Much has changed, but constitution has not, says author

Pearl Beach resident Mr Klaas Woldring has published his latest book, "Yes, we can rewrite the Australian Constitution".

"This book deals with Australia's inability to renew its Constitution," Mr Woldring said.

"Many have shown that the Constitution is no longer serving its diverse society as it should.

"Much has changed since 1901 but the Constitution has not.

"The question 'Why is that so?' features prominently in this text," he said.

"Answers are provided which explain why piecemeal tinkering will continue to fail to remedy the situation.

"Why not rewrite the Constitution and replace the existing one, in one Referendum, by using the amendment provision Section 128 for that laudable purpose?

"The adversarial political system blocks real progress in every direction," Mr Woldring said.

"Sadly, it also turns most politicians into systemic casualties and habitual oppositionists.

"A new electoral system can change all that and reflect the diversity of politics.

"Changing the lay-out of the legislatures could further assist to change the toxic culture of Australian politics," Mr Woldring said.

Mr Woldring was born the Netherlands who migrated first to South Africa in 1959 and then to Australia in 1964.

His experience of apartheid resulted in part-time study in governance and economics and an academic career in Australia, he said.

SOURCE:

Media release, 13 Mar 2018

Klaas Woldring, Pearl Beach