PRESS RELEASE: Australians for Better Government Calls for Citizens Initiated Veto Amid Political Broken Promises
WEDNESDAY, 27 MAY 2026
Australians for Better Government is calling for the urgent introduction of a Citizens Initiated Veto (CIV) mechanism to empower everyday Australians to repeal legislation and bills that betray political promises or undermine the public interest.
Modelled on Citizens’ Initiated Referenda systems operating effectively in Switzerland and various US states, CIV would enable Australians to collect signatures, from a threshold of enrolled voters, to trigger a binding plebiscite on whether to repeal or veto specific laws passed by Parliament.
ABG believes the mechanism would complement Australia’s parliamentary system, activating only when substantial voter support is clearly demonstrated through the formal petition process. This would provide a direct democratic safeguard without constant disruption to governance.
“Broken promises have become too common in Australian politics, leaving voters feeling powerless and disillusioned,” ABG President Steven Tripp said today. “We need to build more accountability into our political system. Citizens Initiated Veto would give Australians a direct and democratic safeguard to hold governments to account when they renege on key election commitments.”
ABG has highlighted the Albanese Labor Government’s repeated claims it would not change negative gearing or the capital gains tax discount as a clear and recent example of such a breach of trust.
“Not only did the Government’s claim of not changing these taxes influence people’s votes at the last election, but it also influenced the investment decisions for millions of Australians. There needs to be accountability for broken promises that directly impact the lives of Australians,” Mr. Tripp said.
“Broken political promises are seen across the political spectrum and it damages public confidence in the political process.”
Australians for Better Government believes CIV would repair faith in democracy by ensuring that major legislative changes with significant community impact cannot be imposed without genuine popular consent.
ABG is urging all State and Federal parliamentarians to support the introduction of Citizens Initiated Veto as a practical and overdue reform to make Australian government more responsive, accountable and trustworthy to the people it serves.
ENDS
About Australians for Better Government
Australians for Better Government is a non-partisan advocacy organisation dedicated to reforming Australia’s democratic processes. Through education, public events, and policy advocacy, ABG works to promote greater accountability, transparency, and genuine representation in government for the benefit of all Australians.
For Editors
Contact: Steven Tripp, ABG President, Email: steven.tripp@australiansforbetter.com,
Tel: +61 433 401 281, Website: https://www.australiansforbetter.com
Further comments and photos are available immediately, on request.
