Page 5367 - Week 14 - Thursday, 30 November 2017
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
Matters that the committee found generated most interest during its inquiry included: the proposal for a lower voting age; the best way to ensure that political donations are regulated; third-party campaigners; the need for and nature of the 100-metre rule; the growth in pre-polling and the emergence of e-voting; corflutes in a Canberra context; and accessibility of the polling process to all.
The committee’s report makes 23 recommendations. The committee has recommended action in these areas: an opt-in SMS scheme for electors who received a fine for not voting at the last ACT election to ensure that they receive a number of reminders in the lead up to, and on, voting day; clarification around social media authorisations; and an adjustment of the penalty for failing to vote.
The committee heard a number of views on lowering the voting age for ACT elections and acknowledges that the community’s views on lowering the voting age are unclear. Also, there are practical issues regarding the current legislative requirements. The committee has, therefore, recommended that the ACT retain the current minimum age of 18 for voting.
The committee discussed on-the-day enrolment to vote, but could not resolve a recommendation on that matter. The committee has addressed several issues relating to the apparent overlap of functions of members as MLAs, members of the executive, political candidates and private citizens. In this context, the committee has also recommended a review of and the implications of the communications allowances and office arrangements to ensure that MLAs are able to adequately carry out their functions and communicate with constituents in a world of changing media.
The report discusses in detail the particular situation regarding political donations from property developers and recommends that political donations from property developers be banned. The report notes that this recommendation has several definitional issues yet to be resolved. The committee makes several recommendations related to civics and citizenship and the consequent use of website and other publicity media starting with the 2020 election.
One matter raised frequently in submissions, and by the community, is the use of electoral material and moveable signs. For those who remember, this aspect of the festival of our democracy was hotly debated in the community in the aftermath of the ACT election. For those who enjoy seeing their head on the side of the road, you will be relieved that the committee has not recommended further regulation in this area. However, some clarification of the existing regime is considered desirable.
On the 100-metre rule, I can confidently say that the committee gave this issue very careful thought. All possibilities, including a general election day canvassing ban as is done in Tasmania, and relaxing the regime down to the level of the federal system were considered. While the committee acknowledges that the 100-metre rule is far from perfect, the committee has recommend that a 100-metre canvassing exclusion from around a polling place be maintained, subject to a review of the rule and matters related to it by the Electoral Commission, which should include community involvement.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video