Foreword

Australia’s electoral system is widely respected, trusted and robustly independent, and it is in the best interests of our community and our elected representatives that it remains so. Across the western world, we are seeing a drift from democracy when people lose faith in their country’s electoral system. That’s why it is so important we take steps now to ensure the ongoing strength of our electoral system and our democracy.

Every parliamentary term, the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters holds an inquiry into the preceding election and makes recommendations to ensure that Australia’s electoral system remains relevant, appropriate and fit for purpose. Across this final report and the interim report issued in June, the Committee has recommended reforms to some key elements of our system. I encourage not only the Government but all of those with an interest in Australia’s electoral system to take these recommendations seriously.

Through submissions and public hearings, the Committee has heard evidence about the need for Australia’s electoral system to keep up with community expectations in areas including transparency of donations, the influence of big money on elections, the rise of misinformation and disinformation, participation and enfranchisement, and representation.

The recommendations in this report are made in addition to those made in the Committee’s interim report, and are focussed on making improvements in these areas.

Transparency – with lower disclosure thresholds and real-time disclosure requirements, so that Australians know who is funding election campaigns.

Limiting the influence of big money – with the introduction of spending and donation caps, so that elections remain a contest of ideas, rather than who has the deepest pockets.

Responding to the rise of misinformation and disinformation through the introduction of truth in political advertising legislation.

Encouraging participation and enfranchisement – ensuring that all Australians can vote in ways appropriate to their needs, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disabilities, older Australians and Australians overseas.

Improving representation – by recommending increased Senate representation for the two territories and requesting a specific inquiry reference into increasing the size of the House of Representatives.

The Committee received more than 1500 submissions, held 11 public hearings and has made 36 recommendations. In addition to drawing on the evidence the Committee received, we have also drawn on the experience of electoral systems across Australia’s states and territories, where some of these approaches have already been introduced and shown to improve the electoral system.

On behalf of the Committee, I extend my thanks to the many submitters and witnesses who took the time to engage with this inquiry and provide us with the evidence and ideas that have informed the Committee’s findings and recommendations. I also thank my fellow committee members for their collegial participation in this inquiry and our secretariat for all of their work.

Ms Kate ThwaitesMP

Chair