"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead
Hello, I'm Eric Handbury, a typical citizen/father of 2 from a small suburb an hour north of Sydney, AU. Since hearing about Colorado's (CDI - Citizen Directed Initiatives) system in 2012, I have believed this is necessary for a functioning democracy, especially when becoming disillusioned by governments consistent failing to tackle the issues that matter to me. Beyond our 3 second moment of democracy in the voting booth every 3 years, the political arena provides no formal process which we, the people, can use to take the issues they hold dear, garner support from others, and ask voters to change society along with them.
This cannot be the case within our democratic society. A system that represents the people must give us the tools to shape our future. 24 US States currently have such mechanisms in place. These initiatives do not alter our representative democracy; they enhance it - engaging citizens, empowering us, and encouraging us to act for the public good. CIVIC brings to us a defined step-by-step path for change.
CIVIC can be the engine that drives this necessary change. I am the first CIVIC initiative. Please join me on this journey. Together we can create a better, more responsive democracy.
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CIVIC. You. Your Voice. Your Change.
An evolving democracy must connect and engage you in shaping the future. CIVIC ensures a people-driven democracy; flexible, responsive, and ready to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. This isn't just good reform - it's how democracy must work. 800 years ago, our rights were enshrined by the Magna Carta... it's time to expand them.

A Democracy That Evolves With You
Democracy cannot remain static. It is living and breathing, and sometimes requires nurturing. It must evolve, as society does. CIVIC is not just an idea—it is a necessary step forward, ensuring that you, not just politicians, have a say in shaping the future.
The Need: A Forward-Thinking Political System
Democracy works best when it grows alongside society. CIVIC provides a defined method for citizens to engage and participate more directly in shaping policy, ensuring democracy remains dynamic, responsive, and in tune with the people it serves. And in the timeframes which the public requires.
CIVIC is not just a good idea; this should be a necessity. We are to have a direct method of instituting legislative change if we so choose to use it. This should be a fundamental requirement for a democratic society.
And Australia has this wonderful gift of mandatory voting which we should not squander but use it to its fullest. Mandatory voting ensures that these initiatives represent a total will of the people, and not some influential minority. This is the one criticism that the US States, with their voluntary voting, have to accept with their systems which we will not share.
The Problem: A System Stuck in Political Cycles
Elected representatives are meant to enact the will of the people, but too often, party politics, short election cycles, and corporate interests take precedence. As a result, major issues are ignored, delayed, compromised, or watered down, leaving citizens frustrated and disconnected from the decision-making process.
The Solution: People-Driven Legislative Action
CIVIC changes the entire game. CIVIC gives you a direct mechanism to propose and vote on critical issues. It doesn’t replace representative democracy—it strengthens it by ensuring that governments cannot ignore the public’s will. With CIVIC, policy is not just dictated by politicians but shaped by the people they serve.
This approach is already proven. In fact, many jurisdictions around the world, including 24 states in the U.S., have adopted similar mechanisms for citizen-driven legislative action. States like California, Colorado, and Oregon have proven that direct citizen engagement in lawmaking can result in meaningful, timely changes that reflect the public's needs. These processes give the people a direct voice in shaping their laws and provide a model for a democracy that evolves with its citizens, ensuring governance remains flexible and aligned with current issues.
How It Works: From Need to Law
  1. Petition Submission
    • Any citizen can propose a question on an issue of importance.
    • The proposal must align with a clear and relevant public issue.
    • It must outline how the proposal would be implemented in society.
  2. Public Endorsement
    • The petition must gather support from a set percentage of the citizens (e.g., 2%) within NSW to be considered.
    • If the proposal meets the public endorsement threshold, it moves to a vote in the next State election.
  3. NSW Election Voting Day
    • A majority vote is required.
  4. Legislative Consideration
    • Once passed by the people, the government is compelled to act within a certain timeframe.
    • The issue is presented to the appropriate legislative body for debate and implementation into law.
