Amendment to Strip States of Power Finally Ratified
Two days ago, the state legislature of Tasmania, voted to ratify a constitutional amendment to hand over most authority on economic and social affairs to the federal government. That means that all nine states have now ratified the amendment, and it is now law. Supporters of this amendment state that this finally signifies our transition from a loose confederacy a federal democratic republic and that it is essential to continue our rise as a world power. Those opposed say that the government, based here in Sydney, will only become a tyrannical regime that will be the common enemy of both the states and the people. Prime Minister Downey is quoted as calling these claims "rubbish" and "fear-mongering at the expense of the people."
The collapse of Australia in April 2011, and New Zealand in the following September are still fresh in many minds. The 6 territories on the mainland of Australia became independent and sovereign, but economic depression soon followed. A free trade agreement and military alliance between the countries were signed in September 2012. The two countries that once made up New Zealand were invited to join the agreements in February 2013. Tasmania requested membership one month later. The international community began calling the 9 countries the Austral Union.
This alliance was far from a union though. Bickering was common among member states, and twice a war almost erupted, once between New South Wales and Victoria over control of Canberra, and once between South Australia and West Australia. Finally, in May 2014, a constitution was ratified, stripping the 9 states of their sovereign status, and establishing a new sovereign central government in Sydney, with the authority to manage affairs between states, and to manage foreign affairs. Finally the states were united.
The Austral Union boasted the worlds fastest growing economy from August 2014 to November 2015. However, a train wreck was in sight, as each states economic policy was different. The different economies ranged from centrally planned to laissez-faire. In December 2015, disaster was avoided when an amendment to the constitution passed allowing the federal government to guide the general economic policy of the nation. Economic growth held steady from then on, and in Q3 2019, the size of the economy surpassed March 2011 levels. The Australs were back.
The economy was hit with a recession all of 2020, but a highly controversial economic stimulus and health care reform act were passed in the spring of 2021. The economy began growing, but both bills were determined unconstitutional in July 2021, by the court system. The following day, the amendment was submitted, and passed parliament to be approved by the states. Since then, the government has focused on building up the armed forces until the amendment was ratified. Yesterday, a slew of bills, part of Downey's vision for the nation, passed parliament and were signed by the prime minister. These bills were already written and debated, but were waiting for the amendment to be passed.
Among these bills is a plan to provide aid to the elderly, mentally disabled, and unemployed. A universal health care act that nationalizes the nations health care system. There are financial reform bills as well as new regulation for the energy industry and other things. Money is also being appropriated to boost the growth of Sydney and Melbourne. A universal declaration of human rights has also been passed.
The Prime Minister believes that these programs and other changes are essential to make a better nation. We all must hope he is right. Top economists predict that the economy could grow as much as 15% in the coming month. This is our future, and we all must work together if it is to be for the better.