38/2009
23 September 2009
Special Minister of State, Senator Joe Ludwig, today released the second part of the Rudd Government’s consultation process on electoral reform.
“The Government’s second Electoral Reform Green Paper – Strengthening Australia’s Democracy, considers a range of ideas aimed at improving our national electoral processes generally,” Senator Ludwig said.
“Many of our electoral laws originate from a time before computers or modern communications. It’s important we take stock of the laws so we have a system that makes sense for the 21st Century.”
“The options raised in this paper aim to deal with the changes occurring in our electoral environment, including changes in population and technology and opportunities for streamlining laws between the Commonwealth and the states and territories.”
“The scope of this paper is broader than the first Green Paper, which raised questions in relation to Australia’s electoral funding and disclosure arrangements.”
Issues raised for public comment include:
Senator Ludwig said the Rudd Government has consulted the states and territories in developing this Green Paper.
“Since 1918, the Electoral Act has had only one major rewrite, and that was 25 years ago,” he said.
“The Government’s Green Paper process on electoral reform is intended to provide an opportunity for broad engagement across the range of matters relevant to electoral law.”
“The success of this process largely depends on the level of debate and discussion within the wider community.”
“I am inviting public comments on this Green Paper by 27 November 2009.”
The Green Paper is available at www.pmc.gov.au and submissions can be made by email, post or fax.
In addition to inviting written submissions, an online discussion forum will be open from Monday 9 November to Friday 13 November.
“The online forum will provide an opportunity for the community to provide comments and engage with each other in relation to the matters raised in this paper,” Senator Ludwig said.
Details on written submissions and the online forum can be found online at www.pmc.gov.au
| Media Contact: | Website: |
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| Sarah Cosson - 0423 823 843 or (02) 6277 7600 | www.cabinetsecretary.gov.au www.smos.gov.au |