  5. Implementation
    • The new law is enacted based on the citizens’ decision, ensuring that the government acts in the public's best interest.
The Future: A More Engaged Democracy
CIVIC isn't just a reform—it's an essential evolution of democracy. Other jurisdictions around the world already give citizens a direct say in policy. NSW must follow suit. CIVIC provides a direct avenue for legislative action, ensuring governance remains flexible, responsive, and aligned with the needs of the people.
CIVIC gives today's young people a torch, not to see the world as is, but to light the path forward. In a world they are to inherit, they deserve the opportunity to shape it. Democracy must be a living, breathing system, capable of listening, adapting, and evolving. CIVIC gives the next generation the tools.

Can CIVIC lead to poor or unrepresentative laws?
How is the process safeguarded to prevent misuse or manipulation?
What’s the impact on existing representative democracy?
How does CIVIC prevent the "tyranny of the majority"?
Why is CIVIC necessary?
How do we ensure that CIVIC doesn’t disrupt the balance of power?
How does CIVIC engage the public in the legislative process?
Where has this kind of citizen-driven initiative worked successfully?
Could CIVIC be used to recall or remove elected officials from office?
Why Is CIVIC Necessary if the Current System Can Enact Laws?
Why do we need CIVIC if other states already have somewhat similar laws for citizen-driven initiatives?
How Does Australia’s mandatory voting benefit CIVIC?
What are the reasons why a government would not wish this to be available to citizens?
  1. How does CIVIC protect against the influence of special interest groups? Top
    CIVIC ensures that the power lies with the people, not behind closed doors or with corporate lobbies. The process is transparent and driven by public participation. Petitions must meet a broad signature requirement, ensuring that the initiative has widespread support, not just the backing of a few powerful groups. The final decision always rests with the entire population, ensuring fairness and accountability.
  2. Can CIVIC lead to poor or unrepresentative laws? Top
    CIVIC strengthens democracy by allowing citizens to address issues directly that may otherwise be ignored by the political system. The system is designed to prevent impulsive or harmful laws by requiring broad public support and meeting clear procedural requirements. The mechanisms in place—such as the petition thresholds and voting system—ensure that only proposals with genuine, widespread backing move forward. And, of course, mandatory voting ensures that the decision is the will of all the people.
  3. How is the process safeguarded to prevent misuse or manipulation? Top
    CIVIC is designed with built-in safeguards to ensure integrity and seriousness. The petition process requires a clear threshold of public support before any initiative can move forward, preventing it from being driven by fringe interests or passing trends.
    The process is transparent, structured, and open; every citizen has the opportunity to participate equally. And if there is ever a concern about misuse, only a statewide election can vote to adjust thresholds/etc; keeping the power in citizen's hands, not politican's.
  4. What’s the impact on existing representative democracy? Top
    CIVIC complements representative democracy, not replaces it. It adds a layer of direct participation that empowers citizens when political representatives may be slow or unwilling to act on critical issues. This system doesn’t remove elected officials but encourages them to listen more closely to the needs and wishes of the people, ensuring that government remains responsive and accountable.
  5. How does CIVIC prevent the "tyranny of the majority"? Top
    CIVIC is carefully structured to avoid the potential for a majority to overpower minority interests. CIVIC allows any citizen, from any walk of life, to engage others and bring forward issues which are important to them. If enough support is gathered, the proposal is put to a statwide vote; where it becomes part of the same democratic process we all accept at each election.
    CIVIC doesn't include some, and exclude others; it gives every citizen an equal voice and a fair, defined path to be heard.
  6. Why is CIVIC necessary? Top
    The current system often leaves people feeling disconnected from their government. Politicians are influenced by party politics and special interests, while critical issues remain unresolved. CIVIC provides a direct avenue for citizens to shape the future and ensure that laws reflect the public's true needs. It’s not just a good idea; it’s the next essential step in the evolution of democracy.
