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!