03/2010
11 February 2010
The Rudd Government has introduced a bill into parliament which fulfils an election commitment to reinstate the close of rolls period for a federal election.
The Electoral Referendum Amendment (Close of Rolls and Other Measures) Bill 2010 restores the close of rolls period to seven days after the issuing of the writs.
“This bill will ensure that no unnecessary hurdles are placed in the way of ordinary Australians who simply wish to exercise their democratic right to vote,” Special Minister of State, Senator Joe Ludwig, said.
“Prior to the 2007 election, the Howard Government amended the Commonwealth Electoral Act to close the electoral roll to new enrolments on the same day as the issue of the writ. These changes disenfranchised many potential voters.”
“The Rudd Government committed to restoring the close of rolls period to ensure new voters had sufficient time to be included on the electoral roll for a federal election.”
The bill meets another election commitment by repealing the requirement for provisional voters to provide evidence of identity before their vote is counted.
“This requirement was put in place by the Howard Government and, like the close of rolls provision, disenfranchised ordinary Australian voters.”
“At the 2007 election, about a quarter of provisional voters were unable to produce evidence of identity on polling day,” Senator Ludwig said.
“With only 20% of electors producing evidence after the election, 27,000 votes weren’t counted in the 2007 election.”
The bill also responds to an issue raised in the recent Bradfield by-election and limits political parties to one endorsed candidate in each electorate.
Finally, the bill makes a range of amendments to modernise the Commonwealth Electoral Act, including allowing voters to electronically update their enrolment.
“The Rudd Government is committed to facilitating and protecting enrolment, including removing unnecessary barriers which prevent a person from exercising their vote,” Senator Ludwig said.
| Media Contact: | Website: |
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| Sarah Cosson - 0423 823 843 or (02) 6277 7600 | www.cabinetsecretary.gov.au www.smos.gov.au |