Malcolm Roberts (Queensland, Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

(1) That the following matters relating to the conduct of the 2023 referendum be referred to the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters for inquiry and report by 24 June 2024:

(a) use of the colour known as Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) purple by any entity or person other than the AEC, including in combination with any other text, font or graphical design style; and

(b) clarification in legislation of the wording that must appear on a referendum ballot paper to inform voters of the proposed amendment.

(2) That paragraph (4) of the resolution of appointment of the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters be amended as follows:

After "for the purposes of the inquiry into the 2022 election", insert "and the inquiry into certain matters relating to the conduct of the 2023 referendum".

(3) That a message be forwarded to the House of Representatives seeking the concurrence of the House in the variation to the resolution of appointment of the committee set out in paragraph (2).

Jonathon Duniam (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Environment, Fisheries and Forestry) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Andrew McLachlan (SA, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Jonathon Duniam (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Environment, Fisheries and Forestry) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The coalition notes that Australia has had its first referendum in over two decades and that the rarity of this type of electoral event should mean that we consider the lessons learnt for the next time we hold a referendum. However, while sympathetic to the motion, the coalition is not able to support it at this time, noting that JSCEM must report on the inquiry to the 2022 federal election in a timely manner in order to provide the parliament with time to consider any subsequent legislation.

Andrew McLachlan (SA, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The question before the Senate is that the motion moved by Senator Roberts regarding a reference to the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters be agreed to.