Free the Regions - The Centre for Independent Studies
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Free the Regions

A cursory look at state politics across the country highlights one undeniable fact: city dominates country.  Rising crime and grand, costly infrastructure programs dominate the chatter in Lygon St, ageing steam-era passenger trains and the development of shiny new white elephant stadiums occupy the minds in the Emerald City, while in the Sunshine State the interests of the inner-city latte crowd seem to get more of a hearing than those of the coal miners in the Bowen Basin.

Over the past 50 years, Australia has been radically transformed by technological, social and economic change.  The ties that bind Australians have been weakened as the values and interests of its citizens have splintered, calling into question the ability of the current states to act in the best interests of all.

Efficient and effective political decision making requires a politician to be knowledgeable about an issue; to be encouraged to do the right thing; and to be easily monitored and evaluated by voters.  How can state politicians optimise decision making against these three criteria when the electorates they represent have such divergent interests and values?

How can a voter be knowledgeable enough and have the time to truly evaluate a politician’s performance, when so many of the politicians’ decisions are made on issues that have no direct impact on voters’ daily lives?

Maybe instead of wishing for the rise of the ‘uber’ politician, solver of all of life’s problems, and the all-seeing voter, omniscient in the ways of the political class, we should encourage politicians and voters to focus on issues closer to home.

Is it time to break up the states into smaller regions so politicians can better serve voters? Under a federation with smaller states our regional differences could be celebrated, greater policy experimentation and competition can be encouraged and regional voter preferences for different forms and levels of government spending, taxation and regulation can be satisfied.  It would free the regions from the tyranny of the city.  Vive La Riverina, Vive La FNQ, Vive La Kimberley!