The Australian Greens support the recommendations outlined in the Committee report to allow some flexibility for the conduct of elections impacted by emergencies, such as bushfires or pandemics. The experiences of States and local councils who conducted elections during the COVID pandemic have been instructive, and we thank the relevant electoral commissions, political parties and volunteers who were able to ensure that fair and democratic elections could still be held.
However, making provision for flexibility in emergency situations should not detract from the benefits of fixed term elections for the House of Representatives.
The Australian Greens maintain that fixed term elections remove the strategic advantage afforded to an incumbent government in exercising their discretion as to election dates. They restrict the government from calling an election when public opinion is most favourable to the government, riding out scandals, or strategically ramping up advertising on key issues ahead of a public announcement of the election date known only to the government.
Fixed term elections level the electoral playing field for minor parties, independents and third parties with less capacity to plan, prepare and fund election campaigns, and facilitate the introduction of electoral funding and spending caps.
These benefits can be achieved without compromising the need to provide for flexibility in emergency situations.
Senator Larissa Waters
Member