Do we need Electoral Reform in the Senate? Yes we do!

It was the day after sitting, and all through the house, not a pollie was stirring not even the house! They said there was a chance of showers in our nation’s capital but the air was humid and the flag hung still limp. After a quick trip to the High Court of Australia, were I was able to listen to an appeal proceed I was back for round three! Inside Parliament house there was a quietness that had not been present the last two days, and the formality of governing was not as distinct. Nevertheless, when the guard stationed at the entrance of the building recognises you from your previous visits you know you have serious political issues!

My destination was not the House of Representatives, but the Main Senate Committee Room, placed between the House and the Senate and was for a very special reason. The Senate, during the year host a number of Occasional Lectures, covering a wide range of political topics, and Yesterdays happened to be given by Antony “Mr Elections” Green on whether “Is it time for Fundamental Review of the Senates Electoral System?” Antony Green for all those not in the know, is one of Australia’s leading Psephologists and Election commentator for the ABC. As well as creating the election program which is used for every State and Federal Election as well as by-elections, he is a wealth of electoral political knowledge.

Since the 2013 Federal Election on September 7, many political commentators and reporters have been talking about the need for electoral reform in the Senate, because as of July first a record number of micro parties will be the balance of power in the Upper House. One of the more outspoken commentators regarding this matter has been Antony Green who advocates for simplicity rather than complexity when it comes to the way in which Senators are elected given they are elected for 6 year terms (rather than the 3 in the House of Reps) and in New South Wales 110 candidates contested 6 seats. Greens argument that even the most competent voter, one who had avidly studied preference flows could not have predicted the Senates outcome. Furthermore in Western Australia, where the Senate Outcome is still being contested, if less than 20 voters IN THE STATE had voted differently two different Senators would have been elected.

Green goes on to further back his claims, by using the example of the Liberals and the Liberal Democrats in New South Wales (but I know the same issue was in South Australia). Voters who wanted to vote for the Abbott lead Liberal Party when in fact they voted for the Liberal Democrats as they were at the beginning of the ballot paper. Green further states that in forcing voters to either choose backroom deals (above the line voting) or to be subjected to filling in up to 110 boxes is not acceptable anymore.

Saying that however, Green does provide possible solutions, however some would be more popular than others in the electorate. Among the more popular options, is optional preferential above or below the line. Above the line would require voters to list parties from one to N or below the line to a threshold of perhaps 50 or 2/3 the candidates and if the preferences need to flow longer then, that ballot would be disqualified. This option is quite popular in the community, however does pose some problems. Another solution would be to make senate candidates (or parties) achieve a minimum quota threshold on first preference votes to ensure that micro parties who receive under say 5% of the vote could not eventually get a seat.

One thing Green said is certain, is change will happen, as the current system is unmanageable for modern day politics in its current form, but whatever form it takes it must “ensure the Senate system reflects the will of the electorate” rather than backroom deals and “voters must have the power over preferences”.

Furthermore, in a democracy voters are the key, as it is them who ultimately decide who will make and create the laws in which we are need to live by. Therefore there is simply no point in a voting system which deters voters from being informed and when simplicity is the key complexities need to be avoided at all costs. 

My Day in the House of Reps - Day Two!

Well, they say no two days are the same in the hallowed halls of Parliament House, and I can attest to that first hand. Having spent the better part of two consecutive days sitting in the Public Gallery in the House of Representatives chamber, there are only three things I can say stayed the same on both days. The pollies coming and going, the press gallery journos coming in for the hour and a half of Question Time and me sitting directly across from Annabel Crabb during Question Time (Whoop Whoop!!). Other than that, my two days could not have been more different – but both equally incredible.

Today the weather was overcast, but still the Parliament building stood tall and proud. Heading straight up the left side of the building and cloaking my bag, electronics, pens and paper I headed into the green chamber once again. Hearing from the Leader of the Opposition Bill Shorten, The Member for Lindsay Fiona Scott, The Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt and others, I could not get over, this is what government and the real workings of parliament look like. Yes there are disagreements, fights, differing of opinion and party lines but at the end of the day it is the elected members, chosen by the electorate that make up the true essence of politics, giving speeches and debating legislation.

