Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance) Share this | Hansard source

The point is, what the government is doing here in good faith is responding to the recommendations from the non-partisan, cross-party Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters by modernising authorisation requirements to ensure that new methods of communications are appropriately catered for. But in the end, yes—as it was before—the Electoral Commissioner continues to be independent. He is not forced to make certain determinations. He will have the option to make certain determinations but, ultimately, it is a matter for his independent judgement. From the government's point of view—and I'm sure that the opposition would have the same view—we think it is very important for the Electoral Commissioner to continue to exercise his statutory responsibilities independently and not be subject to political direction from anyone.