PREMIER Jay Weatherill is being accused of producing “fluff and nonsense” in his campaign to overhaul democracy itself rather than focusing on creating jobs and growing the economy.

In a 24-page Reforming Democracy paper released last night, the Government promises a “week-long festival exploring the themes of collaboration, innovation and democracy” and further citizens’ juries.

The Government was yesterday unable to provide further details about the festival, apart from the document’s pledge that it would include “innovative public participation opportunities, collaboration challenge events, award ceremonies and a conference”.

The word “jobs” does not appear in the high-level policy document, which is laced with bureaucratic language such as “foresighting” and “collaborative economy pilots”.

It has been dismissed as “fluff” by the Opposition, which says the Government has ignored community views on controversial issues including closing the Repat Hospital.

Mr Weatherill, who released the document at Parliament House last night, says the Government is responding to a broad community view that average people have been excluded from decision making, and deserve a bigger say.

The public deserved more say than casting a vote every four years at elections, he said,

“People should have more opportunity to be involved in decisions that affect their lives,” Mr Weatherill said. “Too many people feel locked out of government decision-making.

“To build the society we want, and the new economy we need, this must change.”

Other elements include promises for two more citizens’ juries by the end of 2017. Two of the forums, which gather a cross section of the community to recommend changes in controversial policy areas, havebeen held - into Adelaide’s night-life and how the regulation of dog and cat ownership, breeding and sale should change. It comes after Mr Weatherill last week pledged to press ahead with plans to move SA’s timezone forward, despite lukewarm popular support. He said the Government would be reduced to little more than a calculator if it only considered community views.

Mr Weatherill took the Labor leadership in 2011 by promising the Government’s “announce and defend” approach would be replaced by a “debate and decide” outlook.

The Government will investigate “participatory budgeting”, for the public to have a more direct say in how taxes are spent. Four “partnerships” between the Government and business or not-for-profit organisations can receive up to $50,000 each.

Opposition Deputy Leader Vickie Chapman said the Government “has a track record of failing to listen to South Australians” on issues including the Repat closure.

“If the Premier was genuine about listening to South Australians, he would start listening to them rather than inventing week-long collaboration festivals,” she said.

“This latest fluff and nonsense will do absolutely nothing to build a better SA.

“Get on with fixing the economy, creating jobs and building a real future for our state.”

Property Council of Australia SA executive director Daniel Gannon, a former citizens’ jury participant, said the Government had shown decisive leadership with tax cuts and further vision and leadership were needed.

“Confidence is built on the back of tax reform, planning reform, and a clear plan to transition our economy,” Mr Gannon said.