❓ Mrs Martin asks if the Government supports the Commission on Government’s recommendations. Dr Gallop uses the question to criticise the opposition's stance on electoral reform and One Nation preferences.
AnsweredQoN 250Legislative Assembly
Asked
9 August 2001
Member
Portfolio
Premier. Does the Government support the Commission on Government’s recommendations? Dr GALLOP replied
QuestionView source ↗
COMMISSION ON GOVERNMENT RECOMMENDATIONS, GOVERNMENT SUPPORT 250. Mrs MARTIN to the Premier. Does the Government support the Commission on Government’s recommendations? Dr GALLOP
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for Kimberley for this question. It is an interesting question because an allegation was made by the Deputy Leader of the Opposition that our refusal to support a referendum on the Electoral Amendment Bill and the Electoral Distribution Repeal Bill was in direct contravention of the Commission on Government’s recommendations. Let us consider the truth of this matter and compare the recommendations made by the Commission on Government with what the member for Mitchell said - the master of misrepresentation in this House. In its fifth report of August 1996, the Commission on Government made two points about the issue of the Constitution and referendums: first, the Constitution Act 1889 should be amended by Parliament and, most importantly, it should incorporate the principle of one vote, one value. I refer all members of this House to pages 58 to 62 of the fifth report, which outline clearly that recommendation. Putting it simply, the Commission on Government said that although the detailed operations of electoral systems should be outlined in the Electoral Act, fundamental principles like one vote, one value should be put in the Constitution Act. Secondly, any future amendments to the Constitution would have to go to the people for ratification. I emphasise the word “future”. The report states - The Constitution Act 1889, amended in accordance with our recommendations, should be subject to the following procedure for amendment: (a) a Bill to amend the Constitution Act 1889 shall pass both houses of Parliament by simple majority; and (b) the Bill to amend the Constitution Act 1889 shall not be presented for assent unless approved by a majority of the electors in a referendum. It is not true that the Commission on Government recommended that electoral reform legislation go to a referendum. The Commission on Government recommended the entrenchment of the principle of one vote, one value into our Constitution. That was an indication of the status that the Commission on Government gave the principle of one vote, one value. This episode tells us that the member for Mitchell cannot tell the truth about these matters. He does not have credibility. The Opposition will go to any lengths to defend the indefensible. It also tells us that the Opposition has no position on electoral reform. What is its position on our electoral system? Members opposite have abjured their responsibilities as legislators because they cannot get their act together. We will give the Leader of the Opposition a chance on another issue. We note that the former Deputy Premier in the previous Government, the member for Merredin, has indicated that he may resign to contest a position in the federal Senate. This raises an interesting question that I will put to the Leader of the Opposition. Mr Barnett: Are you asking us questions now? Dr GALLOP: I am asking the Leader of the Opposition a direct question. Will he guarantee that the National Party and the Labor Party will be ahead of One Nation on the how-to-vote card for the Merredin by-election? It is an easy question. Is the member’s answer yes or no? Mr Barnett: If the Speaker will allow me to answer the question I will answer it. Will the Premier give me an opportunity to answer the question now? Dr GALLOP: Yes. What is the Leader of the Opposition’s answer? Mr Barnett: If the member for Merredin resigns his seat and decides to stand for the Senate and there is a by-election in Merredin, the Liberal Party will run a candidate and our preferences will go to the National Party. There will not be a deal with One Nation. At the time of the by-election, the Liberal Party will decide whether One Nation or the Labor Party is placed last in its preferences. Dr GALLOP: Weak as water! That is the new Liberal Party! It does not have a position on electoral reform and it cannot make up its mind whether One Nation should be placed last. This side of the House has made up its mind and One Nation will go to the bottom of the how-to-vote card.
