New postal vote plan under constitutional cloud

ADVOCATES STILL PLANNING COURT CHALLENGE
POSTAL VOTE PANNED

Equality advocates say they believe a postal vote conducted through the Bureau of Statistics could be unconstitutional and are seeking further advice from leading QC, Ron Merkel.

They say that if the advice indicates grounds on which a postal vote could be challenged they will seek an injunction to stop the vote.

Long-time marriage equality advocate and spokesperson for just.equal, Rodney Croome, said,

“Advice we received from Mr Merkel last week indicated the Government cannot act without specific legislation and a specific budgetary appropriation.”

“That would appear to cover a postal vote conducted by either the Electoral Commission or the Bureau of Statistics, but we are seeking further advice to establish the constitutionality of the current proposal.”

“If the advice shows there are grounds to strike down the postal vote we will see the Government in court.”

National spokesperson for Parents and Friends of Lesbians and gays, Shelley Argent, said,

“A postal vote will be an expensive, non-binding, illegitimate process that will provide a platform for hate and go nowhere.”

“This Government is looking increasingly ridiculous because of the lengths it is going to stop Parliament doing its work and voting marriage equality through.”

The Government has said a postal vote conducted through the Bureau of Statistics will cost $122 million.
Rodney Croome, just.equal