Electoral reform is well overdue but any changes must be fair and subject to proper parliamentary process and scrutiny Independent ACT Senator David Pocock argues.
“No one wants to see a situation where big money buys elections and electoral reform is well overdue in Australia but any changes must preserve a level playing field,” Senator Pocock said.
“I am deeply concerned that the legislation being introduced on Monday is a major party stitch up that subverts parliamentary process and seeks to lock out more community independents.
“This would be terrible for our democracy and communities across the country looking for more grassroots representation.
“This is a secret deal cooked up between the major parties who are clearly terrified of minority government. The Government has shared no detail of this reform with us since June.
“These are major reforms with far reaching impacts and the suggestion that they won’t be subject to a senate inquiry is damaging to our democracy.
“The JSECM inquiry was important in shaping high level principles but a close examination of the drafting is clearly warranted.
“It’s also essential that truth in political advertising is part of the reform with new protections put in place ahead of the next election, especially banning the use of generative AI.”
“And Canberrans want to see Labor honour its commitment to fairer representation to the Territories with an increase in senators.”
More detail about the reforms Senator Pocock is pushing is contained in his additional comments to the JSCEM report here.