If I was given the opportunity to make a difference in this great country, this is the process I would take to revolutionize, streamline and efficientacize (patent pending word) Australia.
1 - The State governments would be removed. The federal government would have complete control of each of the different portfolios. It would be truly national health, national police, national education.
2 - Local councils would have powers to run their areas, the really local issues such as community engagement, local parks, rubbish collection etc.
3 - The Senate would either be disbanded or would return to a true house of review. The Senate would be mandated to not reject policy on party grounds, rather it would have to review and advise on how to make a policy better.
4 - Welfare would be scaled back to only cover true social security. It would no longer be possible to live a life on the dole.
5 - Compulsory National Service would be re-instated. But this would also be tied to the university's. The government will provide you with your degree for free in return for an additional period of service. Every trade would be taught as an option. For example, its your duty to be in the Military, but you can still do your apprenticeship while serving. This would have the vast majority of young people trained, disciplined and ready to work in the real world once their national service has ended.
6 - Taxation would be lowered. Because welfare is dropped, tax requirements will be much lower. There will also only be 2 rates of tax that everyone payed from the first dollar they earn. You now have incentive to work harder and earn more.
7 - Fixed terms of office. Parliament would have fixed 5year terms, and no politician can serve more than 3 consecutive terms. This would remove career politicians and cronyism.
8- A grid of pipes would be developed to irrigate the outer regions with excess water. Some areas of Australia has so much extra water that its not funny, this water should be piped throughout Australia to ensure that no area is in severe drought. Technology exists to store water with minimal evaporation, even if it was monster underground tanks. This would allow for food production over a much wider area.
9 - As part of the national energy market, every coal mine would be mandated to have a High efficiency Low Emission power plant built to contribute to the national market. The same is true with Gas Suppliers. This would result in extremely cheap power, which would allow manufacturing to return to Australia which would lead to higher commodity prices and allow those mines to recoup their costs.
10 - The government would embrace the new technology that is Crypto-Currency as a valid form of payment. Encouraging the use of Bitcoin, Steem etc as a real payment method would shake up the banking sector and put Australia on the front foot as we come into this new age of Digital Disruption.
These are my opinions, the opinions of a common being. My plan may not be perfect, but it is all achievable and any 1 of these points would be revolutionary and nation building.
