Tasmanian GREENS to hold membership ballot for Federal election candidates

The Tasmanian Greens are calling for expressions of interest for candidates for the 2016 federal election, including for the Senate vacancy that will be created by the resignation of Senator Milne.

The party membership decided at last year’s State Conference to implement a ballot of all members to decide the Senate ticket and all House of Representative seats.

“This is a great step forward in involving our members in making important decisions,” said Ms. Austra Maddox, State Convenor of the Tasmanian GREENS. “I am really thrilled that we have agreement on such an open process within the Party.” she added.

The agreed timetable for the pre-selection process will be:

From 8 May 2015: candidate expressions of interest called for
12 June: applications to become a candidate close
12 June-5 July: interviews and member forums held
6 July: ballots sent to members
7 August: Senate ticket announced.

Candidates for pre-selection are not permitted to campaign through mainstream or social media. “This is to ensure that all potential candidates are treated as equally and fairly as possible,” Ms. Maddox said.
Austra Maddox, State Convenor, Tasmanian GREENS.