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

Overall, the Greens do not support these amendments. I did want to comment on the aspect about misleading statements. If it does actually address something that is very important and that the Greens have given support to for a long time—namely, what we call truth in advertising. But the provision does need more consideration. That could be undertaken by JSCEM. We need more far-reaching reforms to prevent misleading statements in election campaigns. I know there is great complexity in this area, because we have tried to work on it. Then, it takes up the issue of a six-year sunset clause on voting reforms. Clearly, we would not support that as it would effectively kill off the legislation fairly quickly. Then there are the exclusion zones around polling booths.

Exclusion zones around polling booths might sound attractive, but, really, election day is a good test of the level of support that a party has in the community. It is the one day where there is a more equal playing field for all candidates and all parties. You mobilise your support, you get out there and you prosecute your involvement with the community. Again, it really is an excellent part of our democratic process. So, overall, we cannot support these amendments.

Question negatived.