  7. How do we ensure that CIVIC doesn’t disrupt the balance of power? Top
    CIVIC ensures that laws passed through citizen-driven initiatives are still subject to legislative debate and implementation. It gives citizens the power to propose and influence laws, but the final legislative process ensures careful consideration and balance. This creates a system where the voice of the people can guide change while maintaining a well-structured government system.
  8. How does CIVIC engage the public in the legislative process? Top
    CIVIC is built around public engagement, ensuring that citizens have a direct and meaningful role in shaping the future. Here's how it works:
    • Proposals by Citizens: Anyone can propose a question on a critical issue that matters to them and their community. This ensures that the concerns of everyday people are brought to the forefront, not just those of elected officials or lobbyists.
    • Public Support: For a proposal to move forward, it must gather a set percentage of signatures from the population. This creates an early check that the issue has significant public interest and support, ensuring that it's not just a fringe concern.
    • Voting Day: Once the proposal has met the necessary thresholds, the public votes on the issue during an election or specially scheduled vote. This gives every citizen a direct opportunity to have their voice heard and influence the outcome.
    • Transparency & Communication: Throughout the entire process, CIVIC emphasizes transparency. Citizens will be kept informed about the progress of proposals, where they stand in terms of support, and how they can get involved. Public forums and discussions will be encouraged to help foster informed, constructive engagement.
    CIVIC isn't just about voting on issues—it's about creating an ongoing conversation and connection between citizens and the legislative process. It turns passive citizens into active participants, ensuring that their voices are always part of the conversation.
  9. Where has this kind of citizen-driven initiative worked successfully? Top
    Everywhere…
    California – Healthcare Access Initiative (2025)
    • Issue: Proposed by citizens to challenge insurance practices, this initiative aims to make it illegal for insurance companies to delay, deny, or modify any medical procedure or medication suggested by a licensed physician.
    • Proposal: If enacted, it would require insurers to fully cover treatments without itemized lists, allow citizens to sue insurers for delays, and impose heavy penalties on insurers who deny coverage.
    • Current Status: The initiative is under review by the California Attorney General's Office, with a public comment period running until April 25. Petitioners are gathering support to place it on the ballot.
    Colorado – Legalization of Recreational Marijuana (2012)
    • Issue: Citizens gathered signatures to place a measure on the ballot to legalize recreational marijuana use.
    • Proposal: The initiative sought to regulate and tax marijuana sales for adults aged 21 and over.
    • Outcome: The initiative passed with broad support and became law, making Colorado the first U.S. state to legalize recreational marijuana.
    Oregon – Clean Energy Jobs Bill (2018)
    • Issue: A proposed CDI to create a cap-and-trade program aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and investing in clean energy jobs.
    • Proposal: The initiative would establish a system of emissions allowances and impose costs on large polluters.
    • Outcome: Although it did not pass immediately, this initiative led to an ongoing conversation about climate action and spurred similar legislation in other states.
    Switzerland – Minaret Ban (2009)
    • Issue: Swiss citizens used a CDI process to propose a ban on the construction of minarets.
    • Proposal: The initiative sought to ban the construction of new minarets in Switzerland, citing concerns about cultural integration.
    • Outcome: The measure was passed by voters, despite criticism and concerns about religious freedoms, showcasing the power and controversy of direct democracy in Switzerland.
    Italy – No to the Privatization of Water (2011)
    • Issue: Citizens initiated a referendum to stop the privatization of water services in Italy.
    • Proposal: The initiative called for water services to remain publicly controlled and not subject to privatization.
    • Outcome: The initiative succeeded in securing a victory for public water management, signaling the influence of direct citizen action on public resources.
    Oregon – Psilocybin Legalization (2020)
    • Issue: A citizen-led initiative, Measure 109, proposed the legal use of psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, for therapeutic purposes.
