from YAPRap June 2006
by Kristy Delaney, Executive Officer, YAPA
The Australian Parliament is considering a plan which will effectively remove thousands of young people from the democratic process of voting.
Under the current electoral system people are allowed one week to enrol or update their address after an election is announced.
The Howard Government wants to close the electoral roll on the day that the election is announced.
According to the Australian Electoral Commission this would result in 80,000 (mostly young) people being unable to vote while another 200,000 voters will be incorrectly enrolled at their wrong (previous) address.
YAPA believes the bill is a blatant attempt to limit the political power of young people across the nation and is in direct contrast to government claims that they are committed to hearing the views of young people.
It was well known that young people 18-24 years old had the lowest enrolment figure of any eligible age group. Figures from the Australian Electoral Commission show that only 56% of 18 year olds are currently on the electoral roll.
Young adults are far more transient than other age groups and are often moving out of home, or changing their residence due to their employment and education needs. As a result they often leave their enrolment to the last minute.
YAPA believes that we need to be extremely sceptical about a government that looks for ways to remove people from the democratic process of voting. As equal members of our community young people need to take part in deciding the government of the day.
Many of our readers may recall that the Howard Government unsuccessfully attempted to pass this bill in 2004, before it had control of the Senate.
The Electoral and Referendum Amendment (Electoral Integrity and Other Measures) Bill 2006 was approved by the House of Representatives on 11 May 2006 and now needs to be approved by the Senate. It is expected that the Bill will be approved as the Howard Government has control (a majority of members) in the Senate.
The Labor Party, the Australian Democrats and the Greens all oppose the bill.
Labor Party MP, Mr Melham (Member for Banks) opposed the bill in parliament describing it as "putrid legislation" that would mainly impact on young people.
Labor Party MP, Mr Georganas, (Member for Hindmarsh) said "Young Australians, in particular, who are not experienced in participating in our national democracy and who are just starting their lives as young adults are naturally going to be preoccupied with concerns other than politics. We should not be trying to exclude them for failing to be ultra-conscientious with the timing of their enrolment. On the contrary, we should be encouraging their engagement with the process."
Labor Party MP, Mr Anthony Albanese, (Member for Grayndler) described the bill as a "fundamental attack on Australian democracy".
YAPA believes that all young adults should be given the opportunity to vote, regardless of their political persuasion.
We would encourage you to write to your local MP and Senators about your views on this issue. Contact details are available at www.aph.gov.au.
More information
- New electoral laws pass parliament: Young Australians will find it harder to enrol to vote. smh.com.au 21/6/06
