Greg Hallam, LGAQ CEO
While we debate the details of the Government’s plans, no one has made a convincing argument that forcing changes in voting rules to make councils more like state and federal governments is somehow a good idea.
As for the assertion that compulsory preferential voting is “fairer”, what is fair about forcing people to register a preference vote for candidates they know nothing about or do not support – a vote that could effectively help that candidate to win office?
That is what will happen if the Government succeeds in introducing compulsory preferential voting and proportional representation into the local government sphere. Such changes will make it easier for political parties to muscle their way in to council chambers right across the state.
I also note there is a consensus emerging among the electoral analysts that combining CPV with proportional representation in undivided councils is a recipe for disaster.
Proportional representation will transform the character and behaviour of councils into something more akin to what goes on in the Australian Senate and various Upper Houses in state parliaments outside of Queensland.
CPV, combined with proportional representation, made it possible for Fraser Anning to park himself in the Senate on the strength of just 19 first preference votes (following the disqualification of his former colleague, Malcolm Roberts, who won just 77 first preference votes).
I am not sure anyone could convincingly argue that is a fair result.
The Government conveniently ignores the fact that the system of optional preferential voting that operates in local council elections now was part of the electoral reforms ushered in following Tony Fitzgerald’s landmark inquiry into corruption in Queensland.
The Fitzgerald-inspired Electoral and Administrative Review Commission urged the introduction of optional preferential voting. This is the very system the Government now wants to dismantle. Again, what is so fair about that?
This piece is written in conjunction with a social media campaign run by the LGAQ aiming to raise public awareness of the Palaszczuk Government's plans to force major change to the way Queenslanders elect their local councils.
Learn more at: https://www.handsoffmycouncil.com.au
