From Switzerland to Taiwan – What Australia Can Learn from Direct Democracy

By Vincent Marty – Founder of Aussies Power

Introduction: Why Australia is Falling Behind

Australia likes to call itself a democracy, but the truth is sobering: the power to make laws rests with a political elite.

While other nations are pioneering direct democracy and digital governance, Australia is stuck in a two-party monopoly where citizens have almost no real influence between elections.

Meanwhile, Switzerland, Taiwan, and Estonia have shown that giving citizens real decision-making power is not only possible but delivers better governance, stronger economies, and higher public trust.

So why are we being left behind? And more importantly—how do we catch up?

1. Switzerland: The Gold Standard of Direct Democracy

Switzerland has built the world’s most respected model of direct democracy. Citizens vote on national policies several times a year, ensuring decisions reflect the will of the people, not party elites.

How it Works in Switzerland:

  • Citizens can propose new laws or veto existing ones through referendums.

  • All major reforms must be put to a public vote.

  • Governments cannot pass unpopular legislation without majority approval.

Results:

  • Higher public trust in institutions.

  • Low corruption and political stability.

  • Policies that reflect the long-term interests of citizens, not lobbyists.

Lesson for Australia:
If the Swiss can vote directly on issues as complex as tax, healthcare, and immigration—so can we. The real obstacle here isn’t feasibility—it’s that politicians fear losing control.

Aussies Power Solution: Introduce citizen-initiated referendums and policy veto power, secured through blockchain technology, making Australia’s laws directly accountable to the people.

2. Taiwan: Digital Democracy in Action

Taiwan has become a global leader in digital democracy, proving that technology can bridge the gap between citizens and government.

How it Works in Taiwan:

  • The g0v (gov-zero) movement enables citizens to debate and co-create policies online.

  • The government uses AI and digital platforms to gather feedback before passing laws.

  • Public consultation is mandatory for controversial or large-scale reforms.

Results:

  • Higher citizen engagement and transparency.

  • Faster adaptation to crises, such as pandemic response.

  • A culture of accountability and shared governance.

Lesson for Australia:
We already trust secure apps for banking, healthcare, and taxes. Why not for democracy?

Aussies Power Solution: Launch a national digital platform for public consultation and debate, supported by AI fact-checking and neutral policy summaries so Australians can vote with clarity and confidence.

3. Estonia: The World’s First Fully Digital Government

Estonia is often called the e-democracy capital of the world. Almost every government service—from voting to healthcare—is digital, secure, and efficient.

How it Works in Estonia:

  • Citizens vote online using secure ID verification.

  • Blockchain technology prevents tampering or fraud.

  • Government services are streamlined, reducing bureaucracy and corruption.

Results:

  • High voter turnout thanks to online access.

  • Greater transparency in government services.

  • A leaner, more cost-effective state.

Lesson for Australia:
If a small nation like Estonia can digitise government, Australia—with far greater resources—has no excuse.

Aussies Power Solution: Implement a blockchain-secured voting app so every citizen can participate in national decision-making, anytime, anywhere.

Why Australia Resists Reform

If direct democracy works so well, why haven’t our leaders embraced it? The answer is simple:

  • They Fear Losing Control. Direct democracy removes power from politicians and puts it in the hands of the people.

  • Corporate Lobbyists Lose Influence. In a citizen-driven system, money cannot buy policies.

  • The Two-Party Monopoly Collapses. Without party-line control, the political class loses its grip on power.

That’s why meaningful reform won’t come from within Parliament. It must come from the people—through Aussies Power.

Aussies Power: A Hybrid Model for Australia’s Future

Aussies Power brings together the best lessons from Switzerland, Taiwan, and Estonia into one Australian-made model:

  • Like Switzerland: Citizen-initiated referendums and veto powers.

  • Like Taiwan: Digital consultation and policy co-creation.

  • Like Estonia: Secure blockchain voting for full transparency.

This hybrid system means governance finally works for Australians—not for politicians, not for donors, not for lobbyists.

Final Thoughts: Time to Lead, Not Lag

Australia is decades behind while other nations prove that direct, digital democracy strengthens freedom, reduces corruption, and empowers citizens.

We can keep clinging to a broken two-party system—or we can lead the world by adopting a governance model that is transparent, secure, and people-powered.

The choice is ours.

Aussies Power is the only movement offering a real alternative. It’s time to end the illusion of democracy and build a system where Australians decide their future directly.

Join the movement today. The future of Australia is in your hands.

Written by Vincent Marty – Founder of Aussies Power. Reproduction is permitted provided the original author is credited.