16/2010
18 March 2010
Special Minister of State, Senator Joe Ludwig, today outlined the Rudd Government’s response to the report of the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters into the conduct of the 2007 election.
Senator Ludwig reiterated the Government’s commitment to facilitating and protecting electoral participation as part of the Government’s response.
“The Australian Electoral Act has not been the subject of significant change for more than 25 years,” Senator Ludwig said.
“At any given time, the Australian Electoral Commission estimates there are more than one million people missing from the electoral roll.”
“The Rudd Government is interested in removing the barriers that prevent Australians from voting, to ensure maximum participation in the electoral process.”
The Government supports 47 of the Committee’s recommendations (in whole in principle and in part) including:
“The Rudd Government has already moved to implement some of the Committee’s recommendations,” Senator Ludwig said.
“The Electoral and Referendum Amendment (Close of Rolls and Other Measures) Bill 2010 adopts six key elements of the report.”
“What’s more the Government has provided $13 million over four years to close the gap in areas of Indigenous disadvantage by improving the electoral participation of Indigenous Australians.”
“We will also draft legislation to enact other measures in the Committee’s response to facilitate and protect enrolment.”
| Media Contact: | Website: |
|---|---|
| Senator Ludwig's Office - Sarah Cosson - 0423 823 843 or (02) 6277 7600 | www.cabinetsecretary.gov.au www.smos.gov.au |