MEMBER for Mount Gambier Troy Bell has backed the State Government’s proposed ban on election corflutes on public roads, but has raised concerns with some components of the Liberals’ electoral reform bill.
Prohibiting roadside election advertising material, expanding pre-poll voting options and establishing optional preferential voting for House of Assembly candidates are among a suite of reforms being introduced to parliament by the government this week.
The independent MP supported moves to ban election posters in public spaces and stobie poles, labelling them as an eyesore.
“(They are) distracting on public roads, have a detrimental impact on our environment and serve very little purpose to the public,” Mr Bell said.
While conceding the need for electoral reform, Mr Bell warned against establishing a system that would unfairly advantage one candidate or political party over another.
Mr Bell said the removal of the need to number all boxes on a ballot paper, as is the case with optional preferential voting, would advantage the Labor and Liberal Party.
“I believe that this will see less independents and minor parties elected as it is very rare for an independent or small party to receive a majority without preferences flowing from other parties,” he said.
“I have never been a supporter of backroom deals which aim to direct a person’s vote in a particular direction after their candidate has been eliminated from the contest.”
However, he said voters should only have to vote for the candidate or candidates they wanted to.
Attorney-General Vickie Chapman said establishing optional preferential voting would stop backdoor deals and let voters choose the party they want to support.
“It simplifies the process for voters, while allowing voters to clearly understand where their vote – and their preferences – are going,” she said.
“I stress this is optional and voters will still be able to allocate their preferences more comprehensively, should they choose to do so.”