COMMISSION ON GOVERNMENT RECOMMENDATIONS, GOVERNMENT SUPPORT
Does the Government support the Commission on Government’s recommendations? Dr GALLOP replied: I thank the member for Kimberley for this question. It is an interesting question because an allegation was made by the Deputy Leader of the Opposition that our refusal to support a referendum on the Electoral Amendment Bill and the Electoral Distribution Repeal Bill was in direct contravention of the Commission on Government’s recommendations. Let us consider the truth of this matter and compare the recommendations made by the Commission on Government with what the member for Mitchell said - the master of misrepresentation in this House. In its fifth report of August 1996, the Commission on Government made two points about the issue of the Constitution and referendums: first, the Constitution Act 1889 should be amended by Parliament and, most importantly, it should incorporate the principle of one vote, one value. I refer all members of this House to pages 58 to 62 of the fifth report, which outline clearly that recommendation. Putting it simply, the Commission on Government said that although the detailed operations of electoral systems should be outlined in the Electoral Act, fundamental principles like one vote, one value should be put in the Constitution Act. Secondly, any future amendments to the Constitution would have to go to the people for ratification. I emphasise the word “future”. The report states - The Constitution Act 1889, amended in accordance with our recommendations, should be subject to the following procedure for amendment: (a) a Bill to amend the Constitution Act 1889 shall pass both houses of Parliament by simple majority; and (b) the Bill to amend the Constitution Act 1889 shall not be presented for assent unless approved by a majority of the electors in a referendum. It is not true that the Commission on Government recommended that electoral reform legislation go to a referendum. The Commission on Government recommended the entrenchment of the principle of one vote, one value into our Constitution. That was an indication of the status that the Commission on Government gave the principle of one vote, one value. This episode tells us that the member for Mitchell cannot tell the truth about these matters. He does not have credibility. The Opposition will go to any lengths to defend the indefensible. It also tells us that the Opposition has no position on electoral reform. What is its position on our electoral system? Members opposite have abjured their responsibilities as legislators because they cannot get their act together. We will give the Leader of the Opposition a chance on another issue. We note that the former Deputy Premier in the previous Government, the member for Merredin, has indicated that he may resign to contest a position in the federal Senate. This raises an interesting question that I will put to the Leader of the Opposition. Mr Barnett: Are you asking us questions now? Dr GALLOP: I am asking the Leader of the Opposition a direct question. Will he guarantee that the National Party and the Labor Party will be ahead of One Nation on the how-to-vote card for the Merredin by-election? It is an easy question. Is the member’s answer yes or no? Mr Barnett: If the Speaker will allow me to answer the question I will answer it. Will the Premier give me an opportunity to answer the question now? Dr GALLOP: Yes. What is the Leader of the Opposition’s answer? Mr Barnett: If the member for Merredin resigns his seat and decides to stand for the Senate and there is a by-election in Merredin, the Liberal Party will run a candidate and our preferences will go to the National Party. There will not be a deal with One Nation. At the time of the by-election, the Liberal Party will decide whether One Nation or the Labor Party is placed last in its preferences. Dr GALLOP: Weak as water! That is the new Liberal Party! It does not have a position on electoral reform and it cannot make up its mind whether One Nation should be placed last. This side of the House has made up its mind and One Nation will go to the bottom of the how-to-vote card.
