Yesterday there was an announcement in the crikey.com.au daily email about a new electronic political weekly called New Matilda.

See the annoucement below, and please register for more information at: www.newmatilda.com.au

I really like the sound of what they stand for:

What we propose

A national, independent electronic political weekly newsletter that will
• Break news that is relevant to a more modern and generous spirited Australia.
• Professionally analyse events and issues. There is so much information, ‘but what does it mean’?
• Innovate policy. We will maintain a steady course on the big policy issues. For example, we will aim to develop a health policy for Australia. We will do this through public discussion in the newsletter.
• Create a constituency of change by nurturing the confidence and convictions of disaffected people, and re-engaging the discouraged,
Why we propose this newsletter

Existing media is predictable and tightly controlled. ‘Spin’ is corrupting public debate. Parochialism and fear are promoted. There is little policy innovation.

There is anger in the community over the leaching away of honesty, decency and ‘loss of soul’. That anger must be tempered with hope and channelled into action.

Electronic technology offers new opportunities. With internet, the centres of power are now less stable.

Our editorial position

Pluralist, liberal and relevant to a modern and more humane Australia.

Public life must be based on enduring values – truth and openness, respect for all, justice, fairness and human flourishing. We will not be value neutral.

Community and personal relationships and social cohesion are critical for a well functioning society.

Prosperity must have a social and moral purpose.

Australians have the right to fully participate in their institutions, eg political parties, business.

The excluded and disadvantaged will have a special place in our activities. Equal opportunity must be linked to personal responsibility.

Our international standing and pursuit of justice and peace depend not just on economic and military strength, but on the values we hold and project.

The response to terrorism must be based on international cooperation, intelligence and security, but also on the factors that provide a breeding ground for terrorism – injustice and poverty.

Who is the newsletter directed to?

People from all parties who feel disenfranchised by existing institutions, political parties and processes. Many are reluctant and disillusioned ALP voters. Others are moderate Liberal voters seeking a more caring response on such issues as reconciliation and refugees. Others again vote Green, Democrat or Independent.

We seek to draw together people with similar values. We will provide an inter-generational forum for new people with new ideas. Many are tired of the sermonising of the Left and the Right.

How we are proceeding

We have established a private company. The board is Hilary McPhee, Bill Gurry, Michael Henry, Rod Cameron, Susie Carleton, Lisa Bowman and John Menadue (Chair). The board has endorsed the business plan.

Supporters include John Button, Elizabeth Evatt, Lowitja O’Donoghue, John Clarke, Morry Schwartz, Robert Manne, Peter Redlich, Ian Macphee, Evan Thornley, Rebecca Huntley, Hugh Mackay, Michael Kelly, Peter Tyson, Graham Freudenberg, Julian Burnside, Stephen Duckett, Julianne Schultz, Eva Cox and Duncan Turpie.

We will shortly be appointing an editor, assistant editor (policy development) and business manager. A number of contributing editors will be appointed.

We will shortly issue an invitation to subscribe/donate. The estimated operating cost in the first full year is $380,000. We will initially raise $250,000 in shares and donations. We have pledges to date of over $220,000.

Our subscription target at the end of the second year, is 7,500 @ $50 per annum ($375,000). We will be seeking bulk subscriptions from government agencies, unions, corporations and professional firms. We plan to launch in July/August 2004.

www.newmatilda.com.au has been set up to register initial interest. We aim to have 2,500 on the register before launch. Will you help by registering your name. Could you also copy this email to interested friends.

Contact

New Matilda Pty Ltd, PO box 1025, Surry Hills, NSW, 2010

Donations: New Matilda Pty Ltd, Acct No.10152919, Commonwealth Bank, BSB 062258.

John.menadue [at] newmatilda.com.au

John Menadue

Chair 19 May 2004