John,

When I announced that my third vision statement as Labor Leader would be on democracy, little did I know democracy would be under attack as it was this week.

The Morrison Government doesn't support the freedom of the press. It doesn't support the right to protest. And – as we saw in Parliament – they don't support democratic debate.

On Thursday, they pushed their anti-union legislation through the House of Representatives without allowing a single word of debate. Not one.

It was reminiscent of an authoritarian one-party state, not a modern democracy. And is it any wonder that people's faith in politics – and those elected to lead it – is at an all-time low?

Today, I outlined Labor's plan to renew our democracy.

• We need to put a stop to the endless culture wars that are undermining rational discussion and rebuild our capacity to have national conversations about the big issues – because that’s the only way we’ll advance as a country.
  
  
• We need to break down echo chambers and take on fake news if the social media giants won't. 
  
  
• We need to enshrine in law protections for press freedom and ensure every Australian can have their voice heard, even if this Government doesn't want to hear them.
  
  
• We need to restore public accountability in our politics and our politicians with  ideas that Australians support – like a National Integrity Commission, real-time disclosure of donations and caps on electoral spending.
  
  
• And we need to modernise our Constitution so it reflects the reality of Australia – including a Voice to Parliament and an Australian head of state.

Scott Morrison's vision for Australia is a culture of fear, censorship and denial. When he talks about quiet Australians, what he really wants is silent Australians.

Well, Labor won't be silent. And neither will Australians.

Our vision is of an open and confident society where decisions are guided by facts – and everyone's voices can be heard.

This is the vision we'll always fight for.

In solidarity,

Albo

P.S. You can read my vision statement on democracy here: https://anthonyalbanese.com.au/speech-address-to-the-chifley-research-centre-conference-sydney-saturday-7-december-2019