This can be done in several ways:

Electoral integrity:

1. Citizens have better, more consistent information about candidates and promises before they vote

2. Citizens influence outcomes via budgets, projects and policies between elections, through proper engagement under a “rule of law” that constrains ministerial capriciousness. Closing 40 per cent of the CityRail network without an electoral mandate, between elections, and subsiding a private hotel by about $2 billion, as examples, should not be permitted.

Taxation reflects outcomes:

1. Imposts align with benefits within such constraints as local prosperity – Federal and State governments need to balance direct fees and taxes with generalised state funding

2. The outcomes must come from proper democratic engagement so we pay for what we get which is what we wanted. Wanting “80 by 20” faster trains can be a local solution instead of waiting for an intercity “Fast Train” to materialise

Proper communication

1. Citizens understand what is happening without PR smoke ‘n’ mirrors, especially through quality journalism

2. Citizens provide feedback that is heard and valued 

Effectiveness

1. Agencies do what parliament tells them to instead of making it up as they go along (as with the metros that have no electoral legitimacy)

2. Agencies report against promised outcomes instead of just how well they conduct paper warfare.

There is significant controversy in the political blogs about falling standards of professional advice. Governments must stop politicising the Public Service and especially not have un-elected agencies smashing their ways through suburbs and spending our money as though it is water.