AOTA’s Post

I am happy to share that my latest Local Government Bulletin article is now available. The article delves into the recent amendment to the Municipal Structures Act, which makes provision for coalition governments, and provides a summary of the key aspects of the amendment. https://lnkd.in/d2GDV8eH

There were quite a few letters to the editor published in the Laconia Daily Sun today. In many, inaccuracies and misrepresentations of what happens during board meetings was the catalyst to vote for change. One truth was spoken; dysfunction, tension, and unprofessionalism dominate board meetings. When measures are set in place and then taken out of context by members who only attend board meetings during a contentious election, it underscores the real issues. There are two sides to every story. Perception differs depending on what 'side' you're on. That's part of the point though. The only 'side' the board and senior management should be on is the members. Cooperative members have the ability to request recordings of monthly board meetings. I strongly encourage members to reach out and request a couple months' worth. Then make a decision about what is best for the cooperative and its members. #everyvotecounts #supportchange #realexperiencematters https://lnkd.in/eNKHta2V

As we celebrate the hard earned win for the #naturerestoration law in the European Parliament, we need to prepare for a likely majority right Parliament in the next mandate (2024-2029) - this piece is hugely valuable in revealing that the parties of the right are the most ill-disciplined when it comes to following the group line (e.g. NRL vote today), this is likely to tighten with the promise of greater power, but group and party culture will not change fast, and in that transition there will be scope for influence: "This analysis, which identifies the most undisciplined MEPs, and reveals that party discipline is the weakest among nationalists and far-right MEPs, is based on vote results during the last two legislative terms ... When looking at MEPs individually, lawmakers from the ECR group show the lowest discipline. Seven ECR representatives rank among the top 10 MEPs least loyal to their political groups ... Conversely, the 10 most disciplined MEPs appear notably cohesive, with seven of them representing the Greens." #ep2024 #democracy

UNCUT AND RAW! Make your vote count by being educated on matters of policy that are impacting the progress of our region - as discussed by Thom Roker, David Janetzki and Trevor Watts. Watch this engaging our discussion on our website - https://lnkd.in/gnzbnFsN #LocalGovernment #QLDElection #ToowoombaBusinessCommunity #SupportLocal #TCOC

Early voting starts today! Have you reviewed the constitutional amendments that will be on your ballot? Check out this Nonpartisan Amendments Overview: https://lnkd.in/eWewkxTz

Newyddion gwych | Fantastic news The current Senedd is far too small to adequately scrutinise and develop policy, which means the people of Wales are not getting the best outcomes from their politicians. The cost of expansion is minor compared to the benefits*: politicians with the time and resources to develop expertise, and committees that aren't vastly overstretched. (* not to mention dwarfed by the Palace of Westminster refurb costs!) It's also brilliant news that first-past-the-post is completely gone - the first UK nation to make this move. No electoral system is perfect, but FPTP is comfortably the least democratic and the most alienating, with many voters justifiably questioning the significance of their vote. The only downside is the closed list system. Seemingly nobody thinks it's a good idea. Hopefully that's something that can be amended going forward. https://lnkd.in/ektiWdg5

📢 1 Month to Go! Will Canberra wake up on 20 October to a stronger, more accountable crossbench? 🗳️ Here’s why a strong independent crossbench matters for the ACT Assembly: ⚖️ Balance of Power: A strong crossbench can influence key legislation, ensuring more balanced and thoughtful policies that lead to more inclusive and negotiated decision-making. 🔍 Increased Accountability: Independents hold the government accountable by scrutinising government actions, legislation, and policy without party politics, promoting greater transparency and fair decision-making. 💡 Legislative Innovation: A strong crossbench drives innovative reforms, offering alternatives to mainstream party platforms that reshape governance, enhance transparency, and make government more dynamic and responsive. 🌐 Diverse Representation: Independents often represent specific community concerns, ideas, or overlooked issues, bringing fresh perspectives to debates. 🔗 Make your voice heard this election. Vote for a crossbench that works for you. 📆 It's time for change.

Your vote 🗳️ at the next #ukgeneralelection may well count NOTHING. Zero. Nada. Niente. Or not count as much as others’. The reason? First Past The Post. A few things about this voting system you should be aware of: - if you vote for a candidate that is not the winner your vote will be binned. - if you vote in a constituency where one candidate is a clear favourite the main political parties won’t waste much energy or resources campaigning in your area or engaging with you. - if you are a supporter of a party that can realistically win in one or two constituencies only (e.g. the Green Party) and you don’t vote in one of those, either you are prepared to vote tactically (for the lesser evil 😈) or casting your vote will be pretty pointless. With First Past The Post not all votes are equal. For example, in 2019 the data on ‘votes per seat won’ revealed that the Tories only needed about 30k votes on average to win a seat, the Labour Party around 50k, the Lib Dem more than 300k and the Green Party close to a million. Is this fair? I don’t think so. Let’s take the unfairness to another level: if the pools are to be believed, on the 4th of July Reform UK will get about 1.5 million votes and ZERO seat! Now, you may not like Reform UK (I don’t), but how is it acceptable that a party can get 1.5 million votes and have NO representation in Parliament? The solution?🤔 A voting system with a proportional correction, whereby for example 70% of the MPs are elected with First Past The Post and 30% with Proportional Representation. This will preserve the pros of FPTP such as local candidates’ accountability for local problems and correct the huge distortions of the current system.

🌟 The Senate in the DRC enters a new era with the adoption of new internal regulations for the 2024-2028 legislature! 💼💬 These changes aim to strengthen the functioning of the parliamentary institution and guarantee democracy and the rule of law in the DRC. 👏 #SénatRDC #InstitutionalChanges 🇨🇩🏛️

LAST CHANCE TO VOTE FOR THE COC GOVERNANCE BOARD! Votes are due by COB 4/9 Who should vote? Members of the CoC are eligible to vote. This includes attendees of business meetings, committee members, and the Lived Experience Advisory Board. Important Information for Agencies Each agency gets one vote. If you are a member of the CoC as part of your organization/workplace or are employed by an agency that is part of the CoC, please make sure only one vote per agency is submitted. You will be asked if you are submitting your vote on behalf of an agency. What am I voting for? The CoC Governance Board is the group that makes decisions for the CoC and influential in determining funding priorities, strategic goals, and regional plans. Check your email for the voting link! #vote #voting #elections #coc #ny603 #hud #hudcoc #change #ple #livedexpertise #powertothepeople #change #survivors #strongertogether