CascadeGovernment

This is nemo's idea to increase integration between levels of government. This is based on the current Australian seperation of Goverernments into Local (city/shire), State and Federal levels.

Some representatives of each level should be appointed to the senate (or upper house) in the next level up. They can't introduce bills, but they can vote to block and help modify them.

For eg: NSW has 152 local govt areas. It has 42 members in it's legislative counsil (upper house). The problem is how to allow 152 local govts to have a say against the 42 existing members in a fair manner.

At the next level up, there are currently 6 states, and 2 major territories within Australia. There are 76 senators - 12 from each state, and 2 from each territory - these 76 are currently elected directly by the public to represent the states. Instead, they should be entirely, or in-part delegated from state governments.

Pros

• Increased integration between levels of government - Local concerns can be heard at a state level, and state concerns at a federal level, in a direct manner where differences might be actually made.

Cons

• Increased complexity and bureaucracy