33/2010
16 June 2010
Special Minister of State, Senator Joe Ludwig, today called on the Senate to support the Rudd Government’s package of electoral reforms which will bring the Commonwealth Electoral Act into the 21st century.
The four Electoral and Referendum Amendment Bills were passed by the House of Representatives today.
“These four Bills will make participation in elections easier, including restoring the seven day close of rolls period which was unnecessarily and unjustifiably abolished by the Howard Government,” Senator Ludwig said.
The Liberal and National Parties opposed these provisions in the House, as well as changes to remove onerous proof of identity requirements on provisional voters.
“It is disappointing to see the Coalition continuing to support policies which have lead to the disenfranchisement of tens of thousands of ordinary Australians,” Senator Ludwig said.
“The Rudd Government wants all Australians to be able to cast their vote, and have that vote counted – the Abbott Opposition wants to exclude as many Australians from the electoral roll as possible.”
The Coalition also expressed their opposition to provisions which would improve privacy and streamline postal vote applications, and make enrolment by homeless persons easier.
“This is just opposition for opposition’s sake,” Senator Ludwig said.
“The Rudd Government will continue to seek to improve the operation of the Commonwealth Electoral Act, and to remove barriers to electoral participation.”
“We will now seek the support of the minor parties and Senator Xenophon, and I call on the Opposition to reconsider their position and support the Bills.”
| Media Contact: | Website: |
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| Sarah McSporran — 0423 823 843 | www.cabinetsecretary.gov.au www.smos.gov.au |