The passing of legislation which, in effect, affects the electoral process in many ways and on different levels, will probably be "lost" in all the hype surrounding the World Cup.
But, as Professor George Williams writes in the SMH:
"Our democracy is diminished. The Senate has passed a law that is a significant step backwards for the electoral system. The law closes the electoral roll before many have had the chance to register, takes away the vote from prisoners and allows political parties to accept secret gifts and donations of up to $10,000.
Electoral reform is needed, but it should encourage democratic participation and increase transparency, not frustrate these aims."
Read the full op-ed piece here. Howard's actions are, yet again, clear evidence of using a parliamentary majority to ignore the interests of the wider Oz community. Does he care? Nope? Do Australians? Probably not, either, being in ignorance about what the Government has just done.
But, as Professor George Williams writes in the SMH:
"Our democracy is diminished. The Senate has passed a law that is a significant step backwards for the electoral system. The law closes the electoral roll before many have had the chance to register, takes away the vote from prisoners and allows political parties to accept secret gifts and donations of up to $10,000.
Electoral reform is needed, but it should encourage democratic participation and increase transparency, not frustrate these aims."
Read the full op-ed piece here. Howard's actions are, yet again, clear evidence of using a parliamentary majority to ignore the interests of the wider Oz community. Does he care? Nope? Do Australians? Probably not, either, being in ignorance about what the Government has just done.
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