Politics
Bartlett unveils vision for 35 elected MPs
Peter Wels Examiner
PREMIER David Bartlett is considering wide-ranging reforms to State Parliament, saying the idea of seven, five-member electorates should not be ruled out. He has also hinted at the prospect of joint sittings for the Upper and Lower houses as part of the parliamentary reforms. “We shouldn’t take off the table the prospect of 35 seats, we shouldn’t take off the table those 35 being seven seats of five,” the Premier said to The Examiner this week. “We shouldn’t take off the table more engagement, integration and participation of Upper House members. “I believe we can strengthen democracy by looking at how our Parliament works.” It is the first time Mr Bartlett has openly canvassed the issue. In the past, he’s been reluctant to comment on whether an increase in the size of Parliament is needed. Read more here