The purpose of the Senate is to put a brake on the Lower House [House of Representatives] & allow improvements to legislation by amendments. It's also to ensure representation of all sectors of society, not just the broad majority. (Remember, democracy doesn't mean a dictatorship of the majority, but equal representation for all. This is why senators are elected by proportional representation, not first-past-the-post voting.)
Let's set an agenda for our Senators, who are elected to represent ALL of us.
It seems to me that the most vulnerable in our society have been neglected, and in some cases actively oppressed - refugees, the mentally ill, age pensioners, carers, the chronically ill and the disabled. I would like to see a Senate that protects these people.
I'd also like to see a Senate that strives to stop the wholesale destruction of our native flora and fauna, when thousands of species of plants and animals are threatened with extinction.
2007-11-10
18:44:24
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6 answers
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asked by
Anonymous