Page 4832 - Week 15 - Thursday, 8 December 1994
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .
I think it is a little hard to argue, though, that compulsory voting is an essential principle of the Hare-Clark system, since it operates in such places around the world as Malta and Ireland, where there is not compulsory voting. If the Chief Minister argues that compulsory voting is an essential requirement of democracy, which she seemed to be saying - - -
Ms Follett: I am.
MR HUMPHRIES: She is saying that. Then, apparently, Australia is one of only three democracies in the entire world. Only Colombia and one other place - I cannot remember what the other place is - - -
Mr De Domenico: Is it Vanuatu?
MR HUMPHRIES: It could be Vanuatu. I do not know. There are only two other places in the entire world that have compulsory voting. So, I am very pleased that the Chief Minister thinks that Australia is one of only three democratic countries in the whole world; but that is perhaps going slightly too far.
Madam Speaker, the other issue is that of the 17 members of the Assembly. Again, I argue that that could hardly be described as an essential element of the Hare-Clark system, because Hare-Clark is used elsewhere without 17 members. I think it is a bit difficult to make that case. But, again, I think it is a fair enough argument to say that, if members, politicians or parties wished to change the number of members of the Assembly, they should take the issue to a referendum. That is why, on both of these scores, the Liberal Party will support the amendments to be moved by the Government.
Madam Speaker, let me finally pose the question: Why are we doing this? Why are we going down this path? Yesterday in question time I asked the Chief Minister to indicate whether she, on behalf of her Government, could rule out the adoption of above-the-line voting now or in the future. The Chief Minister gave an answer which was fairly disparaging. She accused me of pulling a stunt and said in the end that the Government has no plans to do so. Mr Berry shakes his head. Obviously, he agrees that the Government has no plans at this stage. But the point is, of course, that that is not the same thing as was being sought. That is not a guarantee that this Government has put it to one side. I can give a commitment on behalf of my party that we will never put forward above-the-line voting for the Hare-Clark electoral system. I do not need to qualify it or say, "This is only our present plan", or "It is good for six months", or something. I can give an unequivocal guarantee of that. The question remains: Why can the Chief Minister not do that?
I think it is also worth noting, Madam Speaker, that throughout 1992 and 1993 I persistently asked the question of the Chief Minister and put to the Chief Minister that there was a necessity to have no above-the-line voting, and no modification of the Robson rotation principles. When I asked those questions in this place and out in the electorate I was persistently accused of rumourmongering, of scaremongering, of beating up an issue and of telling lies.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .