[Greens-Media] Legislate for fixed 3-year terms: Greens' call to Howard

[Bennett, Ebony (Sen B. Brown)]

Monday, 21 August 2006

Legislate for fixed 3-year terms: Greens' call to Howard

The Prime Minister should legislate for fixed 3-year terms of Parliament
before asking Australians for 4-year terms, Greens Leader Bob Brown said
today.

"Mr Howard wants 4-year terms, which require a referendum, but not a
fixed date for election, which can be legislated without a referendum.
He wants to hold on to his ability to manipulate election dates in
favour of the government, but that warps democracy," Senator Brown said.

"Before we go to a referendum on 4-year terms, the government must show
good faith to Australia's 15 million voters and give up its power to
alter election dates to favour itself," Senator Brown said.

Further information: Ebony Bennett 0409 164 603


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Ebony Bennett
Media Adviser
Office of Greens Senator Bob Brown
Mobile: 0409 164 603
Ph: (02) 6277 3170
Fax: (02) 6277 3185
ebony.bennett at aph.gov.au