This section provides some detail advocacy reference material, as well
as some information on what's been done, and earlier plans which did
not eventuate.

It includes :

- Material on congresses
- Introductions posted to the mailing lists
- "Australia Consults 1997"
- Media releases
- The ALP Government review

Mark writes about congresses :

Max Bradley and I spent Friday in Bathurst making preliminary 
arrangements for an event in Bathurst to take place perhaps in early May 
- we think on a Saturday, perhaps 11 May.

We've found a very nice Conference Centre at the Bathurst Goldfields, 
located on (wait for it) Conrod Straight on Mount Panorama where the 
Bathurst 1000 is held each year.  Comfortably accommodates 200 and costs 
only $88 for a full day (8 till 4) including urns (I'm happy to pay for 
this).

We had an excellent meeting with Bathurst Mayor (and until recently the 
NSW Country Mayors Association President) Ian Macintosh, who has 
publicly supported abolition of state governments in favour of something 
better.  He has spoken enthusiastically about regional governments but 
is open to the idea of facilitating regionalism and regional governance 
through strengthened regional organisation of councils (ROCs) type 
cluster arrangements as per the model preferred/advocated by Max and 
Klaas Woldring. [Regionalism is "grassroots up" regional governance, 
which contrasts with regionalisation, which is "top down"]

We also had an excellent meeting with a journalist at the Western 
Advocate newspaper and look set to have excellent coverage in terms of 
several articles on the event.

We also left our details with a politics lecturer at Charles Sturt Uni, 
and we picked up a Bathurst and surrounds phone book at the post office. 

OTHER EVENTS

1.  An event focusing on the Insurance crisis/challenge:

The crisis in public liability insurance, exacerbated by recent 
bushfires, floods etc. suggests that time is ripe for a Congress on the 
theme of Insurance.  Many events (community shows and sporting events 
for instance) are being cancelled due to astronomical increases in 
public liability insurance, so this is a big issue of community 
empowerment as well as of affordability (duplicated regulatory and 
compliance cost burdens are proving crippling according to many reports 
calling for national approaches and in effect a national market for 
insurance.  The insurance industry is a big chunk of the private sector 
itself and impacts upon basically the whole of private and public 
business sectors (including individuals and households), so, again, 
there is a great opportunity to provide a forum for exploration of a 
better system of government through focus on the problems the insurance 
sector is facing.

2.  An event on education:

The federal budget is due to come down on 16 May, and education (across 
all sectors) is likely to be a highlight.  The Defence budget is under 
strain so with the present government's fiscally tight approach, it is 
unlikely that education sectors (school, TAFE, Uni & R&D generally) will 
be happy with the budget. 

The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has publicly supported 
moves to a national insurance regulatory regime and market and has the 
following seemingly impressive Mission: (at http://www.ica.com.au)

The mission of ICA is to influence ethically, and expertly, the 
political, social and economic environment, in order to promote the 
general insurance industry's role in providing protection and security 
to the community and to create an environment in which members can 
achieve an appropriate return on equity while doing so.

--

Here's material posted to the lists when people join :

Welcome to the asc- and sat-congress lists !

You've no doubt received an email when you subscribed, but here's a bit more
information about what the lists are about.

We also have the three asc- lists. asc-discuss, asc-chat, asc-dinner.
These are for relevant discussions, more off topic discussions, and
arranging our dinner - discussions within the "Abolish the States
Collective" group (more relevant if you are within a bull's roar of
Sydney).

The ASC has the homepage :

http://www.geocities.com/davidbofinger/asc.htm

I notice several people have joined the asc-discuss group who haven't
introduced themselves ! Please don't be shy - let us know who you are
and what your interest is.

We also have the list sat-congress . This list is focused on discussions
by the group presently named "Beyond Federation", whose objectives include
organising congresses and being an umbrella group to groups promoting 
abolition of the states (at least as I understand it).

Discussions on the sat-congress list are directed to discussion of these
congresses, administration of the group, and announcements of events and
activities relevant to more than one group.

The list is open to anyone with an interest in participating or being
informed at this level.

