[Greens-Media] PARNELL: Last Chance to Salvage SA Democracy

[Parnell]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday 12th November 2013

Last Chance to Salvage SA Democracy!

With only six sitting days left for State Parliament before the end of the year, it's now or never to put in place voting reforms before the March 2014 State election.
The Legislative Council will this week vote on a Greens Bill to introduce "Optional Preferential Voting" to the State upper house - a reform widely accepted by experts as necessary to avoid the undemocratic results seen in the recent Federal election where candidates with a tiny proportion of the vote end up being elected.
"It's critical that we give the power of the vote and preferences back to the people, and not allow dodgy backroom preference deals to determine the election outcome", said Greens Parliamentary leader, Mark Parnell MLC.
The Greens Bill reforms Legislative Council voting by allowing voters to number as many or as few squares as they like 'above the line'.
"When a voter stops numbering squares, the preferences end and there is no chance of your vote electing anyone you don't vote for".
"Without these reforms, South Australia is likely to see a proliferation of micro-parties and independents hoping to "game" the electoral system and a win a seat in Parliament without having to campaign or attract community support.  There will be a ballot paper the size of a tablecloth and confusion and frustration will be the biggest winners".
"Parliament needs two sitting weeks to get laws passed through both Houses of Parliament, so if it doesn't happen now, it won't happen at all".
The Greens 'Electoral (Optional Preferential Voting) Amendment Bill' will come to a vote on Wednesday afternoon.
The Greens are urging all parties to get behind this Bill and have invited amendments if that is needed to secure majority support.

For further comment contact
Mark Parnell on 0439 215 937




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