Why are Petitions Ineffective ?

When a group of people share a common opinion in regards to an issue they feel strongly about, they will usually put a petition together, in the hope that positive change can be made when enough people put their signatures onto a piece of paper. Petitions are useful in some situations, they are often used within Parliament, and can sometimes be effective when enough public awareness and public pressure is focused upon the issue at hand.

In the legal sense, only the first signature in a petition has any weight. For example, if a number of people signed a petition to stop the government from doing an unfavourable action (such as introduce smart electricity meters that they want us to pay for just so they can increase their rates,  increase fines to boost revenue, privatise energy retailers, and the list goes on), the receiving body would only formally respond to the first signature in the petition, and is in no way obligated to do anything about it.

Compare the two dictionary definitions below.

Petition

–noun
1. a formally drawn request, often bearing the names of a number of those making the request, that is addressed to a person or group of persons in authority or power, soliciting some favor, right, mercy, or other benefit: a petition for clemency; a petition for the repeal of an unfair law.
2. a request made for something desired, esp. a respectful or humble request, as to a superior or to one of those in authority;

–verb (used with object)
5. to beg for or request

Mandate

–noun
1. a command or authorization to act in a particular way on a public issue given by the electorate to its representative: The president had a clear mandate to end the war.
2. a command from a superior court or official to a lower one.
3. an authoritative order or command: a royal mandate.

–verb  (used  with  object)
10. to authorize or decree (a particular action), as by the enactment of law.
11. to order or require; make mandatory: to mandate sweeping changes in the election process.

Dictionary Sources
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/petition
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/mandate

Can you notice the stark difference ?
To someone that doesn’t realise the ultimate power and authority in a democracy lies with the people. The people in government are our elected representatives, a lot of people tend to forget that. It’s no wonder though, and isn’t it interesting that they word the laws they introduce as being “in force”, and they generally label themselves as the “authority”. Things are changing though, eg, The Road Traffic Authority is now known as Vic Roads.

If the government wants to introduce a new policy, then they should be petitioning the people, not the other way around!

What is a Peoples’ Mandate ?
If you desire a change from the government, then the proper process is to express Your Will. When enough people express their will, 51% of the affected people in any given location (eg, your local shire, state or across the country), then it becomes a Peoples’ Mandate. A democratic government cannot ignore a Peoples’ Mandate, plain and simple, as the people are the authority, and when the people express their will in the correct manner, our elected representatives must obey, as they are public servants after all.

An Organised Committee is the best way to put forward a Peoples’ Mandate

The best way to get a Peoples’ Mandate in action is to have an organised committee of people, each with their own respective roles. By working as a team your message can be delivered more effectively with the support you need. There are some online resources that can assist with finding like minded people, here are some examples. Note that most groups simply use petitions, which you now know are not effective. Enlighten them on the right way to go about it with a Peoples’ Mandate!

Can Do Better

Get Up Australia

Recommended Books

All of these can be bought from the Australian League of Rights bookshop.

Your Will Be Done (download as PDF) – contains sample letters on how to express Your Will.

I’m only one – what can I do? by Bruce Chapman
http://catalogue.nla.gov.au/Record/1342903

Your Will Be Done by Arthur A. Chresby
http://isbndb.com/d/book/your_will_be_done_a01.html
http://isbndb.com/d/book/your_will_be_done.html
http://catalogue.nla.gov.au/Record/2830439
http://catalogue.nla.gov.au/Record/1596682

Towards Better Government by Arthur A. Chresby
http://isbndb.com/d/book/towards_better_government.html

How to get what you want : elements of organization, strategy and tactics by Arthur A. Chresby
http://catalogue.nla.gov.au/Record/183542