When posting to these groups, please :

1. Be relevant and on topic (we're more relaxed on asc-chat).
2. Trim quoted material - leave material in only if you are responding
   directly to it, and perhaps make a single sentence summary of what
   Lets assume we're all reasonable people who will give a fair summary -
   the saving in text is worth it, particularly for new people to the
   discussion.
3. Use plain text. No HTML or word documents.
4. Don't crosspost. If you must, make a separate post to people on one
   list but not both (as this one is), or make a brief statement to one 
   group stating there's a post on some topic on the other group.

The groups are jointly administered by Mark Drummond
(markld@ozemail.com.au) and myself.  If you want to look at the details
for a list, join up or remove yourself from a list, the web addresses
are :

http://goliath.apana.org.au/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/sat-congress/
http://goliath.apana.org.au/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/asc-discuss/
http://goliath.apana.org.au/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/asc-dinner/
http://goliath.apana.org.au/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/asc-chat/

I hope you find these lists stimulating and rewarding.

Regards,

John August

Convener, Abolish the States Collective.
Co-Administrator, sat-congress, asc-discuss, asc-chat & asc-dinner email
lists.

--

Mark writes about "Australia Consults 1997", evidence for feeling about
changes to Government across Australia :

Australia Consults 1997 was a joint initiative of the National Australia
Day Council and the Australian Local Government Association, with the
support of Telstra, Principal Sponsor of the National Australia Day
Council.  Howard Glenn was National Director of this event.

The event is reported in the publication titled:
The Big Conversation - Australian Communities' views on:
* The Centenary of Federation
* Possible changes to the Head of State
* Reconciliation between indigenous and other Australians
(published by the National Australia Day Council, Haymarket, NSW, 1997)

Australia Consults 1997 involved 126 community forums held on or around
Australia Day 1997, involving 138 local councils.  Forums were generally
advertised to the whole community and one had over three hundred
participants, with average attendances being around 25 to 30 citizens.

These forums specifically sought views under three headings:
* The Centenary of Federation
* Possible changes to the Head of State
* Reconciliation between indigenous and other Australians

Virtually all Forums as recorded in 'The big Conversation ...' supported a
strengthened role for local government and constitutional recognition of
local government.  And approximately half of the 126 Forums explicitly
supported, or at least explored, possible improvements to our system of
government though the abolition of state governments and/or moving to a two
sphere system comprising just national/federal and local/regional
governments, or at least some significant improvement to our present three
tier system.  This is highly significant when it is noted that the Forums
were designed principally to obtain responses on:
* The Centenary of Federation;
* Possible changes to the Head of State, and
* Reconciliation between indigenous and other Australians.

Lowermost below are extracts from 63 of the 126 Australia Consults 1997
Forums, most of which show direct support for the abolition of state
governments or some similar reform of our three sphere system of government.
Some extracts are included here because they appear to provide significant
lessons to those who support the idea of abolishing state governments and
moving to an improved system of government.
The 63 forums quoted were from states and territories as follows:

SA        10 of 12 reported (83%)
NT         4 of 5 reported (80%)
WA       7 of 11 reported (64%)
TAS      4 of 7 reported (57%)
VIC       6 of 13 reported (46%)
NSW     28 of 62 reported (45%)
QLD      4 of 15 reported (27%)
ACT      0 of 1 reported (0%)
TOTAL: 63 of 126 reported (50%)

So much for the theory that abolishing state governments is just a
Sydney-Melbourne-Canberra thing!

The 63 extracts now follow in alphabetical order:

Adelaide, SA: (p. 14)
Abolition of State boundaries and the middle (State) tier of government.

Alice springs, NT: (p. 16)
We would like to see the formal process for any constitutional change to
consider other issues such as ... abolition of State governments (ie. 2
tiered structure of Government).

Armadale, Dumaresq, Guyra, Uralla and Walcha, NSW:
The need to have constitutional reform on the basis of one entity as
Australia for Australians with no emphasis on states. (p. 19)
...
The need to remove state boundaries with Local Government to be
constitutionally recognised in association with the Federal Government. (p.
21)

Atherton, QLD: (p. 21)
There was a view presented that the federal Government and Local Government
was extremely important, but that the State Government was not as vital for
Australia's needs.