After being allowed back into the chamber for Question Time (the public galleries are cleared from 1pm -1.30pm), the public gets to listen to 90 second statements, which seek to bring to light any issues members feel are important. Today they ranged from Cervical Cancer to the Adelaide Heatwave to the Toyota job losses to surf lifesavers. While I have always known they have existed today I found a real appreciation for them, as they allow members to speak on important issues while keeping the reports to concise little bits. I found it an informative exercise and I think that the public should be more aware these statements exist given the overall lacking interest in all things political by the general population.

By golly Question Time was fun! After yesterday’s less than impressive show, I was hesitant to go back and do it all again, but I am so glad I did. On the 6^th Anniversary of Former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s sorry speech the House of Reps stood to attention.  After indulgencies from the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, it was time to get down to business. The sedate boring Question Time was nowhere to be seen, and within the first 15 minutes the topics of job losses, the new rising unemployment rate over 6% and the strength of the economy had all been raised. As well as the heightened use of Standing Order 94A which saw Labor Front Benches, Kate Ellis Member for Adelaide, Anthony Albanese Member for Grayndler and Catherine King Member for Ballarat all booted within the first 15 minutes. 10 Minutes later Mark Dreyfus Member for Isaacs booted, and before the session had ended The Members for Moreton, Gellibrand and Charlton were also forced to vacate the chamber. Although, if I am honest I was quite surprised many more Opposition Members were not booted. A question from the sole Greens Member Adam Bandt, Member for Melbourne, to the Prime Minister today broke the Liberal/National and Labor bickering but not for long. Further exciting the atmosphere, the Member for Kennedy made a late appearance in the Chamber sitting next to Independent Andrew Wilkie.

Having watched many many Question Times live streamed from inside classes, libraries and homes over the years, I find I am conflicted as to whether or not it was better being there in person or live streaming it and being able to converse with people all over the country at the same time. One of the many highlights to my day was sitting next to a man who smuggled a pencil into the chamber and let me borrow it during the session – all I can say is I am glad I was not kicked out!

My two days spent in the House of Representatives was well worth the trip and I seriously cannot wait to do it all over again!

 

Best Day Ever!

It began with a bus ride, and ended being one of the best days ever! Flying into the Capital last night, the lights radiating from the flag pole a top Parliament House I knew my trip would be awesome! After walking the clean spacious streets in Canberra City, I finally found the bus I needed and took the scenic route to my destination. The bus drove around the National Portrait Gallery, The National Library, Questacon, The Mint, Old Parliament House until I rolled around to the best building of them all. I still cannot get over the green grass striking even in the distance, and today, the flag hung limp with the lack of wind as I walked up the hill to Parliament House!

Walking into the white building the grandeur still took me by surprise, and in an instant I was in heaven. My first port of call was the cloaking room where I had to give up all electronics, bags, paper and pens (majorly disappointing and depressing!!!) set between the House of Representatives and the Senate before advancing any further. Although it seems like I didn’t do much today I had one of the best days ever. I listened to The Member for Hughes, The Member for Bendigo, The Member for Lyons and many others before the real fun even began. Just being able to sit in the Federation Chamber listening to the proceedings of Parliament, I watched a bill pass through the House of Reps Chamber as well as my local member The Honourable Amanda Rishworth.

Did you know that you have to book to get a seat in the Public Gallery for Question Time? Yeah I know, apparently this thing called Question Time is kinda popular… Seated between an old couple and an even older couple the smile on my face could not be wiped off! While not being able to tweet Question Time nearly killed me, it made me focus and really take in what was going on, AND where everyone sits. Starting at 2 o’clock (instead of 1.30pm when I am at home) the squabble between the Opposition and the Government began. One of the many highlights was seeing Cathy McGowan ask a question to break the Liberal/National and Labor arguing. The usually rowdy House of Reps chamber stayed fairly sedate for what I am used to, and it wasn’t until the 45 minute that ONE Labor Member, Mark Dreyfus was booted out under Standing Order 94A. However, after that much of anything was a bust. I counted 5 divisions before I had to leave, and Question Time was extended for the better part of an hour and a half.

