To the EditorThe Independent WeeklyGPO Box 114Adelaide SA 5001 Dear Editor, Mike Schilling makes several interesting points in his article “How We Can Put Our Upper House in Order” (The Independent Weekly, February 27 – March 5). However, it is surprising that he did not mention that the size, role, and structure of the…

The Electoral Reform Society of South Australia (ERSSA) today marked the first anniversary of the tabling in Parliament of the Issues Deliberation Australia Report on the 2003 Constitutional Convention Australia, renewing its call for the State Government to formally respond to the parliamentary reform agenda that emerged from that landmark event. “In August last…

The final results from South Australia’s recent Federal Election have revealed that the “Donkey Vote Wins in South Australia” – voters numbering their preferences straight down the ballot paper – played a decisive role in determining the outcomes in two key seats. Labor has narrowly secured Hindmarsh by just over 100 votes, while the…

The Electoral Reform Society of South Australia (ERSSA) is calling on voters to preference voting Australia take control of their own preferences and not allow political parties to dictate how their votes are distributed in the upcoming Federal Election. “There’s been a lot of debate in this election about preferences – particularly about minor…

December 10, 1949 marked a defining moment in Australia’s democratic history — the first election for the Australian Senate conducted under the system of Proportional Representation Australia (PRA). Reflecting on this 50-year milestone, Mr Deane Crabb, Secretary of the Electoral Reform Society of South Australia, said it was an important time to recognise what…

Amid growing concern about Legislative Council voting practices, the Electoral Reform Society of South Australia (ERSSA) is calling for an independent inquiry to examine the system and ensure that control of the vote rests with the voters themselves, not with political party machines. Deane Crabb, Secretary of the Society, said that while the counting…

This Saturday’s South Australian election will give the State a dubious democratic distinction: thousands of voters will face the most demanding voting task in Australian electoral history if they wish to cast a formal vote for the Legislative Council below the line. To vote differently from the official party voting tickets, voters must number…

The Electoral Reform Society of South Australia (ERSSA) has congratulated Business SA for bringing electoral reform to the forefront of public debate during the State election campaign. Deane Crabb, Secretary of the Society, said the organisation was encouraged by many of the proposals contained in Business SA’s policy platform. “The Society supports the recommendations…