Bathurst, NSW: (p. 23)
We would like to see the formal process for any constitutional change to
consider other issues such as removing one tier of Government in Australia.

Burnside, SA: (p. 37)

Campaspe, VIC: (p. 41)
We would like to see the formal process for any constitutional change to
consider other issues including those which affect Local Government such as
... the role of State Governments.

Canterbury, NSW: (p. 42)
[In response to the question] How would you like to see the role of Local
government evolve in the lead up to 2001?
* too much bureaucracy, one level of government should be abolished (State)
and replaced by regional Councils.

Carnarvon, WA: (p. 45)
Increase the power of Local Government, if necessary at the expense of the
state.

Cobar, NSW: (p. 47)
We would like to see the formal process for any constitutional change to
consider other issues  ... including those which affect Local Government
such as absorbing the role and objectives of the State Government to create
two tiers of Government - Federal and Local.

Cootamundra, NSW: (p. 52)
Local Government, as the first sphere of participatory democracy, should be
involved in the process of constitutional reform and should be recognised
constitutionally, with the States to be abolished.

Corowa, NSW: (p. 57)
We would like to see the formal process for any constitutional change to
consider other issues such as the need for State governments as it is felt
that taking into account Australia's population we are over governed.

Crows Nest, QLD: (p. 57)
We would like to see the formal process for any constitutional change to
consider other issues such as the size and number of Local government.  It
is preferred that there be no more than 6,000 people per Council.  It is
felt that the public would be less likely to have the perception that they
are being over governed if they feel that they are able to have some effect
on their particular environment.  councils of this preferred size allow this
to occur.

Darebin, VIC: (p. 60)
Local government, as the first sphere of participatory democracy, could be
involved in the process of constitutional reform by:
* state government abolished (cost factors and others)
* Rationalise the level of governance in Australia, preferably by removing
state government and expanding the role of local/regional government

Darwin, NT: (p. 61)
Another theme was political representation and whether we are over governed.
The overriding view was that we need smaller governments, whether it is
bigger Local Government and strong federalism or whether it is the abolition
of central control and regional and Local Government are strengthened.

Dungog, NSW: (pp. 64-65)
We would like to see the formal process for any constitutional change to
consider other issues such as ... the overlapping of powers and functions
between the Federal Government and the states, including those which affect
Local Government such as: constitutional recognition, a strengthened role
without amalgamations [and] increased efficiency and personalised services.

Flinders Island, TAS: (p. 67)
We would like to see the formal process for any constitutional change to
consider other issues such as ... the three tiers of government.

Forbes, NSW: (p. 68)
* Local Government is a voice of the community and leads the local community
and therefore, does not have sufficient recognition.
* Local government is the most important level of Government, as it is
closer to people.
* Local government should be strengthened.
* Local government is very important and must be protected.

George Town, TAS: (p. 70)
Local government, as the first tier of participatory democracy, could be
involved in the process of constitutional reform by [assessing] the role and
functions of State government and hosting consultation forums.

Glen Innes, NSW: (pp. 71-72)
Australian States
This matter was not listed for discussion in the Australia Consults forum,
but as there was quite a bit of interest in the subject, it was decided to
also record the group viewpoints.
It was suggested by some that Australia is an over-governed country.
Would a federal government with regional, instead of State government areas
work better?
Most at the meeting agreed that there is a breakdown of the present States
system.
Three options emerged:
* A centralised system i.e. a Federal Government but no states - would this
make problems worse, given Australia's geography and varied needs of
different areas of the nation?
* More States - or would this just breed more problems and complicate
matters?
* National government combined with regional governments - perhaps this
would better serve [the] individual needs of various regions.
* It was agreed that whatever system is in place, that individual identities
of areas should be maintained.

Greater Taree, NSW: (p. 76)
[In response to the question] How would you like to see the role of Local
government evolve in the lead up to 2001?
* Local Government recognised in the constitution;
* Abolition of State Governments;
* Local Government areas enlarged and Local government recognised in the
constitution;
* Less control over Local Government by State Governments;
*Local Government to have fixed percentage of tax revenue enshrined in the
constitution;
* Abolition of Local Government;
* More community consultation on priorities;
* Referendum on community priorities;
* Ward system representation;
* Amalgamation of Local Government bodies;
* Constitutional recognition for Local Government and more autonomy for
Local Government.

