THE GRAND FACT OR FICTION? 

Democracy is that state of being in a society which has arrived at a certain point whereby the wills of the majority of its constituents have been consented too by the remainder of its constituents. Ideally that is. And only one thing is constantly challenging it and that is the very real phenomena of corporate power.

Decisions are made without consulting the People and put into effect without regards to the People. Promised tax cuts for all of us? ROFL. Whenever a politician makes such promises, take heed to the context in which such a statement was made. Who really benefits? 

One of the best methods for the proper application and implementation of democracy in its most direct form, is done through the principles of Binding Citizens Initiated Referendums or BCIR.

Source: Direct Democracy newspaper by Dennis Stevenson

WHAT IS BCIR? 

The best way to understand what BCIR is, is to define what it isn’t. BCIR is not an aristocracy where an elite few have a divine right to rule or make decisions for the rest of society.  Knowing what democracy is and should be, the reader is then asked to compare if their elected representatives of government who are not listening to the needs of their electorate, are applying good and true principles of democracy? If they are not, there is then an obvious form of disassociation present. BCIR helps overcomes this problem. Whatever the reasons for the apparent disassociation between human beings are (did I say $$$?), there is a need for change to ensure that democracy is perceived to be in effect proper.

This phenomena we call democracy (excuse me *sneezes*) which is so often sought after, but rarely heeded to and implemented in the West has been utilized in many European nations for a number of years. Switzerland is a prime example of BCIR being used successfully for the last 130 years.

Citizens initiated referendums empowers the People. Whatever the issue is in your community, what you and others are wanting or needing to be removed (be it new laws or the modification of existing ones), BCIR can work for you in 10 easy Steps. The hard part is to get your government to fulfill their end of the bargain and not laugh at you. Stand your ground.

BCIR in 10 easy steps:-

• Step 1. 400 electors (yes that's you!) sign an Electors Bill
• Step 2. Your community nominates an Electors Bill Committee (12+ persons to help guide the BCIR process)
• Step 3. The Electoral Commissioner registers your Electors Bill
• Step 4. Electors Bill representatives get 5000+ signatures from other electors within the community
• Step 5. The Electoral Commissioner qualifies your Electors Bill
• Step 6. Parliamentary Counsel's Office prepares Electors Bill into draft law
• Step 7. Legislative Assembly is notified of your Electors Bill
• Step 8. Your community votes to accept or reject the Electors Bill
• Step 9. If approved, your Electors Bill must become LAW. This is the BINDING part.
• Step 10. Community gets the law they asked for.
• Step 10 ¹/₂ - If this isn't democracy at its best, I'll eat my hat!

Play it Forward would like to thank Mr Dennis Stevenson and the Better Democracy newspaper publication which formed the basis of the above 10 Step BCIR plan.

Also for consideration is a template which outlines our BCIR objectives - listed here.

Now you that have had a quick overview to what should be and you know what isn't, its time to get busy. Help us introduce BCIR right across Australia. Spread the word. Tell your friends and family about this website and BCIR. Nothing comes close to this aspect of democracy. Many will oppose it, but you know why.

The time has come, we are sick and tired of the usual BS. We want change and one of the best ways to have it is to ensure that your government is listening to your concerns and restoring the rightful power to the People. Remember the famous words...

"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing"
Edmund Burke

FURTHER BCIR ONLINE RESOURCES
(if you find one that not listed email me and I'll consider including it here in the list)

From our Better Democracy friends in New Zealand - "Binding Referendums make politicians listen!"

Here's one Independent Australian who has his eye on the ball - Selwyn Johnston Great info!

Learn from what has gone before - The CONSTITUTION (CITIZEN-INITIATED REFERENDUMS) BILL

For a political party, I kinda like The Australian Democrats: CIR Issue Sheet But more balls needed.

Good to see that thinking education is still in some schools, but more halls needed. Direct Democracy in Australia

To know what we want is to learn from the past: The Failure of Citizens' Initiated Referenda Proposals in Australia * Requires $25 fee to subscribe.

Hmmm The Australian Republic: A Citizen Centred Alternative

Heaven on Earth? Could be, could be - Clouds of Heaven

Direct Democracy on Trial: CIR's

From the bowels of the Parliament of Australia website: Reform Trends in Swiss Government