Q&A

What is your purpose?

Like other Voices groups around Australia, we exist to improve our political culture and outcomes in our parliaments with a view to improving the wellbeing of all, especially, but not exclusively, in the electorate of Franklin. We may make representations to currently elected Franklin members (federal and state), or assist some independent candidates from time to time.

What do you focus on?

Most social improvements can be grouped under two headings: (i) stronger democracy; and (ii) economic reform. Stronger democracy includes improving integrity bodies; reforms to lobbying; political donations reforms; truth in political adverting; better freedom of information processes; whistle-blower protections; and human rights protections Economic reform is how we protect nature (stop the climate crisis, biodiversity loss, waste accumulation) and create a fairer society where all people can get what they need to flourish.

Are you a political party?

No. Nor do we run or fund election campaigns. We may endorse independent candidates from time to time and volunteer to help them. Independent candidates determine their own policies and run their own election campaigns.

What is your legal structure?

We are working towards being an incorporated association like most formal community groups, including Voices groups.

Do you have members or volunteers?

Everyone involved in VoF is a volunteer. When we register as an incorporated association we will have members and a formal committee in the usual way.

How is VoF run?

VoF is run by a small core team, including a convenor, as we work towards formal registration. We publish a weekly newsletter and a range of material on our website. We broadly follow the path set out by other successful Voices groups, which begins with local people getting together to discuss what they like and don’t like about how they are governed. Voices groups generally find there is not much to like about the political-party system in Australia, where party politicians are told by their masters how to vote.

What is the biggest challenge to overcome in running a Voices group?

Apathy. Getting people to realise that we are the masters of our own destiny – and that with a relatively small amount of effort we could vastly improve general wellbeing.

Do you have policies?

Yes. We publish policy ideas to inspire others and create useful debate. We obviously think our policies would improve general wellbeing and reduce suffering at a perilous time in human history.