SkillBuilder discussion Evaluating democratic institutions and systems 1. Discuss what you think are the key rights and responsibilities associated with voting in Australia. 2. Mind-map with a partner how the right to vote can contribute to the democratic process in Australia. 3. Explain in what ways voting can impact government policies and decisions at the state, federal and local levels.
FIGURE2 Voting in Melbourne during the 2022 Australian Federal elections
Then there is our right to freedom of speech, which allows us to express our opinions through a variety of methods. We can write letters to the newspapers, we can phone in to talkback radio, and we can publicise our views on social media using Facebook or X or create our own website or blog. Your ability to openly access websites, emails and social media from various devices promotes the ability to express an opinion on any issue, to anyone, anytime and anywhere. In the same way, you can access the opinions of others or seek information continuously. In addition, there are opinion-polling companies that conduct surveys of ordinary people on all sorts of issues. These results are often published and accessible to the public. 17.2.2 The right to disagree Not everyone will agree with actions taken by our governments. In a democracy — where we all have freedom of conscience, freedom of speech, freedom of association and freedom of assembly — we have the right to express that disagreement. When a person (or group of people) expresses that disagreement publicly, it is known as dissent. Expressing dissent is one of the ways in which we can participate in a democratic society under our Australian right. While we are required to obey the law, we are not required to blindly follow whatever the government tells us. Every individual is free to undertake a range of activities in an attempt to have a particular law changed — for example, to organise and participate in a demonstration or public rally, or to sign a petition supporting a change in the law. Participation in a rally or protest march allows many people who disagree with particular government policies to express their point of view. Such protests are also aimed at changing those policies and convincing other undecided citizens to support their cause. 17.2.3 Identifying issues of concern Because the right to dissent is a basic democratic right, all young people in Australia are entitled to challenge issues of concern. But how do you identify an issue of concern? Raising political issues may involve challenging a law which you believe is unfair or forces people to act against core values, human rights or basic dignity. It may also involve challenging policies and practices which seem to be embedded in society, reflecting how society’s values shift over time. To identify a genuine issue of concern, you should reflect on the policies, practices, laws and norms of society to see if there are any ideas which make you feel uncomfortable, silenced or even oppressed.
TOPIC17 Australia’s government and democracy 501
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