Lee Rhiannon (NSW, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

This amendment is really quite straightforward. It deals with the important issue of the commencement date for this legislation once it is passed. It identifies 1 July 2016. There has been some debate about this previously when I have spoken on it. To just reiterate: we have had the clear advice from the Australian Electoral Commission that about three months is needed to get the necessary software and the other plans in place to be able to take forward the Senate voting system in the way the reforms will outline. The commencement date is there, 1 July 2016. That is the essence of this amendment and I would urge senators to support it.

The CHAIRMAN: Senator Rhiannon, you will need to move it.

I move Greens amendment—

The CHAIRMAN: So you will be seeking leave to move Greens amendments (2) and (3) on sheet 7882 together?

I seek leave to move Greens amendments (2) and (3) on sheet 7782 together.

Leave not granted.

The CHAIRMAN: Leave is not granted for you to move them together so if you just move one.

I move Greens amendment (2).

(2) Division 2—Application provisions

42A Application of amendments

The amendments of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 made by this Part do not apply in relation to any election whose polling day is before 1 July 2016.

Note: Things may be done (for example, a person may vote by pre-poll vote) before 1 July 2016, in accordance with the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 as amended by this Part, in relation to elections whose polling day is on or after that day.