When the Coalition was paralysed by whether or not to legislate marriage equality, it turned to the wisdom of the people.

The plebiscite was divisive, an obstacle to marriage equality which could have been dealt with by a free parliamentary vote, and which many queer people felt was a referendum on their dignity.

One of its proponents, the now opposition leader, Peter Dutton, concluded that the postal survey had worked, was appropriate for a “fundamental change” to society, but should not be repeated.

I think a popular vote on what was a human rights question – equality before the law – was a very bad idea.

But more participatory democracy in general is a good idea.

A plebiscite should be held on election day 2025, on nuclear energy.

This too is a contentious public policy issue, requiring legislative change for a new industry, which the Coalition concedes will require a social licence. What better way to test whether the Australian people are up for nuclear than by asking them?

The Albanese government should propose a plebiscite with two questions: first, do you support removing Australia’s ban on civilian nuclear energy? Second, would you support a nuclear........

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