Griffith, NSW: (p. 78)
We would like to see the formal process for any constitutional change to
consider other issues such as the role of State Governments, including those
which affect Local government such as having a greater say or input.

Hawkesbury, NSW:
Focus on a policy to re-unify States. (p. 79)
Encourage respect for the role of Local government by reducing the role of
the State in control over this grass roots level of government. (p. 80)
Develop systems for accountability, appropriate representation, etc, in
Local Government. (p. 80)

Hinchinbrook, QLD: (p. 83)
Amalgamation of Councils should only be by referendum.

Hobart, Brighton, Glenorchy, Clarence, Kingborough, TAS: (pp. 84-85)
Australians are keen to debate these issues but require specific information
on:
* The future existence of states;
* The States' role in unifying Australia;
* A review of the power of both State and Local Government;
* The expansion of Local Government Regions;
* Issues of Regional Equity;
* The redistribution of roles of all three levels of government;
* The position of Local government with regard to finances and economics;
* Easy access to Local government services;
* Retaining its position as the first tier of government with ready access
to the people to whom it is answerable.

Hobsons Bay, VIC: (p. 86)
Australians are keen to debate these issues but require specific information
on the existing State and Commonwealth constitutions and alternative models
of governance.

Hunters Hill, NSW: (p. 87)
We would like to see the formal process for any constitutional change to
consider other issues, including those which affect Local Government such as
review the power of Local Government so that State and Federal powers do not
override Local Government.

Jerilderie, NSW: (p. 89)
We would like to see the formal process for any constitutional change to
consider other issues such as re-defining the powers conferred on the States
and the Commonwealth, with particular reference as to what is in the
National interest, and the removal of Border Anomalies, including those
which affect Local government such as recognition of Local government within
the Constitution together with defining the Powers conferred on Local
Government.

Kalgoorlie/Boulder, WA: (p.90)
In any consideration of constitutional reform the role of State Governments
and the expansion of regional organisations should be considered.  The model
with the Federal Government providing the legislative and monetary resources
direct to Local Government through regional networks would recognise the
expertise and ability of this sphere of government particularly with both
State and Federal Governments devolving more responsibility to Local
Government.

Kangaroo Island, SA: (p. 91)
We would like to see the formal process for any constitutional change to
consider other issues such as ... a review of the requirements of all levels
of government.

Kingaroy, QLD: (p. 93)
Rather than adopt one method only of public consultation, all avenues should
be explored.  community meetings could appoint a representative to a
national convention and as well, a process similar to the current one of
Australia consults could be undertaken, concerning specific questions.
However, the method most favoured is the preparation and circulation of a
questionnaire which every Australian is encouraged to complete.  Local
government can also play a role in the process by considering and
prepar[ing] questions at district Local government Association Conference
and at State Conferences.

Kununurra (Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley), WA: (p. 96)
[In response to the question] How would you like to see the role of Local
government evolve in the lead up to 2001?
* Local government should be promoted upwards with a wider role encompassing
the British system for the distribution of services, infrastructure, law,
order, education, and health along with a greater control of funding and
revenue to enable Local Government to govern its own affairs locally.
* A decentralisation in decision making from Federal and State Governments
to Local government and Communities.

Ku-ring-gai, NSW: (p. 97)
Local Government, as the first sphere of participatory democracy, could be
involved in the process of constitutional reform by encouraging greater
cohesion and consultation between other tiers of government, involving
schools, holding mini conventions/forums in local halls and involving
elected members.

Launceston, TAS: (p. 99)
[In response to the question] How would you like to see the role of Local
government evolve in the lead up to 2001?
* As centres for the dissemination of and the collection of data and the
establishment of discussion committees throughout their areas;
* A conduit to enable unfiltered local views to pass to national level;
* Encourage and educate people to rethink the role of Local Government, not
just a service provider but as part of collaborative and holistic approach
in caring for communities;
* Initially a questionnaire to every household for ideas then from that
instigate a convention to formally adopt the majority views for
implementation.

