The New South Wales Council for Civil Liberties (NSWCCL) welcomes the opportunity to be involved in the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters’ Inquiry into the 2022 federal election and related matters.

Australia has a long legacy for being a strong democracy since colonisation, but reform is needed to ensure that this trajectory is maintained.

We note that the Committee is tasked to report on the following terms of reference:
(a) reforms to political donation laws, particularly the applicability of 'real-time' disclosure and a reduction of the disclosure threshold to a fixed $1,000;

(b) potential reforms to funding of elections, particularly regarding electoral expenditure caps and public funding of parties and candidates;

(c) the potential for 'truth in political advertising' laws to enhance the integrity and transparency of the electoral system;

(d) encouraging increased electoral participation and lifting enfranchisement of First Nations People;

(e) the potential for the creation of a single national electoral roll capable of being used for all federal, state and territory elections in Australia;

(f) encouraging increased electoral participation and supporting enfranchisement generally, and specifically in relation to:

i. accessibility of enrolment and voting for persons with a disability;
ii. voting rights of Australians abroad;
iii. Australian permanent residents and new Australian citizens; and
iv. New Zealand citizens residing in Australia; and

(g) proportional representation of the states and territories in the Parliament, in the context of the democratic principle of 'one vote, one value'.

NSWCCL wishes to express views in respect of terms of reference (a)-(d) and (f)-(g).

Regarding the terms of reference, these views are:

• (a), (b), (c) – Increasing transparency around fundraising and advertising
• (d) and (f) – Expanding the franchise and the ability to be politically active
• (g) – One vote, one value principle

For more information, read our full submission.