From Switzerland to Taiwan – What Australia Can Learn from Direct Democracy
By Vincent Marty – Founder of Aussies Power
Introduction: Why Australia is Lagging in Democratic Innovation
Australia considers itself a democratic nation, yet the power to make laws remains concentrated in the hands of a political elite. While other countries are embracing direct democracy and technology-driven governance, Australia remains stuck in a two-party system that limits citizen participation.
Nations like Switzerland, Taiwan, and Estonia have proven that more inclusive, transparent, and people-driven governance models are not just possible but highly successful.
So why is Australia not following suit?
This article explores real-world examples of direct democracy and how Aussies Power is leading the movement to bring the same freedoms and direct voting power to Australians.
1. Switzerland: The Gold Standard of Direct Democracy
Switzerland is one of the few countries where citizens vote directly on policies multiple times a year. This has led to better governance, higher trust in institutions, and policies that reflect public will.
How it Works in Switzerland:
Citizens propose and vote on policies through national referendums.
The government cannot pass major laws without public approval.
People can veto decisions they disagree with.
This model has led to stable governance, low corruption, and better economic policies because decisions serve the people—not politicians or corporate donors.
What Australia Can Learn:
Give citizens the right to approve or reject laws directly.
Introduce public-led referendums instead of waiting for politicians to call them.
Ensure policies benefit the majority, not just elites and interest groups.
Aussies Power advocates for secure digital voting to bring a Swiss-style direct democracy model to Australia, making governance more accountable and responsive to citizens.
2. Taiwan: Digital Democracy in Action
Taiwan has become a global leader in using technology for direct citizen engagement.
How it Works in Taiwan:
The g0v movement (gov-zero) allows citizens to debate policies and propose solutions in real-time.
The government uses AI and online platforms to collect public feedback before passing laws.
Public participation is encouraged, ensuring that citizens shape the direction of national policies.
What Australia Can Learn:
Use digital platforms to give Australians a direct say in policy decisions.
Crowdsource public input before passing controversial laws.
Increase government transparency by making decision-making processes visible to all.
Aussies Power is working to integrate these digital democracy tools into Australian governance, ensuring that citizens—not career politicians—have the final say.
3. Estonia: A Fully Digital Government
Estonia is known as the most digitally advanced democracy in the world.
How it Works in Estonia:
Citizens vote online securely for elections and referendums.
Government services are digital, making participation simple and accessible.
Blockchain technology ensures transparency and prevents fraud.
Estonia’s model reduces bureaucracy, prevents corruption, and makes democracy faster and more inclusive.
What Australia Can Learn:
Implement secure online voting to increase participation.
Use blockchain for transparency and fraud prevention.
Digitise government services to make decision-making faster and more accountable.
Aussies Power is working towards a blockchain-based voting system where citizens vote on policies directly, removing the need for politicians to “represent” them.
Why Australia Resists Direct Democracy
Despite overwhelming evidence that direct democracy leads to better governance, Australia’s political elite actively resists reform.
Here’s why:
They Fear Losing Control – Direct democracy removes power from politicians and gives it to the people.
Big Business Loses Influence – In a citizen-driven system, corporate lobbyists can no longer buy policies.
The Two-Party Monopoly Collapses – Without party-controlled decision-making, politicians lose their ability to dictate national policy.
This is why Aussies Power is not just another political movement—it is a fundamental shift toward true democracy.
Aussies Power: Bringing Global Direct Democracy Models to Australia
Aussies Power takes the best elements of successful direct democracies and integrates them into a modern, tech-driven Australian model.
Like Switzerland – We propose citizen-led referendums and policy veto power.
Like Taiwan – We advocate for open digital governance, where Australians contribute to policy formation.
Like Estonia – We support secure online voting, making democracy accessible to all Australians.
This hybrid approach ensures that governance serves the people, not politicians, lobbyists, or corporations.
Final Thoughts: The Future of Democracy is in Our Hands
Australia is lagging behind while other nations move forward with direct democracy and digital governance. The two-party system is outdated, and politicians will never willingly give up control.
The only way to ensure a government that truly represents Australians is to take control of decision-making—just as Switzerland, Taiwan, and Estonia have done.
Aussies Power is the only movement offering a real solution. It’s time to demand a modern, people-driven democracy where every citizen has a say in shaping their country’s future.
Join the movement. The future of Australia is in your hands.
Written by Vincent Marty – Founder of Aussies Power. Reproduction is permitted provided the original author is credited.