I really cannot decide which part of my day was the best, sitting directly opposite some of the best political writers in the country (ANNABEL CRABB and Laura Tingle) or the fact I experienced a Question in real life. Or the fact I am now the proud owner of the Standing Orders for the House of Representatives. My day was magical and I cannot wait to do it all again tomorrow – with maybe a visit to the Senate as well! Long live Canberra! Long live Parliament! And Yay to the best day ever!

My A to Z of politics!

As another election, The South Australian State Election is creeping onto the political radar, I thought it would be a good time to create an A to Z of all things political to get us back into the voting mood!

A - Accountability Because all of our elected representatives need to be held accountable.

B- Backbencher Vital to any party winning Government.

C- Cabinet Without which, a Government would cease to exist.

D – Democracy The worst kind of political system, except for all the rest!

E – Election, Electorate Without either, politicians would not be elected, nor would they have anyone to vote for them!

F- Federalism The unification of a nation, so that powers are codified and distributed between levels of government.

G- Government The humble vessel in which the voting public place their trust and hopes in, to make the place we live in better.

H- Hansard All the recorded data including speeches and debates from with the chambers of Parliament.

I – Ideologies A way of organising different people who believe and accept the same lines of thought, and beliefs.

J- Judiciary The branch of Government that interprets the law, while remaining completely separate from parliament and the Executive.

K- Kitchen Cabinet A real term, used for the collective group of close advisors to the Prime Minister.

L- Law Pieces of legislation that have been passed by both chambers of parliament and have received the royal assent from either the Governor General, Governor or the King or Queen.

M- Member of Parliament A person elected to the House of Representatives, House of Assembly or Lower House.

N- NGO Non Governmental Organisation advocating for a particular cause.

O- Opposition A major party not in Government.

P- Party A collective group of Individuals registered with the Electoral Commission.

Q- Qualified Majority Rule Is the correct term for a vote that has received 50 + 1% of the total number of votes.

R- Republic A type of political system in which the leader of the Executive branch of Government is elected and not just appointed. Think America not Australia.

S- Standing Orders are the rules which must be adhered to inside both chambers at all times. The Speaker in the lower house is responsible for making sure politicians follow them as well as oversees all important business including the running of Question Time.

T- Treaties Agreements between countries, which can me bilateral (between two countries) or multilateral (between more than two counties).

U- Union An organisation set up to represent workers and workers’ rights also heavily involved in the left side of Australian Politics.

V- Voluntary Voting The act of choosing to vote rather than being forced to. Australia is one of only a few places worldwide that force voters to vote (except at local elections.)

W- Welfare A social policy designed to cater for people’s needs.

X- Xenophon, Nick A minor party Senator for South Australia, who has just been re-elected for a second time to the Federal Senate.

Y- Yawn The action most people associate with politics!

Z- Zoning The ability of Government’s to section land into different categories aimed at controlling lands purpose IE: Residential, Farming and Industrial.

Happy 2014!

"Concise sentences, like darts... make impressions, while long discourses are tedious and not regarded" - Frances Bacon. 

Looking back of the year that was 2013, one can not help but be amazed at all that has  happened. From the election of a new leader in the Catholic Church, hell bent on changing the archaic ways that it had grown to accept, to the political assassination and destruction of our first female Prime Minister; while simultaneously destroying any chance the Federal Labor Party had at retaining office, by reinstating Kevin Rudd as leader for the September 7th election just to see him quit politics as well. From drug scandals threatening the existence of the AFL and NFL, to the high profile deaths of Mr. Nelson Mandela and Hazel Hawke and the 50th Anniversary of the assassination of American President JFK. Miley Cyrus became even more of a household name - for all the wrong reasons and House divisions, on votes of no confidence were turned into drinking games over Twitter.....  If it wasn't for all the twerking, backflipping, core and non-core election promises, budget blackholes and attempted leadership spills, what would we have done for fun?

