Welcome to
Community Democracy
Our place, our voice
Let’s do politics differently.
Are you disillusioned because the Liberal party brought in another outsider as a candidate in the recent byelection and the Labor Party chose not to run a candidate?
Are you concerned that our recent governing parties have only really been concerned about getting re-elected?
Are you concerned that our representative always votes along party lines and seems to take their community for granted?
We’re Voices of Cook, a nonpartisan community group dedicated to engaging local residents in the democratic process and a part of the growing Community Independents movement.
Did you know that your Federal MP consistently voted against…
Limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees
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Net Zero emissions by 2050
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Vehicle efficiency standards
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Increasing investment in renewable energy
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Limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees 〰️ Net Zero emissions by 2050 〰️ Vehicle efficiency standards 〰️ Increasing investment in renewable energy 〰️
Source: They vote for you.org
People Powered Politics
Across Australia a new movement of Community-backed Independents is growing. Hear from the Independents currently in Federal Parliament, and the communities looking for better representation at the next election.
Community Voices
What do you think are the qualities required of a good political representative?
“Honestly [sic], Integrity, Intelligence and a good knowledge of the Community they represent”
“The ability to listen to everyone in the community- not just those who speak the loudest”
“They need to listen to the people they represent and be courageous enough to be accountable to them, not other vested interests or their political party”
“A homegrown person that has a balanced view on community issues. Someone is who thinks practically, and doesn’t lean too far left or right.”
“Someone who listens to the community and drives the agenda for reform for that community.”
What would make for a stronger relationship between people and their elected representative?
“More consultation and work for the best of the country not just criticising the other party”
“To be a local of their Community not a blow in who has no knowledge or understanding of that Community”
“Regular town hall meetings around various sites in the electorate”
“Local polls on what’s of critical importance and constituent preferences.”
“A local candidate who listens and acts on the wishes of constituents and is not bound by party politics.”
“More opportunity for consultation and proof the representative is acting on that input.”
Do you feel you have had an adequate voice in the way you have been represented?
“(Our) representative votes along party lines, not what the citizens want or what is best for the nation”
“Only response from previous MP on issues raised was a standard letter stating how wonderful they are. MP have just voted on party lines”
“Our federal mp has blocked me from his facebook for providing feedback so we have to take our concerns to the media”
“anonymousUnfortunately our 2-party system of capitalist democracy is too flawed for it to work in the modern era. We get bogged down on too many minority / non-mission-critical issues, and the big issues go nowhere.”
“The Labor government has rushed through multiple pieces of important legislation which eliminates the opportunity for proper debate. This is against the ideals of democracy. Giving a bill an hour for debate with minimal notice is very poor. The Misinformation Bill is a good example which is a gross over reach of government.”
“The Cook electorate has been a safe Liberal seat for far too long and my representatives never do anything that isn't completely aligned to this party and the vested interests that back them. I am sickened by the continued failure to take real action on climate change, the treatment of Indigenous people and anyone who is not white, male and wealthy.”
