Parliamentary Committees (Electoral Laws and Practices Committee) Amendment Bill

Second Reading

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Employment, Higher Education and Skills, Minister for Science and Information Economy, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Business Services and Consumers) (17:54): I move:

That this bill be now read a second time.

I seek leave to have the second reading explanation inserted in Hansard without my reading it.

Leave granted.

This Bill amends the Parliamentary Committees Act 1991 to establish the Electoral Laws and Practices Committee.

In the last parliamentary term, the Government was responsible for the introduction of some significant reforms to South Australia's electoral laws, in an effort to strengthen our State's democracy and restore public confidence in electoral processes.

To further the Government's continued commitment to protecting the integrity of the electoral system and ensuring maximum participation in the democratic process, the Government believes it is important to establish a non-partisan parliamentary committee that can inquire into and report on matters relating to electoral laws and practices.

Electoral reform consistently raises significant interest and debate. Since polling day earlier this year, there has been considerable discussion about many aspects of our system and speculation about how improvements can be made.

By establishing a standing committee, the Government is creating a constructive forum to investigate and consider electoral matters. The Federal Parliament has a joint standing committee on electoral matters. This Government considers that it has and will continue to undertake very valuable work.

The intended functions of the Electoral Laws and Practices Committee are outlined in clause 15R of the Bill and include the following:

to inquire into, consider and report on:

the conduct of parliamentary elections and referendums in South Australia;

the administration and operation of, and practices associated with, the Electoral Act 1985 and any other law relating to electoral matters;

any other matter referred to the Committee by the Minister responsible for the administration of the Electoral Act 1985; and

to perform other functions assigned to the Committee under this or any other Act by resolution of either the House of Assembly or the Legislative Council.

The Committee will consist of eight members, four of which must be appointed by the House of Assembly and four by the Legislative Council. As provided in clause 15Q, the eight members will include appointments from both major parties, in addition to independents or members of minor parties.

This approach endeavours to ensure the work undertake by the Committee exceeds political interests, in contrast to other partisan committees formed, that are so obviously intent on political point scoring as opposed to genuine reform.

A Minister of the Crown is not eligible for appointment to the Committee. To provide for the remuneration of members of the Committee, the Bill amends the schedule in the Parliamentary Remuneration Act 1990.

It is intended that once established, the Committee first inquire into all aspects of the conduct of the 2014 State election and matters related thereto.

I commend the Bill to Members.

Explanation of Clauses

Part 1—Preliminary

1—Short title

2—Commencement

3—Amendment provisions

These clauses are formal.

Part 2—Amendment of Parliamentary Committees Act 1991

4—Insertion of Part 5F

This clause inserts new Part 5F:

Part 5F—Electoral Laws and Practices Committee

Division 1—Establishment and membership of Committee

15P—Establishment of Committee

The Electoral Laws and Practices Committee is established.

15Q—Membership of Committee

The Committee is to be comprised of 4 House of Assembly members and 4 Legislative Council members.

Division 2—Functions of Committee

15R—Functions of Committee

The functions of the Committee are to inquire into, consider and report on matters relating to electoral laws and practices (including the conduct of parliamentary elections and referendums in South Australia) and to perform other functions assigned to the Committee. The Minister responsible for the administration of the Electoral Act 1985 may also refer matters to the Committee for it to inquire into, consider and report on.

Schedule 1—Related amendment to Parliamentary Remuneration Act 1990

1—Amendment of Schedule—Additional salary

The Schedule is amended to provide for remuneration of the presiding member and other members of the Electoral Laws and Practices Committee.

Debate adjourned on motion of Hon. T.J. Stephens.