Image for Parties’ support for LG compulsory voting

The Tasmanian Greens today welcomed the passage of their motion to have the introduction of compulsory voting for local government elections examined by a parliamentary committee, with the support of both the Labor and Liberal parties.

Greens Local Government spokesperson Tim Morris MP said the issue would now be referred for investigation by the House of Assembly’s Standing Committee on Community Development.
“This brings Tasmania another step closer to compulsory voting in local government elections, a reform that is already long overdue,” Mr Morris said.

“Given the tripartite co-operation shown by the Parliament today, the Greens are optimistic that this important democratic reform can be delivered in time for the next round of local government elections in 2013.”

“Local government is a vital component of our democracy, and we need to look at ways to remove all barriers preventing voters from taking up the opportunity to have their say.”

Mr Morris said the committee would also investigate options for electronic voting.

“Some jurisdictions elsewhere in Australia and internationally are already moving toward electronic voting systems, as a means of encouraging greater participation.”

“Young people are particularly under-represented in local government elections, and the option of an electronic voting system could go a long way to increasing participation and representation of young people in municipal affairs.”

“Compulsory voting for local government elections is the policy position of both the Greens and Labor, but it is not the position of the Liberals.  Therefore in the spirit of co-operation the Greens accepted a minor Liberal amendment to our motion, which ensured tripartite support for the final vote,” Mr Morris said.

Text of Motion:

That this House:

1. Notes the disappointing turnout for the recent 2011 local government elections which saw approximately 54 per cent of voters statewide return postal ballots;

2. Notes increasing calls for the introduction of compulsory voting for local government elections to increase participation at this important tier of our democratic system;

3. Resolves that the following reference be sent to the House’s Standing Committee on Community Development:

a) Inquire into whether it is appropriate and what is the most effective and efficient way to introduce compulsory voting for the State’s Local government election prior to the next round of council elections scheduled for 2013;

b) Examine developments in electronic voting systems, and the capacity to have such a system introduced in Tasmania;

c) Ensure appropriate public consultation is conducted on both matters (a) and (b);

d) Any other matter incidental;

e) And that the Committee reports by the 30th of June 2012.

Note: Text in bold is agreed Liberal amendment.