Saffin welcomes debate on modernising electoral system
September 28, 2009
Page MP Janelle Saffin says she welcomes debate on modernising our electoral system as outlined in the recently released Electoral Reform Green Paper: Strengthening Australia’s Democracy.
At Yamba’s University of the 3rd Age in Yamba on Monday, Ms Saffin took the opportunity to open discussion on some of the issues raised in the Green Paper including the idea of lowering the voting age to 16 or 17.
“The issues raised in the paper are ones I strongly feel should be open for consideration and debate,” she said.
“Unlike the Opposition, who believe democracy would be endangered by debate on issues such as lowering the voting age to 16, I feel democracy is in fact endangered by being fearful and not defending it in any way we can.
“The Electoral Act has only had one major rewrite, so these reforms are long overdue.
“The green paper highlights the need to consider modernising federal electoral laws so they properly reflect the current population and the reality of modern-day Australia.”
Issues raised in the Green Paper include:
* the growing use and reliance on technology, which provides many prospects for the electoral system
* the need to maximise participation in elections — 2.3 million people entitled to vote in the 2007 election didn’t fully exercise their franchise
* the need for greater harmonisation between federal, State and Territory governments
* the need to take into consideration the changing character and composition of Australia’s population.
Ms Saffin said she is happy that these matters are now open for discussion.
“We need to ensure that laws are in place to prevent occurrences such as the atrocious behaviour on behalf of the previous government which endorsed changes to the electoral enrolment process in 2006 that prevented hundreds of people from voting in the 2007 election,” she said.
“I encourage local groups and individuals to contribute to debate on these matters. Submissions can be made by November 27, 2009.”
The Green Paper and information on registering for an online discussion is available at
http://www.pmc.gov.au/consultation/elect_reform/strengthening_democracy/index.cfm
Information is also available from the Secretariat on 02 6271 5499.
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