Lucindale, SA: (p. 103)
We would like to see the formal process for any constitutional change to
consider other issues, including those which affect Local Government such as
community services such as education, health, drainage, roads, country fire
service and road safety.

Mingenew, WA: (p. 109)
* Recognition needs to be made of the export earning value per capita in
rural and remote Australia as in comparison to that of the larger
metropolitan areas.
* Celebrating the centenary of federation should focus upon ... Development
and recognition of true regional areas.

Mitcham, SA: (p. 111)
... changes in the voting system should give an equal vote to everyone.

Moree Plains, NSW: (p. 115)
... one of the ways in which our community can contribute to the centenary
of Federation is to develop a new State in northern NSW.  In order for this
to happen we must unite.

Munno Para, SA: (p. 116)
We would like to see the formal process for any constitutional change to
consider other issues such as ... the possibility of introducing a two tier
system of government (Local and Federal).

Narrandera, NSW: (p. 119)
Local government as the first sphere of participatory democracy could be
involved in the process of constitutional reform by promoting regionalism to
match commonalities already existing eg Riverina, Illawarra etc.

Narromine, NSW: (p. 121)
Local government, as the first sphere of participatory democracy, could be
involved in the process of constitutional reform by
* no forced changes to boundaries ie amalgamations of Local Government areas
to take place at this stage;
* Do away with State Governments - move to two tiered Government ie Local
Government and Federal Government.

Newcastle, NSW: (p. 123)
Local government, as the first sphere of participatory democracy, could be
involved in the process of constitutional reform by holding more public
forums (like Australia consults), more workshops and seminars, by
regionalising and abolishing State Government, and by becoming more
business-like.

Noarlunga, SA: (p. 123)
We would like to see the formal process for any constitutional change to
consider the following questions:
* is there a need for three tiers of government in Australia?
* should one tier of government be abolished?

North Midlands, VIC: (p. 124)
We would like to see the formal process for any constitutional change to
consider other issues such as recognition of Local Government in Federal
constitution - there must be a re-defining of roles/responsibilities of
Federal/State and Local Government.

Palmerston, NT: (p. 127)
We would like to see the formal process for any constitutional change to
consider other issues such as the reduction of the three spheres of
government to two spheres, namely National and Regional.

Parkes, NSW: (p. 128)
We would like to see the formal process for any constitutional change to
consider other issues such as ... possible dissolution of State governments
to provide two tiered level of government and the possible creation of
regional government with increased power and responsibility; and/or the
advent of mergers of local Council authorities.

Parramatta City, NSW: (p. 130)
[In response to the question] How would you like to see the role of Local
government evolve in the lead up to 2001?
* Role of Councils and size of Councils to be reviewed;
* Let people decide the areas of Local Government they want to belong to.

Penrith, NSW: (p. 132)
We would like to see the formal process for any constitutional change to
consider other issues such as..., including those which affect local
government such as giving it greater recognition as the third tier of
government, one which best knows the specific needs of its own local
community.  Local government, as the first sphere of participatory
democracy, could be involved in the process of constitutional reform by
being given greater powers, strength and autonomy to assist communities at a
grass roots level.

Richmond River, NSW: (p. 134)
We would like to see the formal process for any constitutional change to
consider other issues such as citizen initiated legislation, a general
overview of the relevance of the current constitution and that the
constitution should clearly reflect our participation in the global context,
including those which affect Local government such as grass root,
democratic, participatory government and to recognise the community's social
needs in the light of economic rationalism.  Local Government, as the first
sphere of participatory democracy, could be involved in the process of
constitutional reform by being recognised in the Constitution.

Salisbury, SA: (pp. 135-136)
* Politicians are isolated from everyday life.
* There is a need for real community consultation.
* When the Constitution was framed a particular relationship between new
Commonwealth Government and Old was investigated.  States have sovereign
power.  Should we readdress the balance of power?
* Recognise that if we have three spheres of government, the issue of
funding needs to be addressed.  If the Federal sphere holds all the cards
how can the other two spheres work?  How will they be funded?