Dr GALLOP replied: I thank the member for Kimberley for this question. It is an interesting question because an allegation was made by the Deputy Leader of the Opposition that our refusal to support a referendum on the Electoral Amendment Bill and the Electoral Distribution Repeal Bill was in direct contravention of the Commission on Government’s recommendations. Let us consider the truth of this matter and compare the recommendations made by the Commission on Government with what the member for Mitchell said - the master of misrepresentation in this House. In its fifth report of August 1996, the Commission on Government made two points about the issue of the Constitution and referendums: first, the Constitution Act 1889 should be amended by Parliament and, most importantly, it should incorporate the principle of one vote, one value. I refer all members of this House to pages 58 to 62 of the fifth report, which outline clearly that recommendation. Putting it simply, the Commission on Government said that although the detailed operations of electoral systems should be outlined in the Electoral Act, fundamental principles like one vote, one value should be put in the Constitution Act. Secondly, any future amendments to the Constitution would have to go to the people for ratification. I emphasise the word “future”. The report states - The Constitution Act 1889, amended in accordance with our recommendations, should be subject to the following procedure for amendment: (a) a Bill to amend the Constitution Act 1889 shall pass both houses of Parliament by simple majority; and (b) the Bill to amend the Constitution Act 1889 shall not be presented for assent unless approved by a majority of the electors in a referendum. It is not true that the Commission on Government recommended that electoral reform legislation go to a referendum. The Commission on Government recommended the entrenchment of the principle of one vote, one value into our Constitution. That was an indication of the status that the Commission on Government gave the principle of one vote, one value. This episode tells us that the member for Mitchell cannot tell the truth about these matters. He does not have credibility. The Opposition will go to any lengths to defend the indefensible. It also tells us that the Opposition has no position on electoral reform. What is its position on our electoral system? Members opposite have abjured their responsibilities as legislators because they cannot get their act together. We will give the Leader of the Opposition a chance on another issue. We note that the former Deputy Premier in the previous Government, the member for Merredin, has indicated that he may resign to contest a position in the federal Senate. This raises an interesting question that I will put to the Leader of the Opposition. Mr Barnett: Are you asking us questions now? Dr GALLOP: I am asking the Leader of the Opposition a direct question. Will he guarantee that the National Party and the Labor Party will be ahead of One Nation on the how-to-vote card for the Merredin by-election? It is an easy question. Is the member’s answer yes or no? Mr Barnett: If the Speaker will allow me to answer the question I will answer it. Will the Premier give me an opportunity to answer the question now? Dr GALLOP: Yes. What is the Leader of the Opposition’s answer? Mr Barnett: If the member for Merredin resigns his seat and decides to stand for the Senate and there is a by-election in Merredin, the Liberal Party will run a candidate and our preferences will go to the National Party. There will not be a deal with One Nation. At the time of the by-election, the Liberal Party will decide whether One Nation or the Labor Party is placed last in its preferences. Dr GALLOP: Weak as water! That is the new Liberal Party! It does not have a position on electoral reform and it cannot make up its mind whether One Nation should be placed last. This side of the House has made up its mind and One Nation will go to the bottom of the how-to-vote card.
I thank the member for Kimberley for this question. It is an interesting question because an allegation was made by the Deputy Leader of the Opposition that our refusal to support a referendum on the Electoral Amendment Bill and the Electoral Distribution Repeal Bill was in direct contravention of the Commission on Government’s recommendations. Let us consider the truth of this matter and compare the recommendations made by the Commission on Government with what the member for Mitchell said - the master of misrepresentation in this House. In its fifth report of August 1996, the Commission on Government made two points about the issue of the Constitution and referendums: first, the Constitution Act 1889 should be amended by Parliament and, most importantly, it should incorporate the principle of one vote, one value. I refer all members of this House to pages 58 to 62 of the fifth report, which outline clearly that recommendation. Putting it simply, the Commission on Government said that although the detailed operations of electoral systems should be outlined in the Electoral Act, fundamental principles like one vote, one value should be put in the Constitution Act. Secondly, any future amendments to the Constitution would have to go to the people for ratification. I emphasise the word “future”. The report states - The Constitution Act 1889, amended in accordance with our recommendations, should be subject to the following procedure for amendment: (a) a Bill to amend the Constitution Act 1889 shall pass both houses of Parliament by simple majority; and (b) the Bill to amend the Constitution Act 1889 shall not be presented for assent unless approved by a majority of the electors in a referendum. It is not true that the Commission on Government recommended that electoral reform legislation go to a