2013, will be remembered not so much by what it did (offed a few too many federal pollies/PM's for what is considered normal!!) but what it did not do. Marriage Equality, Carbon Pollution, Republicanism, The true and correct meaning of the word misogyny, Budget Surpluses and Gender Equality are all major issues that Australia did not resolve moving into the new year.  While it seems that no one can keep a promise to save themselves, new beginning did seek to keep the year rolling along. New educational experiences, a new Government and a new appreciation for the role of the Speaker in the House of Representatives. 

Three word slogans were a must for all the high profile politically ambitious, (because apparently no one cares what is said after 3 words!!) and the day was a success if you were counted in any sort of vote. Proportional Voting became a hot issue (and will be again come July) as a higher than normal amount of minor and micro parties were elected to the Federal Senate. Grassroots democracy was seen in action in the seat of Indi, with the Independent Cathy McGowan being elected on the back of a fairly unpopular sitting member and a well run campaign. 

In many circumstances, it is a godsend that a new year has presented itself, a chance to redefine who you are, a chance to try and stick to your New Years resolutions- for at least a week!-  and the opportunity to embark on a new journey with a clean slate. I have read up on making New Years resolutions, "keep them practical" they say, "ensure they are manageable" and "don't be unrealistic"  I have been told. I am hopeful for the year ahead, I get to go and vote again YAYAYAY, wear some awesome glasses, travel the world and immerse myself in new cultures and different political systems. I look forward to watching our newest Prime Minister deliver on the promises outlined in Opposition, and watch as the ALP remake itself into a newly structured, major party, and rediscovers its changing voter base. No one said it would be easy, and no one said it would be simple, but with a kind and open mind anything is possible! 

Happy 2014! 

Musings on Rudd

So yeah, when Typhoon Tony said that the 44th Parliament would be different I pretty much figured it was just another slogan but oh, nope, no, think again! I knew there would be no leadership spill, or attempted leadership spill every five minutes, nor would it be impossible to get through a Question Time without suspending standing orders at least twice, but never did my imagination concoct something like this. 

As everybody was turning their radio onto the jazz station, cooking tea and generally winding down for the evening a certain individual was psyching himself up for the last hoorah. The immediate former Prime Minister Kevin "KRudd" Rudd retired, plucking himself from the squabble that is the daily grind of federal politics - and more so, federal politics in opposition. As I wrote earlier, many I am sure one can only feel relief that really the Rudd/Gillard/Rudd era of politics is over. The extraordinary legacy they leave behind include the introduction of the NDIS, the NBN, the building revolution in schools, the navigation of the Global Financial Crisis and the list could continue. The pair may have done great things but at the end of the day all good things must come to an end, and the self destructive nature of federal politics caught up with the both of them. Changes to the way in which ALP leaders are elected may help history from repeating itself but time will only tell. The mourningful way in which members from all sides of politics remembered one of the most popular PM I found quite astounding, I know they all have media and public personas, distorting their one true selfs but seriously, if this man was as loved as everyone made him out to be, then why the hell was he deposed in the first place?? Huh?? I know you are not supposed to speak ill of the dead (or in this case the recently retired) but guys c'mon i know 'shit happens' - quoting our newest Prime Minister but still! 

After the fact people remember the good, the better and the best times and maybe that is all we should look at, but this is politics and the one thing I am constantly reminded is that it is a bleak and murky area. Despite the fact Praise the Ruddinator will be on every Facebook page tomorrow and the fact Kevin07 will get another 5 minutes in the spotlight, and maybe he will even take another leaf out of our former former PM Julia Gillard and after taking some time out have a 'conversation with the male equivalent of Anne Summers' one thing is certain; the 44th Parliament will not be like the last. That is unless Rudd gets to Liberal climate believer Malcolm and injects some libspill virus creating an even more hectic parliament to come. 

Looking back over Rudds reign it is apparent he could muster up momentum like the best of them, conjure a fighting army of T-shirt wearing supporters like no other and rally the troops for war. What is also quite apparent is that another generation of young people may turn off, tune out and give up on (most) our decrepit old pollies that line the walls  of the new parliament. My friends can call bull8$it like it is an Olympic sport and honestly I don't think they would give five minutes to wonder about the lack of transparency that is about to become commonplace in the Government. While Rudd leaving perhaps finally cleans the ALP slate to start fresh, it exposes the party and in order to capture the young vote in time for the next election it will take something special, and only time will tell how uninterested young people will become.    