    • Proposal: The initiative sought to create a regulated system for the medical use of psilocybin under the supervision of licensed facilitators. It would allow adults 21 and over to access psilocybin in a clinical setting as part of mental health treatment, primarily targeting conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
    • Outcome: Measure 109 passed with significant voter support in November 2020, making Oregon the first U.S. state to legalize psilocybin for therapeutic use. The state has since begun setting up regulations for the program, which is expected to be fully operational by 2023.
    California – Prop 13 (1978)
    • Issue: In the 1970s, California faced rising property taxes, causing financial strain on many homeowners. Prop 13 was a citizen-driven initiative aimed at reducing property taxes.
    • Proposal: Prop 13 proposed limiting property taxes to 1% of a property’s assessed value and restricting annual increases to 2%.
    • Outcome: Prop 13 passed in 1978 with overwhelming support and is still in place today, significantly changing the way property taxes are assessed in California and influencing tax policies across the country.
    Washington – Minimum Wage Increase (2016)
    • Issue: In 2016, Washington State voters were presented with a citizen-initiated referendum to increase the state’s minimum wage to $13.50 per hour by 2020.
    • Proposal: The initiative proposed that the state increase the minimum wage incrementally each year, eventually reaching $13.50 per hour by 2020.
    • Outcome: The initiative passed with 60% of the vote, and Washington’s minimum wage has since been gradually raised, making it one of the highest in the nation.
    The diversity of these initiatives reflects the broad range of issues that citizens can address through direct democratic processes. From marijuana legalization and healthcare reforms to tax policies and minimum wage increases, these citizen-driven initiatives demonstrate how a wide array of critical issues can be brought to the forefront through public engagement. The success of these initiatives shows that regardless of the issue, when citizens are empowered to propose and vote on matters that directly affect their lives, the outcome can be transformative and in line with the evolving needs of society.
  10. Could CIVIC be used to recall or remove elected officials from office? Top
    While CIVIC’s primary focus is on enabling citizens to directly influence laws and policies, the idea of using it to recall elected officials is not entirely outside the realm of possibility. In fact, some systems of direct democracy, like in Switzerland or certain U.S. states, have mechanisms for citizens to recall officials if they believe those leaders are no longer serving the public interest.
    However, a recall process via CIVIC would need to be carefully designed to avoid instability and ensure fairness. For instance, any recall effort should be based on clear, specific criteria and have robust safeguards to ensure that it isn’t used impulsively or for partisan reasons. This could involve thresholds for support, such as a percentage of voters or signatures across multiple regions, ensuring that the decision to recall truly reflects a broad consensus.
    While CIVIC as currently proposed doesn’t automatically include recall mechanisms, there’s room for such a tool in the future as a way to increase democratic accountability. It’s important that any potential recall process is designed in a way that promotes stability and prevents exploitation, while still allowing citizens to hold their leaders accountable when necessary.
  11. Why Is CIVIC Necessary if the Current System Can Enact Laws? Top
    While the current system allows citizens to propose laws, the reality is that getting a law enacted is often a frustrating, lengthy process. Citizens who are engaged in pressing issues face a system that is riddled with political roadblocks, special interest influence, and party politics, making it nearly impossible to enact meaningful change in a timely manner. We are currently at the mercy of the lawmakers.
    CIVIC changes that dynamic. It systemises the process. It removes the delays and barriers that currently prevent citizens from pushing through important reforms. With CIVIC, there are no political bottlenecks or party games. Citizens will be able to directly propose and pass laws, bypassing the slow grind of the legislative process that can be easily manipulated by special interests or political calculations.
    Key obstacles that the current system faces, which CIVIC will avoid, include:
    • Political inertia: Politicians are often unwilling to push reforms if they are not in their party's interest or if it doesn’t help their re-election prospects.
    • Special interest groups: Powerful lobbyists can sway the decision-making process, keeping laws that benefit the majority from passing.
    • Party politics: Lawmakers often compromise on important issues for the sake of party unity or electoral calculations, leaving critical matters unresolved.
