That is such a good question, Flinders - how -do- citizens get things changed at a level above even the heads of our judges?
I guess the one way I know about is increasing awareness. Peaceful, non-angry rallies that are designed to voice to our local, State and Federal Governments that the same public who votes them all into office demands reform, en masse, are a start...
Look at the influence of the Gay Pride parades, around the world. They are joyful events, but their message is very clear and that sort of rallying in a sustained (and highly publicised) way puts a lot of pressure on politicians to review current law.
I'd like to see the kind of protest I used to participate in, back in the 80's and 90's, with mass gatherings in public parks, lots of guest speakers (including politicians and experts in law and social welfare) and an atmosphere of people all being in agreement that indeed, enough is enough... wonderful days, and memorable protests that weren't just exercises in venting livers, but hugely educational as well.
It's a monumental effort to organise and publicise such a thing, but it IS do-able if people work together!
One of my last public speaking gigs was to a hall full of folks, on the subject of self-empowerment. At one point, I went off-topic (in a way) when I was moved to ask the 100 or so persons present to please raise their hand if they'd ever in their lives suffered sexual abuse.
Out of 100 people, maybe 80 put their hands up. I could not make a sound, it shocked me so deeply.. and the emotion that jolted through the room was intense - lots of tears, but lots of smiles and words of mutual support, too. The power of people pulling together for a good cause should never be underestimated.
I am sure there's many other ways to approach the issue with a view to encouraging real change, I'd love to hear of some. I was never great at political red tape. Just soapboxing.
