Anne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Families and Social Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I give notice that on the next sitting day I shall move:

That the provisions of paragraphs (5) to (8) of standing order 111 not apply to the following bills, allowing them to be considered during the period of sittings:

(a) Electoral Legislation Amendment (Counting, Scrutiny and Operational Efficiencies) Bill 2021;

(b) Electoral Legislation Amendment (Electoral Offences and Preventing Multiple Voting) Bill 2021; and

(c) Electoral Legislation Amendment (Party Registration Integrity) Bill 2021.

I table the statements of reasons justifying the need for these bills to be considered during these sittings and seek leave to have the statements incorporated in Hansard.

Leave granted.

The statements read as follows—

ELECTORAL LEGISLATION AMENDMENT (COUNTING, SCRUTINY AND OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCIES) BILL 2021

Purpose of the Bill

The Bill includes a series of amendments to modernise aspects of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 to allow the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) to conduct electoral events more efficiently and effectively in relation to pre poll matters, handling and scrutiny of ballot papers, and the streamlining of authorisation requirements.

Reasons for Urgency

The Bill is urgent as the next federal election can occur between 7 August 2021 and 21 May 2022. In order for relevant legislative changes to take effect and be implemented by the AEC before the election, passage will be needed during this sitting period.

ELECTORAL LEGISLATION AMENDMENT (ELECTORAL OFFENCES AND PREVENTING MULTIPLE VOTING) BILL 2021

Purpose of the Bill

The Bill includes a series of amendments to the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 to provide the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) options to safeguard against suspected multiple voting, and revise the existing penalty of interference with political liberty to further enhance the safety and integrity of Australian elections.

Reasons for Urgency

The Bill is urgent as the next federal election can occur between 7 August 2021 and 21 May 2022. In order for relevant legislative changes to take effect and be implemented by the AEC before the election, passage will be needed during this sitting period.

ELECTORAL LEGISLATION AMENDMENT (PARTY REGISTRATION INTEGRITY) BILL 2021

Purpose of the Bill

The Bill includes a series of amendments to the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 with respect to the registration requirements for political parties to ensure the continued integrity of the Australian electoral system.

Reasons for Urgency

The Bill is urgent as the next federal election can occur between 7 August 2021 and 21 May 2022. In order for relevant legislative changes to take effect and be implemented by the AEC before the election, passage will be needed during this sitting period.