    • Gridlock: Political deadlock, especially in a divided legislature, prevents laws from even being discussed, let alone passed.
    CIVIC eliminates all these frustrating barriers by allowing citizens to take direct action. By using broad public support and clear procedural mechanisms, CIVIC ensures that meaningful change happens faster, and the public’s will cannot be easily ignored or blocked.
  12. Why do we need CIVIC if other states already have somewhat similar laws for citizen-driven initiatives? Top
    While other states may have citizen-initiated laws or referendums, those systems often come with substantial limitations that reduce their effectiveness. Here’s why CIVIC is needed and how it stands apart:
    • Stronger Access and a Defined Path: Many states do allow citizens to propose laws or referendums, but these processes often require onerous signature thresholds, strict procedural rules, and political interference that make it hard for citizens to actually see their proposals through. CIVIC simplifies and streamlines the process, providing a defined path for every citizen (not just those with the resources or political connections to navigate a complicated system).
    • Lower Barriers to Action: In many states, the signature requirements for citizen-initiated measures are extremely high, sometimes requiring millions of signatures for a proposal to even get to a vote. In contrast, CIVIC ensures that every citizen has the chance to make a difference, with reasonable thresholds that ensure true public support without being burdened by over-complex bureaucracy.
    • Faster and More Effective: Even in states with citizen-initiated laws, the process can take years to move from proposal to implementation due to legal challenges, partisan resistance, and bureaucratic delays. CIVIC ensures that citizens can propose, debate, and enact laws in a more timely and efficient manner, making the process accountable to the people and more responsive to pressing issues.
    • More Comprehensive Coverage: Many existing systems focus primarily on initiating referendums or laws related to specific issues (like taxes or marijuana), often leaving important concerns, such as healthcare, climate change, or citizens' rights, sidelined. CIVIC allows for a wider array of topics and ensures that all citizens' concerns are addressed, no matter how niche or urgent.
    In short, while some states have mechanisms for citizen-driven change, CIVIC goes beyond those systems by lowering barriers, accelerating the process, and ensuring broader citizen involvement in the legislative process. It offers a more effective tool for real change in the democratic system.
  13. How Does Australia’s mandatory voting benefit CIVIC? Top
    Australia's mandatory voting system provides a unique advantage to the CIVIC model. With compulsory voter participation, we ensure that the outcomes of citizen-driven initiatives aren't skewed by low turnout or selective participation.
    Here’s how it enhances the process:
    • Broader Representation: Since every eligible citizen is required to vote, the results of CIVIC-driven initiatives will better reflect the true will of the population, rather than being influenced by only a vocal minority.
    • Legitimacy of Outcomes: The government and the public can have greater confidence in the outcomes of a CIVIC process. With mandatory voting, the approval or rejection of a proposal carries greater weight, knowing it has been decided by a fully engaged electorate.
    • Increased Public Engagement: Mandatory voting fosters a culture of civic participation. It ensures that people remain informed and involved in the democratic process, not just in elections but in every aspect of public decision-making, including through mechanisms like CIVIC.
    • Minimizing Special Interest Influence: By having everyone vote, the influence of special interest groups that may typically only mobilize a small, motivated portion of the electorate is diluted. This results in a more balanced and equitable process.
  14. What are the reasons why a government would not wish this to be available to citizens? Top
    The only argument a government could offer which holds any possible weight would be a fear that citizens might propose/vote on frivolous or poorly thought-out initiatives. However, history shows that when people are given the chance, they rise to the moment; focusing on real, meaningful issues that the government often avoid. Even this argument quickly falls apart. If the majority of the citizens support an initiative and vote to enact it, isn't that the very definition of democracy? Who is the government to decide that the will of the people is frivolous?
    Behind the scenes, there's another reason: citizen initiatives shift power. They create a pathway where change can be driven by the public, not just politicians. That makes some lawmakers uncomfortable. But a healthy democracy should welcome participation, not fear it.
