Chapter 9: Keeping It Simple

Table of ContenTS
INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER 1 – MAKING THE BEST OF THE SYSTEM WE HAVE
CHAPTER 2 – THE CURRENT DYNAMIC IS ‘PROGRESSIVE VERSUS CONSERVATIVE’
CHAPTER 3 – OUR CURRENT PARTY STRUCTURES ARE INEFFECTIVE
CHAPTER 4 – INDEPENDENTS CAN’T FORM EXECUTIVE GOVERNMENT
CHAPTER 5 – BREAKING INTO THE CARTEL
CHAPTER 6 – PATHWAYS TO SOMETHING NEW
CHAPTER 7 – A POTENT POLITICAL FORCE NEEDS PEOPLE
CHAPTER 8 – PRODUCING LEADERS
CHAPTER 9 – KEEPING IT SIMPLE
CHAPTER 10 – DRAFT ORGANISATIONAL MODEL
CHAPTER 11 – PEOPLE
APPENDIX 1 – HISTORICAL COMMENTARY ON THE TWO-PARTY SYSTEM
APPENDIX 2 – AUSTRALIAN COMMENTARY

Many of the structures and positions that exist in 20th-century organisations are unnecessary in a 21st-century organisation. A primary step in developing the new organisation is deciding what the chosen ‘ideals’ in governance should be. The construction of the organisation can then be judged on how well it meets them. Chosen ideals could include:

Simplicity

The ability of the general public to understand the roles and processes in the organisation. For such an organisation to play a key role in democracy, it needs to be easy to understand.

Openness and Transparency

People can see into the organisation. It can be understood how decisions are made, and why. It can be understood who has power and how they got it. This also means that the organisation is more accountable to those who support it.

Self-Renewal

The organisation needs the ability to self-renew—to bring new people and ideas into the organisational structure; the ability to update its platforms and to adapt with the times. A self-renewing organisation is more likely to have durability and longevity.

Recognising the Existence of Factions

It is understood that factions will naturally exist within the organisation. It is an integral part of the organisation’s existence as an umbrella party. Voting blocs will exist and will organically come and go. This also means having open and clear processes through which factions can both gain and lose representation.

Control Mechanisms

Mechanisms to maintain the integrity and security of the organisation.