A People's Assembly for Northern Victoria
A genuine hearing. And a chance to shape what happens next.
We elect people to represent us in Parliament. But that shouldn't mean handing over every decision and hoping for the best until the next election in four years.
People across Northern Victoria have enormous knowledge and experience. They understand their communities, the challenges they face and the opportunities that could make a real difference.
I want to find a better way to bring that knowledge into government decision-making - continuously.
That's why I'm proposing a pilot People's Assembly for Northern Victoria.
So how would it work?
A People's Assembly brings together a group of people from across the region, independently selected to reflect the diversity of our communities.
Participants are given the time, information and support to examine an important question, hear from experts and people directly affected, share their own expertise and experience, consider different perspectives and work together on practical recommendations.
It's not just the loudest voices or the ‘usual suspects’. It's a carefully structured process that gives people the opportunity to listen, learn, question and contribute.
And critically, I want communities to have a say in what goes on the agenda, not simply be asked to respond to decisions already being made.
What could a People's Assembly consider?
Almost anything of genuine public importance.
It might be a particular challenge facing Northern Victoria, such as water security, access to health services, housing or planning for regional growth.
Or it might consider something more fundamental: how our democracy works and how we could make it work better. Why shouldn't anyone who’s interested have a stronger say in the rules governing political donations, lobbying, government accountability and the way decisions are made?
These are questions worth asking.
The subject of the first Assembly would be part of the pilot's design, with ample opportunity for community input.
And what happens to its recommendations?
An Assembly doesn't replace Parliament or elected representatives. It helps them make better-informed decisions.
But if we're serious about listening, we need to be equally serious about what happens afterwards.
I will ensure that the Assembly's recommendations are made public, formally considered by Parliament and properly responded to.
And I will report back on what happens, including what is pursued, what isn't and why.
How will I make it happen?
As one of my first actions as your voice in the Legislative Council, I’ll propose a parliamentary inquiry into establishing a People's Assembly pilot in Northern Victoria.
That inquiry will examine the practical questions: how participants are selected, how we ensure different communities can participate, who facilitates the process, what it would cost and how Parliament should respond.
I will work towards a properly designed, independently facilitated pilot, with its outcomes publicly reported and evaluated.
If it demonstrates its value (as I’m confident it will), we can consider how People's Assemblies might become a more regular part of government decision-making.
These are a separate, complementary commitment that can proceed immediately, within the budget already allocated to each MP for engagement with their electorate.
I’ll hold regular Local Hearing Forums across Northern Victoria so people can bring their concerns, experience and ideas directly to me as their representative.
The People's Assembly will be a more formal process, designed to explore a particular question in depth and develop recommendations for Parliament.
Both are about making sure Northern Victorians are genuinely heard.
And my Local Hearing Forums?
What do you think?
Would you like to see a People's Assembly trialled in Northern Victoria? What issue would you put on the table?