Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters
Media release, 13 May 1999
COMMITTEE TO HEAR FROM EX ELECTORAL COMMISSIONER
Ex Australian Electoral Commissioner and eminent electoral commentator
Mr Brian Cox will appear before the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral
Matters tomorrow as part of the 1998 federal election inquiry.
Committee Chair Mr Gary Nairn, Member for Eden - Monaro, said 'Mr Cox
is a man widely respected for his knowledge on electoral issues. He has
been a regular contributor to federal election inquiries, and he has been
asked to appear so that the Committee can seek his advice on a range of
issues.'
'Dr Amy McGrath, a regular critic of the security of the electoral system,
will also be appearing,' Mr Nairn added. 'Dr McGrath's contributions to
previous federal election inquiries have inspired considerable debate,
and greatly added to the knowledge of the Committee.'
It is expected that Dr McGrath will focus on issues of security around
provisional and postal voting.
In addition, the Committee will be hearing from Mr Neil Gillespie about
problems experienced by ATSIC Regional Councillors who wish to stand for
federal parliament as well as Mr Gillespie's proposal for seats in parliament
to be set aside for indigenous Australians.
'The Committee is developing a detailed picture of those areas of electoral
law that require change before the next election,' Mr Nairn said. 'I expect
that three such witnesses will greatly assist the Committee in its deliberations.'
The Committee will deliver its report in the Spring sittings.
Ends
13 May 1999
Further information: Gary Nairn MP (Chair) 02 - 6277 4939 (Parliament
House)
Bev Forbes (Secretary) 02 - 6277 2374