I am writing because I wanted to give advance notice to all committee members that I intend to bring up the issue of the Garnaut emissions trading submission. I believe it concerns three very important issues for this group – the first is accountability – or perhaps more properly democratic accountability. The second is consensus versus majority decision making. The third is inclusive versus exclusive discussion.

Taking each in turn –

1. I should say right from the outset that I am not on a witch hunt for Rob Parker, or anyone else who selflessly worked to produce a detailed response for the Garnaut submission. However, Rob had no right to sign us up for nuclear power, knowing how contentious an issue it is for this group. I reiterate – until we have discussed the nuclear issue in more detail and reached a position we cannot give in principal support to the nuclear industry, whether as a primary energy source, or as a fallback position. I again call for our submission to be recalled and re-submitted without reference to nuclear power.

2. We must decide the basis on which we will vote and accept a position of policy within the group. My contention is that we should go with a majority set at, say, 75% of a quorum of members. We are a disparate group with a common aim and we are not going to get far or remain a cohesive group for long if we attempt to reach a consensus position on matters that are by their very nature, controversial.

3. We must open all our debates, whether committee or general, to the full membership of Canwin. I think that this process of restricted email lists (such as I am engaged in now!!) is excluding people from debates that they have every right to be a part of, and is affecting Canwin as a group detrimentally. We can do this easily via discussion lists and several other means if necessary. This means that noone HAS to receive the information, but those who do wish to CAN. I find the current situation is elitist and undemocratic in the extreme. It excludes the majority of our members from “observing” committee (and other) debates, and prevents them from participating as and when they choose to do so.

I look forward to seeing you all on Sunday.

Regards,

andrew General