parliamentary accountability, the roots the Westminster system of government and core human rights and international conventions in relation to issues such as refugees, engaging in war, or to other broadly internationally agreed values
The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference have also recently released a pre-election statement "Having Faith in our Democracy: Building a Better Australia". The Statement highlights values and priorities for consideration in the forthcoming federal election.
Crucial challenges facing Australia are addressed according to the values of life, love, knowledge, health, care, reconciliation, hospitality, peace and creation. The document can be accessed at the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference website.
All readers of this bulletin are urged to ensure the voice for justice is loudly and clearly heard by candidates and parties participating in the election.
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