referendum. The Commission on Government recommended the entrenchment of the principle of one vote, one value into our Constitution. That was an indication of the status that the Commission on Government gave the principle of one vote, one value. This episode tells us that the member for Mitchell cannot tell the truth about these matters. He does not have credibility. The Opposition will go to any lengths to defend the indefensible. It also tells us that the Opposition has no position on electoral reform. What is its position on our electoral system? Members opposite have abjured their responsibilities as legislators because they cannot get their act together. We will give the Leader of the Opposition a chance on another issue. We note that the former Deputy Premier in the previous Government, the member for Merredin, has indicated that he may resign to contest a position in the federal Senate. This raises an interesting question that I will put to the Leader of the Opposition. Mr Barnett: Are you asking us questions now? Dr GALLOP: I am asking the Leader of the Opposition a direct question. Will he guarantee that the National Party and the Labor Party will be ahead of One Nation on the how-to-vote card for the Merredin by-election? It is an easy question. Is the member’s answer yes or no? Mr Barnett: If the Speaker will allow me to answer the question I will answer it. Will the Premier give me an opportunity to answer the question now? Dr GALLOP: Yes. What is the Leader of the Opposition’s answer? Mr Barnett: If the member for Merredin resigns his seat and decides to stand for the Senate and there is a by-election in Merredin, the Liberal Party will run a candidate and our preferences will go to the National Party. There will not be a deal with One Nation. At the time of the by-election, the Liberal Party will decide whether One Nation or the Labor Party is placed last in its preferences. Dr GALLOP: Weak as water! That is the new Liberal Party! It does not have a position on electoral reform and it cannot make up its mind whether One Nation should be placed last. This side of the House has made up its mind and One Nation will go to the bottom of the how-to-vote card.
Let us consider the truth of this matter and compare the recommendations made by the Commission on Government with what the member for Mitchell said - the master of misrepresentation in this House. In its fifth report of August 1996, the Commission on Government made two points about the issue of the Constitution and referendums: first, the Constitution Act 1889 should be amended by Parliament and, most importantly, it should incorporate the principle of one vote, one value. I refer all members of this House to pages 58 to 62 of the fifth report, which outline clearly that recommendation. Putting it simply, the Commission on Government said that although the detailed operations of electoral systems should be outlined in the Electoral Act, fundamental principles like one vote, one value should be put in the Constitution Act. Secondly, any future amendments to the Constitution would have to go to the people for ratification. I emphasise the word “future”. The report states - The Constitution Act 1889, amended in accordance with our recommendations, should be subject to the following procedure for amendment: (a) a Bill to amend the Constitution Act 1889 shall pass both houses of Parliament by simple majority; and (b) the Bill to amend the Constitution Act 1889 shall not be presented for assent unless approved by a majority of the electors in a referendum. It is not true that the Commission on Government recommended that electoral reform legislation go to a referendum. The Commission on Government recommended the entrenchment of the principle of one vote, one value into our Constitution. That was an indication of the status that the Commission on Government gave the principle of one vote, one value. This episode tells us that the member for Mitchell cannot tell the truth about these matters. He does not have credibility. The Opposition will go to any lengths to defend the indefensible. It also tells us that the Opposition has no position on electoral reform. What is its position on our electoral system? Members opposite have abjured their responsibilities as legislators because they cannot get their act together. We will give the Leader of the Opposition a chance on another issue. We note that the former Deputy Premier in the previous Government, the member for Merredin, has indicated that he may resign to contest a position in the federal Senate. This raises an interesting question that I will put to the Leader of the Opposition. Mr Barnett: Are you asking us questions now? Dr GALLOP: I am asking the Leader of the Opposition a direct question. Will he guarantee that the National Party and the Labor Party will be ahead of One Nation on the how-to-vote card for the Merredin by-election? It is an easy question. Is the member’s answer yes or no? Mr Barnett: If the Speaker will allow me to answer the question I will answer it. Will the Premier give me an opportunity to answer the question now? Dr GALLOP: Yes. What is the Leader of the Opposition’s answer? Mr Barnett: If the member for Merredin resigns his seat and decides to stand for the Senate and there is a by-election in Merredin, the Liberal Party will run a candidate and our preferences will go to the National Party. There will not be a deal with One Nation. At the time of the by-election, the Liberal Party will decide whether One Nation or the Labor Party is placed last in its preferences. Dr GALLOP: Weak as water! That is the new Liberal Party! It does not have a position on electoral reform and it cannot make up its mind whether One Nation should be placed last. This side of the House has made up its mind and One Nation will go to the bottom of the how-to-vote card.
