A democratic approach to population and development

In areas which are predominantly non-residential, and in residential areas where the response rate is below 10% of the population, the Local Decision would be non-binding. There would be no prohibitions, but the Local Decision would be a factor to be considered when decisions on development applications are made. This gives the policy flexibility.

How the Results Will Be Used - The National Decision

From each Local Decision we can work out the numerical increase or decrease people want in their area. The numerical total of all Local Decisions would be the National Decision - a figure which shows the extent to which the people really want Australia's population to increase or decrease. The real test of whether or not you want a higher population is whether you want more people living near you.

The National Decision will determine the self-interest component of our migration intake. In mathematical terms, the National Decision minus the expected natural increase in population minus expected migrant departures would equal the number of new National Interest visas which could be issued. We Will Decide would not affect the intake of refugees or others in compliance with our international obligations.

The Effects

At the local level, the scale of development would be more likely to correspond with what most people in that area want. Outside influence, whether from developers or Government, would be reduced. Conflicts over development would dramatically decline.

Regionally there would be signals showing which parts of which areas would welcome more people and development. Developers would show more interest in those areas because they would offer more opportunities.

Nationally, there would at last be consistency between the number of migrants wanted and the number brought in. This should improve the acceptance of migrant groups in the community. Planning for infrastructure would be based on the number of people we want, rather than the number which Governments and their business mates want to foist upon us.

Psychologically, people would feel more in control. The Australian public has been very grumpy for the last few years. The hysterical nature of some objections to policy is influenced by the people's sense that they have lost control. Working life for many is now a series of short term sub-contracts. Technological change and the dollar's gyrations add to the uncertainty. And our inability to provide adequate transport for our higher population is a source of daily aggravation. Returning a measure of control to ordinary people will improve the public's mood. In time, it might again be possible to have a more measured debate about asylum seekers.

Conclusion

Some arguments are necessary, but often the better option is to ask - can we arrange things so we don't have so many arguments? The We Will Decide proposal should reduce conflict while delivering results more in line with what people want.