This paper reviews the most conspicuous features of the Australian democratic system, with consideration to reshaping the system to better serve a liberal democracy: one that commits to political competition, debate, parliamentarism, individual rights and the dispersion of political power – without privileging any specific minority. It is intended to generate debate about ideas for reform that could be adopted. 

The test of democracy is whether Australians have the freedom and the opportunity to participate in debate, and to have their views and values adequately represented in the major institutions of society. Reform must focus on how the political system can be improved so that it represents the views and values of ordinary Australians.

The paper explore 12 reform options in the areas of:

• compulsory voting
• preferential voting
• senate voting
• the size, number and boundaries of seats in the House of Representatives
• the Australian Electoral Commission
• public funding and campaign finance laws
• issues relating to voter ID and election security
• referendums and direct democracy Initiatives
• constitutional changes.