Sandstone, WA: (p. 137)
We would like to see the formal process for any constitutional change to
consider other issues such as ... Local government being over ridden by
State and Federal Governments.

South Gippsland, VIC: (p. 137)
We would like to see the formal process for any constitutional change to
consider issues affecting Local government such as a referendum to ascertain
opinions.  Local Government, as the first sphere of participatory democracy,
could be involved in the process of constitutional reform by enhancement of
Local Government and abolishing State Governments ie 2 tier system in
preference to 3 tier.

Stonnington, VIC: (p. 141)
[In response to the question] How would you like to see the role of Local
government evolve in the lead up to 2001?
* Amalgamation has led to loss of control by individuals at grass roots -
people should not lose contact with Council.
* More contact and discussion - ratepayers excludes youth - even those who
vote have little control.
* Expand Local Government in 2001 - so much depends on the Constitution
being changed - if possible remove the states and have only Federal and
Local Government - Local government should be included in the Commonwealth
rather than an adjunct of the State government.

Temora, NSW: (p. 143)
We would like to see the formal process for any constitutional change to
consider other issues such as the abolition of the Senate, a change in the
present structure of the three tiers of government and a greater
constitutional recognition of Local Government.

Tenterfield, NSW: (p. 144)
We would like to see the formal process for any constitutional change to
consider other issues such as ... consideration of the elimination of one
tier of government.

Timber Creek, NT: (p. 145)
We would like to see the formal process for any constitutional change to
consider other issues such as equal state territory representation ...

Wakefield Plains, SA: (pp. 146-147)
[In response to the question] How would you like to see the role of Local
government evolve in the lead up to 2001?
* Possible creation of regional Councils or authorities which could see the
removal of State Government.
* Future role for strengthened Local Government.
* Local Government is already gaining responsibility for functions
previously handled by State Government.
* Culture of Local Government must change (particularly to work smarter,
changed work practises, etc) to be equipped to deal with increased role.
* Increase accountability of elected members through increased payments to
encourage their self development.
* Recognition of Local Government constitutionally.
* Increased grant funding to help evolution by broadening revenue base, ie.
grant direct to Local Government not through State Government.

Wanneroo, WA: (p. 148)
We would like to see the formal process for any constitutional change to
consider other issues which affect Local Government such as the formation of
regional governments in the place of State and Local governments and the
constitutional recognition of Local/Regional Government.

Warringah, NSW: (p. 148)
We would like to see the formal process for any constitutional change to
consider other issues which affect Local Government such as over-government
and the possibility of reducing three levels of government to two.

Wentworth, NSW: (p. 149)
We also do not believe very much in State boundaries, they are an
unfortunate line on a map which do not affect local lives, but affect
business.

Willunga, SA: (p. 151)
[Under the heading of 'Issues for Constitutional Reform'] Stronger district
representation even if State Government cease to exist.

Wyndham (Shire of Wyndham - East Kimberley), WA: (p. 153)
... one of the ways in which our community can contribute to the Centenary
of Federation is to abolish state boundaries/retention of state boundaries.
In order for this to happen we must improve the consultation process, have
an understanding of the framework of Government and question whether we want
to change, have a referendum for changes and promote alternatives.
...
We would like to see the formal process for any constitutional change to
consider other issues such as, the abolition or retention of states
including those which affect Local Government such as the changing/retention
of the regional framework.

Yarrowlumla & Queanbeyan, NSW: (pp. 154-155)
* Recognition of Local Government - empowerment Nation Day;
* Restructure the political system - move to a two tier system;
* Funding direct to service deliverer.

For the first congress, I put out some media releases. Here's the record
I made of what we got up to :

http://plato.itsc.adfa.edu.au/apr/others.html

It also has a link to the Samuel Griffith society, worth knowing about.

As far as the meeting on Friday goes, based on some off - list discussion,
we've decided to go with promotion of the event to the media.

I've forwarded a media release so far, to :

Radio National
Sydney Morning Herald
Channel 9 - John Chiffetti (?sp)
Channel 7
Channel 10 - Alan Croft
Channel 2
Channel 28

I've left a message with the Australian, and will send an email out of
of the blue anyway, probably tomorrow - though it does make sense to
get someone on the phone along with the email.

