Currently, outside of election promises, the government does what it wants without asking us. For example today they announced the end of the free COVID-19 childcare.
The government announces it. Then the media comments on it. Then when the change happens, citizens are affected one way or another. Pollsters might then contact a representative sample of society to ask how things have changed for them. Polling is imperfect – for example it is biased towards who answer their phone, and are willing to answer all their questions.
The government should have a representative sample of society that they can ask before they make changes. It couldn’t be secretive, and it would be refreshing. Imagine if Morrison said “we are considering ending the free childcare, and we are asking our representative sample how they would be affected”.
It would be a paid position, say $50 per household per month. People can volunteer by submitting their demographics, and out of those a proper cross-section can be found and chosen randomly. Maybe 1000 households would be needed?
