The United States' concept of democracy is a failure.

[facthunter]

Then Kick them out next election, IF they don't live  up to your expectations. That's what keeps them on their toes. Nev

[Grumpy Old Nasho]

It's too late then, lots of damage can result in between elections.

[octave]

Other than at elections, public opinion can (but not always) direct a government.   There are many examples of public opinion swaying the government.  Here are just a few examples:

 

Major examples where public opinion shifted government decisions

1. Same-Sex Marriage Postal Survey → legalisation

• The government initially resisted a parliamentary vote and instead held a national survey.
• Public support came in strongly (~61.6% “Yes”).
• Result: Parliament quickly legalised same-sex marriage.
• Why it matters: Shows public opinion directly triggered legislative change.

---

2. Medicare Co-payment Proposal → scrapped

• The Tony Abbott government proposed a $7 GP co-payment.
• Massive public backlash + concern about healthcare access.
• Doctors, patients, and states pushed back hard.
• Result: Policy abandoned.

---

3. WorkChoices Industrial Relations Reforms → repealed after election

• Introduced by John Howard.
• Widely unpopular—big union campaigns and public protests.
• Became a central issue in the 2007 election.
• Result: Government lost power; reforms were dismantled.

---

4. Live Cattle Export Ban to Indonesia → reversed

• Ban introduced after animal cruelty footage aired.
• Farmers and rural communities pushed back strongly.
• Public opinion split: animal welfare vs livelihoods.
• Result: Ban lifted and replaced with stricter regulations.

---

5. Australia Day Date Debate → policy shifts at local level

• Growing public debate about January 26.
• Many local councils moved citizenship ceremonies or stopped celebrations.
• Federal government pushed back at times, but later softened enforcement.
• Still evolving, but clearly driven by changing public attitudes.

---

6. Adani Carmichael Coal Mine Debate → approval despite opposition (but heavily modified)

• Massive public protests (especially environmental groups).
• Also strong support in regional Queensland for jobs.
• Result:
  • Project approved, but with stricter conditions and scaled-down scope.
• Interesting case: public opinion didn’t stop it—but forced changes.

---

7. Robodebt Scheme Backlash → scrapped

• Automated debt recovery system caused widespread distress.
• Public outrage grew through media, legal challenges, and advocacy.
• Result:
  • Scheme abandoned
  • Government issued refunds and apology

---

8. Climate Policy and Emissions Targets Debate → gradual shifts

• Years of public pressure (especially younger voters + urban areas).
• Contributed to stronger emissions targets and rise of independents in 2022.
• Not one single reversal—but clear long-term influence.

 

 

[rgmwa]

10 minutes ago, Grumpy Old Nasho said:

So you admit the only democracy we have is a vote every three years, and then let the government do what it wants without any correspondence being entered into?

 

I'd call that "dictatorship" post election. 

I thought you spent a lot of time entering into correspondence with various people in government about things you weren't happy with, so that can't be an issue for you. And aren't dictators single individuals by definition, not an elected governing party like we have. 

[facthunter]

Depends on who you've elected. You are dead right with D.J.Trump. He wasn't going to start any foreign Wars. His tariffs are not the answer. He treats former Ally's like $#!t. Make your own list HERE. He Lies. He's enriching himself while in Office. Bibi has him over a Barrel etc . Nev