Here's the Media Release I sent out :

Media Release - Shed a Tier Congress at Parliament House - 19 June 1991

"Interest in the Constitution and Government in Australia has grown in
the Centenary of Federation, and the group "Shed a Tier" will this
Friday be hosting a Congress at Parliament House in Canberra to discuss
removing the States from Government in Australia."

Spokesperson Mark Drummond comments further :

"There's a growing consensus that the States are redundant and beyond our
means in an increasingly competitive world, and that we need and deserve
something better than the waste, constant buck passing and meaningless
squabble between the States and the Federal Government."

"We've calculated that having the States costs us around 30
billion dollars a year, money that could be spent on better services
and infrastructure for us all."

"Representatives from the ACT, NSW and Queensland will attend the
Congress, where we plan to discuss how to consult with communities and
promote these changes across the country, and organise for the future.
Attendees include interested individuals, academics and representatives of
groups with an interest in Abolishing the States."

"The meeting will be chaired by Jim Snow, the former federal member for Eden
Monaro and longstanding advocate of state abolition."

"Its an important milestone - there's been much discussion of State
Abolition over past decades, but no organised groups have been discussing or
promoting it for as long as I can remember."

"Its something we're all very enthusiastic about pursuing, in dedicated
consultation with communities across the country."

For further information, please contact :

Mark Drummond, Canberra, 02 6255 0772 (home) (after 5pm on 19 June) 
(also on email : markld@ozemail.com.au)
John August, Sydney, 02 9878 4272 (home) 0419 683 353 (mobile)
(also on email : johna@babel.apana.org.au)


Mark writes about the ALP review :

The ALP is presently conducting a review, and as the party with the longest
standing traditional support for significant constitutional reform, I think
this is an opportunity we simply can't pass up.

To have your say you just go to
http://www.alp.org.au/features/cor.html
where brief details of the review are provided, as follows:

  Committee of Review

At its meeting on 13 December the ALP National Executive resolved to
establish a Committee of Review to examine and report on the following
matters:

· 1. Procedures to ensure the ALP attracts and pre-selects the best possible
candidates to contest federal seats;

· 2. Mechanisms to secure the best input to the party's policy review and
development processes;

· 3. Relationships between the ALP and the trade unions and other
significant community and interest groups;

· 4. Strategies to increase the ALP's primary vote at federal elections;

· 5. Measures to broaden and increase the membership of the party and the
involvement of the members in party activity; and

· 6. Examination of internal processes within the ALP.

The review will be conducted jointly by the Hon Bob Hawke AC and the Hon
Neville Wran AC QC. The National Executive Committee together with Helen
Creed, Judith Downey and Marsha Thomson will form a reference body and
resource for the review. The secretary to the review will be the Assistant
National Secretary.The review will involve extensive consultation with party
members and interested groups. Details of this consultation will be sent to
members in the New Year. In the meantime you can provide your feedback,
thoughts or comments to the Committee of Review using the form below. We
look forward to your participation in this important review. Privacy
statement.Committee of Review

NOTE:  Mr Bob Hawke and Mr Neville Wran are leading the review AND HAVE
BOTH PUBLICLY SUPPORTED ABOLITION OF STATE GOVERNMENTS!!!!

I (Mark D) commented as follows:

Strongly recommend:

1. you place ads in the paper for this review to show whole community you
are serious

2.  ALP realises that the "Constitution versus Labor" concerns expressed
traditionally and by Mr Whitlam et al. are ever increasingly relevant, and
hence returns to its commitment to abolish state governments (or in effect
amalgamate them with the federal government into a strengthened form of
national government) - myself and others have calculated our present system
costs/wastes $30 billion per annum in bureaucratic and regulatory
duplication and coordination burdens and their adverse flow on impact on the
private sector -  the ALP needs these $billions to be freed up for
education, health, EDUCATION, HEALTH, palatable welfare and poverty
elimination, environment, and YES business tax cuts etc. (esp. payroll tax -
what a joke!!)