Type of PR must be voter-oriented:
Voters' participation and control of the outcome
are best served by ballot-papers without "above-the-line" voting.
The way casual vacancies are filled is vital.
It should be determined by the people and so all casual vacancies
should be filled by "countback", and not appointment by party machine
operators. Press also for Robson Rotation, and entrenchment
of PR, so that key changes need a referendum.
The Media:
Try
to make your voice heard. There is talk-back radio, letters to the editor
of newspapers, Access Age etc. Most submissions are rejected, but don't
let that disappoint you. The more support there is for PR the more likely
it is that letters will be published. Even if your letter is not published
it still makes it more likely that the next pro-PR letter will be.
Political Parties:
There are 3 members of Parliament who
supposedly represent you. Write to your MLA and both
your MLCs expressing your support for PR and your concerns about
their party's stance. If you are a member of a political party, try to
influence your party to be flexible and support
the interests of the voters rather than just the party. Argue for that
changes to the size of Parliament are much less important than introducing
PR. Fight for freedom for stage management of elections
by "above-the-line" boxes on ballot-papers, and for direct election by
"countback" instead of the party appointment of MPs.
Friends and Colleagues:
Talk to your friends and colleagues about how undemocratic the current
system is. Tell them how Proportional Representation is the best way to
fix the problem. Personal contacts are the way to build a grassroots
movement.
The PRSA:
Support the PRSA. Join the Victorian branch. Make a donation. Even
better, become active in the society. Tell your friends about the Society.
We are in the phone book, and on the internet.