Submissions open for inquiry into 2022 federal election

THE federal Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters is now inviting submissions to its review of the 2022 federal election.

The committee is considering reforming laws on political donations, possible “truth in political advertising” laws, and creating a single national electoral roll, among several other issues.

A review of the previous election is held early in each new Parliament.

Jagajaga federal member Kate Thwaites, who is chairing the bipartisan committee, said the inquiry was an important part of ensuring that Australia’s democracy remained strong.

“This review is an important opportunity to examine how things worked during the last election, including areas that could be improved for future elections.

“It helps to ensure the conduct of our elections is accountable and transparent and supports public confidence in our electoral system and our democracy.”

The committee’s terms of reference are:

• Reforms to political donation laws, particularly the applicability of ‘real-time’ disclosure and a reduction of the disclosure threshold to a fixed $1,000
• Potential reforms to funding of elections, particularly regarding electoral expenditure caps and public funding of parties and candidates
• The potential for “truth in political advertising” laws to enhance the integrity and transparency of the electoral system
• Encouraging increased electoral participation and lifting enfranchisement of First Nations People
• The potential for the creation of a single national electoral roll capable of being used for all federal, state and territory elections in Australia, and
• Encouraging increased electoral participation and supporting enfranchisement generally, specifically for accessibility of enrolment and voting for persons with a disability, voting rights of Australians abroad, Australian permanent residents and new Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens residing in Australia, and proportional representation of the states and territories in the context of “one vote, one value”.

The committee is interested in hearing from anyone with a view to share, whether that might be a major institution such as the Australian Electoral Commission, or an individual who has an interest in the electoral process.

Submissions are open until October 7.

Comments are welcome on one or more of the terms of reference, or other matters of relevance to the conduct of the 2022 federal election.

The committee expects to hold public hearings in due course.

For more information and updates, head to aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/Electoral_Matters/2022federalelection.