THE NSW Parliament will re-open for business next month when The Daily Telegraph takes over the NSW Legislative Assembly and gives the state's brightest minds the chance to tell politicians how to get NSW moving again.

We will convene the unique People's Parliament - a gathering of 60 Daily Telegraph readers and other experts - charged with the job of coming up with ideas, priorities and a blueprint for getting this state back on track.

To be held in Parliament House on March 1 and under the direction of the House Speaker Richard Torbay, this is the first step to rebuilding Australia's greatest state.

It's also an unprecedented opportunity for ordinary Australians to have their say at democracy's highest level.

Their opinions will help to shape the government and the future we want after the March 26 election.

For more than a decade, NSW has been allowed to drift.

We've lost power, authority and, just as importantly, confidence. By returning parliament to the people, The Daily Telegraph and our panels of experts plan to arrest this slide.

The rebirth begins on March 1, just weeks before the crucial state vote.

Our experts cover the field from business to education, community groups to sport and health. Our forum of citizens will present to the People's Parliament their vital concerns and issues.

What all of these participants have in common is their belief in NSW and their faith in the state's future.

The Daily Telegraph is proud to bring them together. Our role here is straightforward. We share public distress over our state's woes and have determination to act.

And Premier Kristina Keneally's decision to shut down parliament two months early allows us to do just that.

By giving voice to NSW's champions, we hope to identify the major issues and provide dynamic solutions.

Enough of peering into the rear view mirror. Enough of petty partisan politics. Now is the time to look forward and begin planning so that NSW once again reclaims its national leadership.

The People's Parliament is an exercise in optimism. We see a bright, shining future for this state, liberated from past infighting and institutional decay. It all starts with identifying solutions and pursuing their resolution.

In years to come, when NSW is restored to its full energy and enthusiasm, we may look back on this ambitious project as a great turning point. Mr Speaker, we commend to you the power of the People's Parliament.

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HOW IT WORKS

* The People's Parliament will be held on Tuesday, March 1, in the chamber of Parliament House, the oldest democratic institution in the country.

* Instead of 93 MPs there will be 93 voters, including high-profile experts and community leaders.

* There will be five sessions, each featuring the top minds and biggest players in their fields.

* The areas are Law and Order, Jobs and the Economy, Health and Hospitals, Transport and Infrastructure, and Education and Youth.

* At the end of each session a set of proposals will be put to a vote.

* The proposals with majority support will be presented to Kristina Keneally and Barry O'Farrell with a formal request that they are implemented by whichever party is elected.

* It will be broadcast live on Sky News, hosted by David Speers, and on our website dailytelegraph.com.au. It will be chaired by the Speaker of the House Richard Torbay.

* To be one of the 60 readers involved in this landmark event, visit dailytelegraph.com.au and tell us why you'd like to take part.


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/let-the-people-be-heard/story-fn6bm6am-12260010...

mellie wrote on Feb 7^th, 2011 at 6:22am:


Are you suggesting that this proposal is a government initiative, mellie?