Secondly, any future amendments to the Constitution would have to go to the people for ratification. I emphasise the word “future”. The report states - The Constitution Act 1889, amended in accordance with our recommendations, should be subject to the following procedure for amendment: (a) a Bill to amend the Constitution Act 1889 shall pass both houses of Parliament by simple majority; and (b) the Bill to amend the Constitution Act 1889 shall not be presented for assent unless approved by a majority of the electors in a referendum. It is not true that the Commission on Government recommended that electoral reform legislation go to a referendum. The Commission on Government recommended the entrenchment of the principle of one vote, one value into our Constitution. That was an indication of the status that the Commission on Government gave the principle of one vote, one value. This episode tells us that the member for Mitchell cannot tell the truth about these matters. He does not have credibility. The Opposition will go to any lengths to defend the indefensible. It also tells us that the Opposition has no position on electoral reform. What is its position on our electoral system? Members opposite have abjured their responsibilities as legislators because they cannot get their act together. We will give the Leader of the Opposition a chance on another issue. We note that the former Deputy Premier in the previous Government, the member for Merredin, has indicated that he may resign to contest a position in the federal Senate. This raises an interesting question that I will put to the Leader of the Opposition. Mr Barnett: Are you asking us questions now? Dr GALLOP: I am asking the Leader of the Opposition a direct question. Will he guarantee that the National Party and the Labor Party will be ahead of One Nation on the how-to-vote card for the Merredin by-election? It is an easy question. Is the member’s answer yes or no? Mr Barnett: If the Speaker will allow me to answer the question I will answer it. Will the Premier give me an opportunity to answer the question now? Dr GALLOP: Yes. What is the Leader of the Opposition’s answer? Mr Barnett: If the member for Merredin resigns his seat and decides to stand for the Senate and there is a by-election in Merredin, the Liberal Party will run a candidate and our preferences will go to the National Party. There will not be a deal with One Nation. At the time of the by-election, the Liberal Party will decide whether One Nation or the Labor Party is placed last in its preferences. Dr GALLOP: Weak as water! That is the new Liberal Party! It does not have a position on electoral reform and it cannot make up its mind whether One Nation should be placed last. This side of the House has made up its mind and One Nation will go to the bottom of the how-to-vote card.
(a) a Bill to amend the Constitution Act 1889 shall pass both houses of Parliament by simple majority; and (b) the Bill to amend the Constitution Act 1889 shall not be presented for assent unless approved by a majority of the electors in a referendum.
(b) the Bill to amend the Constitution Act 1889 shall not be presented for assent unless approved by a majority of the electors in a referendum.
We will give the Leader of the Opposition a chance on another issue. We note that the former Deputy Premier in the previous Government, the member for Merredin, has indicated that he may resign to contest a position in the federal Senate. This raises an interesting question that I will put to the Leader of the Opposition. Mr Barnett: Are you asking us questions now? Dr GALLOP: I am asking the Leader of the Opposition a direct question. Will he guarantee that the National Party and the Labor Party will be ahead of One Nation on the how-to-vote card for the Merredin by-election? It is an easy question. Is the member’s answer yes or no? Mr Barnett: If the Speaker will allow me to answer the question I will answer it. Will the Premier give me an opportunity to answer the question now? Dr GALLOP: Yes. What is the Leader of the Opposition’s answer? Mr Barnett: If the member for Merredin resigns his seat and decides to stand for the Senate and there is a by-election in Merredin, the Liberal Party will run a candidate and our preferences will go to the National Party. There will not be a deal with One Nation. At the time of the by-election, the Liberal Party will decide whether One Nation or the Labor Party is placed last in its preferences. Dr GALLOP: Weak as water! That is the new Liberal Party! It does not have a position on electoral reform and it cannot make up its mind whether One Nation should be placed last. This side of the House has made up its mind and One Nation will go to the bottom of the how-to-vote card.
