Greens win for democratic reform

The Tasmanian Greens today welcomed as a win for good governance the House of Assembly voting in support for the principle that elected representatives should not hold a seat in both the State parliament and in a local council concurrently.

Greens Attorney-General and Justice spokesperson Kim Booth MP said he had brought on for debate his Constitution Amendment (Membership of State Parliament) Bill, during which technical concerns were raised as to whether it will achieve its intent in its current form, and rather than have it defeated on those technical grounds, moved to have the House commit to the principle of reform and allow for a new Bill to be drafted.

“The Greens have long argued that the people of Tasmania deserve full-time MPs who dedicate their full attention to their electors, and we welcome as a significant step forward in achieving this reform Labor’s public commitment also endorsing that position,” Mr Booth said.

“The House voted in support of, despite the Liberals voting against the move, the Greens position that it should be unlawful for a person to sit in either House of the Tasmanian Parliament while also an elected representative on local council, and for work to continue on our Bill to ensure that it provides the right mechanism to do so.”

“The majority support on the House for the need for this reform sends a clear message that this fundamental democratic change is on its way.”

“This is a significant win for good governance, common-sense, and demonstrates how a power-sharing Parliament can work constructively to deliver good outcomes for the Tasmanian community,” Mr Booth said.

Download: Constitution Amendment (Membership of State Parliament) Bill 2011 Fact Sheet, K Booth MP, 2011 (2 pgs):
Aug31_Constitution_Amendment_Bill_2011_Fact_Sheet_K_Booth_ATTACH.pdf