    But here's the truth - there are some issues politicians would love to see taken off their hands. Issues that are politically risky but socially urgent, like climate action, gambling reforms, or drug policy. CIVIC gives them a democratic way out; letting the people lead where politics won't.
    CIVIC isn't about replacing representative democracy; it's about enhancing it. And if the process ever is misused, only a majority CDI voted by the people can raise the signature threshold, keeping control firmly in the hands of the people.

Citizen-initiated referendums (CIR) are mechanisms that allow citizens to propose and vote on legislation or constitutional amendments. In Australia, the adoption and effectiveness of such mechanisms vary across different states and territories. However, the status at the time of this writing is that no State has the CIR capabilities as outlined in this document. Here's an overview:​
  1. Queensland
    Queensland has explored the concept of CIR, with discussions dating back to the late 1990s. Proposals like the Citizens' Initiated Referendum (Constitution Amendment) Bill 1998 were introduced but never enacted. The bill aimed to allow citizens to propose constitutional amendments through a petition process, provided certain thresholds were met. Despite these efforts, CIR has not been successfully implemented in Queensland. ​Parliament of Western Australia
  2. Australian Capital Territory (ACT):
    In the ACT, the Community Referendum Bill 1998 was introduced to facilitate citizen-initiated referendums. However, this bill has yet to be debated and has not progressed into law. Thus, the ACT currently lacks a formal CIR mechanism. ​The Guardian+6Parliament of Western Australia+6Fnq+6
  3. Tasmania:
    Tasmania has provisions for elector polls, which are similar to referendums but typically pertain to local government matters. A recent controversy in Clarence, Tasmania, highlighted the complexities of initiating such polls. Councillor Daniel Hulme proposed changes to require a council majority vote or an increase in petition signatures to initiate elector polls, citing concerns over costs. This debate underscores the challenges and costs associated with citizen-initiated processes in Tasmania. ​Herald Sun
  4. Northern Territory (NT):
    The NT has considered the implementation of CIR in its constitutional discussions. The NT Constitutional Convention has debated whether the new state constitution should include provisions for citizen-initiated referendums. However, as of now, no formal CIR mechanism exists in the NT. ​Fnq+1Parliament of Western Australia+1Northern Territory Legislative Assembly
  5. Western Australia (WA):
    WA has a history of considering CIR, with discussions dating back to the 1990s. Despite various proposals, such as the Citizens' Initiated Referendum (Constitution Amendment) Bill 1998, CIR has not been enacted in WA. The failure to implement CIR in WA reflects broader challenges in adopting direct democratic processes at the state level. ​Parliament of Western Australia
  6. South Australia (SA) and Victoria (VIC):
    Information on CIR mechanisms in SA and VIC is limited based on the provided sources. However, historically, these states have not widely adopted citizen-initiated processes for constitutional amendments or legislation.​
  7. New South Wales (NSW):
    NSW currently does not have a formal CIR mechanism. While there have been discussions about introducing such processes, no legislation has been enacted to facilitate citizen-initiated referendums or legislative proposals.​
  8. Commonwealth Level:
    At the federal level, Australia requires a referendum to change the Constitution. This process involves a national vote on a proposed change, and the proposal must be approved by a 'double majority'—a majority of voters nationwide and a majority in a majority of states. This high threshold ensures that constitutional changes have broad support across the country. ​GT Centre+2Australian Electoral Commission+2Parliamentary Education Office+2Parliamentary Education Office
Conclusion
While some Australian states have limited forms of citizen-driven initiatives, they have largely failed to produce meaningful change. These systems are often bogged down by restrictive requirements, political interference, uncertainty of process, or outright legislative inaction. CIVIC is designed to fix this by ensuring that citizen-backed initiatives are not just proposed, but actually enacted. The current half-measures prove one thing: the system needs an upgrade.

Change.org entry
Write me a message (from above), or send an email (ehandbury@civicvoice.net.au). I would love to hear your thoughts. We can do this together.
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