Mr Barnett: Are you asking us questions now? Dr GALLOP: I am asking the Leader of the Opposition a direct question. Will he guarantee that the National Party and the Labor Party will be ahead of One Nation on the how-to-vote card for the Merredin by-election? It is an easy question. Is the member’s answer yes or no? Mr Barnett: If the Speaker will allow me to answer the question I will answer it. Will the Premier give me an opportunity to answer the question now? Dr GALLOP: Yes. What is the Leader of the Opposition’s answer? Mr Barnett: If the member for Merredin resigns his seat and decides to stand for the Senate and there is a by-election in Merredin, the Liberal Party will run a candidate and our preferences will go to the National Party. There will not be a deal with One Nation. At the time of the by-election, the Liberal Party will decide whether One Nation or the Labor Party is placed last in its preferences. Dr GALLOP: Weak as water! That is the new Liberal Party! It does not have a position on electoral reform and it cannot make up its mind whether One Nation should be placed last. This side of the House has made up its mind and One Nation will go to the bottom of the how-to-vote card.
Dr GALLOP: I am asking the Leader of the Opposition a direct question. Will he guarantee that the National Party and the Labor Party will be ahead of One Nation on the how-to-vote card for the Merredin by-election? It is an easy question. Is the member’s answer yes or no? Mr Barnett: If the Speaker will allow me to answer the question I will answer it. Will the Premier give me an opportunity to answer the question now? Dr GALLOP: Yes. What is the Leader of the Opposition’s answer? Mr Barnett: If the member for Merredin resigns his seat and decides to stand for the Senate and there is a by-election in Merredin, the Liberal Party will run a candidate and our preferences will go to the National Party. There will not be a deal with One Nation. At the time of the by-election, the Liberal Party will decide whether One Nation or the Labor Party is placed last in its preferences. Dr GALLOP: Weak as water! That is the new Liberal Party! It does not have a position on electoral reform and it cannot make up its mind whether One Nation should be placed last. This side of the House has made up its mind and One Nation will go to the bottom of the how-to-vote card.
Mr Barnett: If the Speaker will allow me to answer the question I will answer it. Will the Premier give me an opportunity to answer the question now? Dr GALLOP: Yes. What is the Leader of the Opposition’s answer? Mr Barnett: If the member for Merredin resigns his seat and decides to stand for the Senate and there is a by-election in Merredin, the Liberal Party will run a candidate and our preferences will go to the National Party. There will not be a deal with One Nation. At the time of the by-election, the Liberal Party will decide whether One Nation or the Labor Party is placed last in its preferences. Dr GALLOP: Weak as water! That is the new Liberal Party! It does not have a position on electoral reform and it cannot make up its mind whether One Nation should be placed last. This side of the House has made up its mind and One Nation will go to the bottom of the how-to-vote card.
Dr GALLOP: Yes. What is the Leader of the Opposition’s answer? Mr Barnett: If the member for Merredin resigns his seat and decides to stand for the Senate and there is a by-election in Merredin, the Liberal Party will run a candidate and our preferences will go to the National Party. There will not be a deal with One Nation. At the time of the by-election, the Liberal Party will decide whether One Nation or the Labor Party is placed last in its preferences. Dr GALLOP: Weak as water! That is the new Liberal Party! It does not have a position on electoral reform and it cannot make up its mind whether One Nation should be placed last. This side of the House has made up its mind and One Nation will go to the bottom of the how-to-vote card.
Mr Barnett: If the member for Merredin resigns his seat and decides to stand for the Senate and there is a by-election in Merredin, the Liberal Party will run a candidate and our preferences will go to the National Party. There will not be a deal with One Nation. At the time of the by-election, the Liberal Party will decide whether One Nation or the Labor Party is placed last in its preferences. Dr GALLOP: Weak as water! That is the new Liberal Party! It does not have a position on electoral reform and it cannot make up its mind whether One Nation should be placed last. This side of the House has made up its mind and One Nation will go to the bottom of the how-to-vote card.