Let the Circus Begin!

Ahhhhh, so after a day of pomp and circumstance opening the 44th Federal Parliament yesterday, our Politician's used today to get down to business... kind of... Or shall we just say they used today to get the show on the road!?! Anyway some say today marks the beginning of the end for transparency in Government and others are still so happy the ALP aren't in control they are going to make the most of it!

We the people were promised a new level of competence, a new level of decorum and a new level of governing under a Liberal Government but if this morning is anything to go on, that may be harder for Tony and his Government to achieve. The Treasurer said to the Opposition, after a particularly curly question in Question Time today "I know you're excited; its the first day. This will be your best day in Opposition, trust me" and speaking from experience he would be the one to know. But then again today proved Government may not be so fun for a while, at least until the new Senate arrives. Yes the Liberals have a majority in the Lower House, a feat not achieved since the 2007 election but the new Opposition has had 3 long years of hellish debates and will not go down without a fight; learning standing orders must seem so small in comparison to needing to compromise on every piece of legislation. 

Some people say that it took 76 minutes, others say it was as low as 74 and some say as high as 79 minutes, but one thing is certain Typhoon Tony as Green's deputy Leaders affectionately calls our PM, introduced into the House of Representatives legislation to repeal the Carbon Tax. Our Prime Minister's mantra of CARBON TAX CARBON TAX!!! BOATS BOATS BOATS! DEBT DEBT DEBT!! JOBS JOBS JOBS!! ALP SUCKED ALP SUCKED!! is back. And people, get excited because that is what you will be hearing everywhere. On the television, on the radio and in papers, not how many boats have arrived, not the increase in temperature due to the climate change but how less boats have arrived (no specific number of course) and how much more money people will have after July 1 2014. 

Watching parliament today though was interesting. People sitting in different places, a new batch of pollies lining up to ask dorothy dixers of the Government, a new Speaker wearing in her chair and all my favourite tweeters back tweeting.  We saw Barnaby Joyce get in the good books of the new Speaker, giving her a loving 'fangirl' moment "You are the best speaker that I have ever experienced. In fact you are without comparison." What more, It is probably true as he has just moved to the House of Representatives from the Senate, where they call the Speaker-Equivalent the President. Outside Parliament, Senior Ministers on both sides were back to their name calling, bickering selfs and both major party leaders have new beautiful nicknames; Electricity Bill as our Opposition Leader is now commonly known as and our Prime Minister Typhoon Tony (not sure that will stick though). The good news of the day, was our most controversial MP Clive Palmer, was in fine form declaring he would abstain from the vote on the Clean Energy Legislation (Carbon Tax Repeal) Bill 2013 as well as turing up for the first Question Time. Not sure for how long that will last, but doing something once is the first step for doing it a second time! 

As as the day is slowly coming to an end, and newbie pollies are thanking their lucky stars they got through day one, the only thing getting me through tonight is the thought that we are all going to do this again tomorrow! Until then Folks... 

BREAKING NEWS!!! So I thought that we has seen the last of major federal politics for this evening, but alas KEVIN RUDD is now retiring as of the end of the week. Out of left field, after (or during if you live in South Australia) Prime Minister Abbott was on the 7-30 Report Rudd calmly walked into the green chamber and rose in his seat using words like "I believe in the politics of hope not fear" and uttering the phrase many looking into the fishbowl think but do not say "be gentle with each other". As a tear rolls down the eye of the former Prime Minister one can only feel relief that really the Rudd/Gillard/Rudd era of politics is over. The legacy they leave behind include the introduction of the NDIS, the NBN, the building revolution in schools and the list could continue. The pair may have done great things but at the end of the day all good things must come to an end, and the self destructive nature of federal politics caught up with the both of them. Tony can rest easier tonight, and GIllard will be having another glass of wine thanking her lucky stars she got out in time as the People Prime Minister has left the building!