Complacency is a scourge on democracy

Our society has too many passengers - and too few drivers, navigators, mechanics.

Where do you rate yourself on participation in our civil society?

Voting is compulsory for all 3 levels of Australian government, so you get no points for just turning out to tick a box on a ballot paper.

How many formal clubs and associations are you a member of? An officeholder dare I enquire?

What about informal groups like sewing circles, book clubs, church groups?

It is all too easy in the age of social media and television to stay at home and live vicariously.

Do you have opinions, do you have concerns, do you have ideas? Complaints even?

Who do you express these views to?

A quizzical dog? The yawning cat?

Just family and neighbours then?

How about getting involved in our society, our community by joining in - attend meetings, join in cafe conversations, email your elected representatives.

When people are complacent our democracy suffers.

The much heralded "representative democracy" of our Westminster-style parliaments and councils becomes a "substitute democracy" when citizens - that's you and me - do not engage with our elected representatives.

They develop bad habits - like taking you, your taxes, your rates - for granted.

You probably develop bad habits - like complaining about what politicians and councillors do or do not do; about decisions they make on matters you know little or nothing about.

The onus is on you to show some initiative, to show some effort, to show some courage to form an opinion, and express it.

Not to the cat, not to the canary - to decisionmakers in your life.

Why bother?

Because not bothering leaves us all vulnerable to abuse of power, to zealots, to corrupt behaviours, to insider deals, to cosy arrangements.

Participation is the key. Get involved, don't peak out at life through your curtains, don't go to the ball and be a wall flower - get up and dance!

You do not have to suddenly do everything yourself - talk to others, encourage others, support others. Build networks, alliances, contacts - good habits to strengthen democracy.