Giddings advised to boost House to 35

The Tasmanian Constitutional Society will recommend to Attorney-General Lara Giddings that the House of Assembly be restored to 35 members.

There was no reference to the Upper House.

The society has recommended that the vacancies in a 35-member house be filled “forthwith” on the advice of the Tasmanian Electoral Commissioner on the basis of a likely 14-14-7 result for a 35-member House at last month’s State Election.

There would therefore be an additional four members each from Labor and Liberal, and two Greens members.

The method of election would be by casual vacancy under the rules of the Federal Constitution.

This means that each party would be free to nominate its new MPs.

Which would rule out the election of any independent candidates … for example, Andrew Wilkie who just missed out on a seat in Denison.

Convenor of the Tasmanian Constitutional Society, David Diprose, confirmed to Tasmanian Times the essence of the recommendations.

In its Media Release before last Tuesday’s meeting of the society (HERE), the Tasmanian Constitutional Society said:

A February 2010 survey of election issues suggested that Invigorating Good Governance and suppressing Corruption rated ahead of Forestry, Water and Sewerage and Land Tax in the top ten election topics.

The next community meeting of the Society will be held at the Stanley Burbury Theatre at 6:30pm Tuesday 27 April 2010. The Moderator is Associate Professor Peter Chapman and said:Society considers itself fortunate to have as speakers presenting a variety of informed information Michael Stokes, Andrew Wilkie and Jim Wilkinson.

Doug Lowe Premier of Tasmania 1977-1981 said that the reform process must considered, inclusive, logical and enduring and its need is urgent.