Page 1147 - Week 04 - Thursday, 21 April 1994
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MS FOLLETT (Chief Minister and Treasurer) (12.44): Madam Speaker, I move the Government amendment No. 55, which reads as follows:
55. Page 77, lines 3 and 4, proposed new paragraph 190(1)(b), omit the paragraph, substitute the following paragraph:
"(b) arrange for a notice containing particulars relating to each candidate (other than any suppressed address) to be displayed at the office of the Commissioner.".
Under this amendment proposed new section 190(1)(b) will be amended to bring the requirements for publication of casual vacancy candidates' details into line with the equivalent provisions for candidates contesting general elections. As it stands, new paragraph 190(1)(b) can be taken to require the Electoral Commissioner to publicise the details of candidates, with suppressed addresses. This was not intended. This amendment will ensure that candidates' suppressed addresses will not be made public under this provision.
MR HUMPHRIES (12.45): Madam Speaker, I have no objection to that change; but I do note that another change is effected by the amendment, and that is to replace the reference to specific information being made available - that is, name, address and occupation - with a less specific requirement that particulars relating to the candidate be displayed. I assume that the effect of that is to allow the commissioner to decide whether he or she thinks a candidate's occupation should be displayed. My feeling is that we should know - and particulars should be displayed to this effect - the name, the address, except in the circumstances indicated, and the occupation of the person concerned. I think that is relevant information. I do not propose to move an amendment; but I would like some commitment from the Chief Minister, as Minister responsible for the commission, that "particulars" does not mean that in the future we will stop publishing the occupation of the person concerned.
MR MOORE (12.46): While the Chief Minister is working that one out, Madam Speaker, perhaps she may suggest whether age will be included as part of "particulars". "Particulars" is a generic term. Previously something like age was excluded, whereas it is possible that that will be published. Although I do not mind people knowing that I am 44, there are - - -
Mr Humphries: Forty-four?
MR MOORE: Yes. It is hard to believe when I look so young, is it not, Gary? Even though that is the case, I know that there are some people who feel that it is inappropriate.
MS FOLLETT (Chief Minister and Treasurer) (12.46): In relation to the matter that Mr Humphries has raised, I am advised that that could be taken up administratively. It should not prove to be any sort of a problem.
Amendment agreed to.
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