Dr GALLOP: Weak as water! That is the new Liberal Party! It does not have a position on electoral reform and it cannot make up its mind whether One Nation should be placed last. This side of the House has made up its mind and One Nation will go to the bottom of the how-to-vote card.
COMMISSION ON GOVERNMENT RECOMMENDATIONS, GOVERNMENT SUPPORT
Does the Government support the Commission on Government’s recommendations? Dr GALLOP replied: I thank the member for Kimberley for this question. It is an interesting question because an allegation was made by the Deputy Leader of the Opposition that our refusal to support a referendum on the Electoral Amendment Bill and the Electoral Distribution Repeal Bill was in direct contravention of the Commission on Government’s recommendations. Let us consider the truth of this matter and compare the recommendations made by the Commission on Government with what the member for Mitchell said - the master of misrepresentation in this House. In its fifth report of August 1996, the Commission on Government made two points about the issue of the Constitution and referendums: first, the Constitution Act 1889 should be amended by Parliament and, most importantly, it should incorporate the principle of one vote, one value. I refer all members of this House to pages 58 to 62 of the fifth report, which outline clearly that recommendation. Putting it simply, the Commission on Government said that although the detailed operations of electoral systems should be outlined in the Electoral Act, fundamental principles like one vote, one value should be put in the Constitution Act. Secondly, any future amendments to the Constitution would have to go to the people for ratification. I emphasise the word “future”. The report states - The Constitution Act 1889, amended in accordance with our recommendations, should be subject to the following procedure for amendment: (a) a Bill to amend the Constitution Act 1889 shall pass both houses of Parliament by simple majority; and (b) the Bill to amend the Constitution Act 1889 shall not be presented for assent unless approved by a majority of the electors in a referendum. It is not true that the Commission on Government recommended that electoral reform legislation go to a referendum. The Commission on Government recommended the entrenchment of the principle of one vote, one value into our Constitution. That was an indication of the status that the Commission on Government gave the principle of one vote, one value. This episode tells us that the member for Mitchell cannot tell the truth about these matters. He does not have credibility. The Opposition will go to any lengths to defend the indefensible. It also tells us that the Opposition has no position on electoral reform. What is its position on our electoral system? Members opposite have abjured their responsibilities as legislators because they cannot get their act together. We will give the Leader of the Opposition a chance on another issue. We note that the former Deputy Premier in the previous Government, the member for Merredin, has indicated that he may resign to contest a position in the federal Senate. This raises an interesting question that I will put to the Leader of the Opposition. Mr Barnett: Are you asking us questions now? Dr GALLOP: I am asking the Leader of the Opposition a direct question. Will he guarantee that the National Party and the Labor Party will be ahead of One Nation on the how-to-vote card for the Merredin by-election? It is an easy question. Is the member’s answer yes or no? Mr Barnett: If the Speaker will allow me to answer the question I will answer it. Will the Premier give me an opportunity to answer the question now? Dr GALLOP: Yes. What is the Leader of the Opposition’s answer? Mr Barnett: If the member for Merredin resigns his seat and decides to stand for the Senate and there is a by-election in Merredin, the Liberal Party will run a candidate and our preferences will go to the National Party. There will not be a deal with One Nation. At the time of the by-election, the Liberal Party will decide whether One Nation or the Labor Party is placed last in its preferences. Dr GALLOP: Weak as water! That is the new Liberal Party! It does not have a position on electoral reform and it cannot make up its mind whether One Nation should be placed last. This side of the House has made up its mind and One Nation will go to the bottom of the how-to-vote card.
Dr GALLOP replied: I thank the member for Kimberley for this question. It is an interesting question because an allegation was made by the Deputy Leader of the Opposition that our refusal to support a referendum on the Electoral Amendment Bill and the Electoral Distribution Repeal Bill was in direct contravention of the Commission on Government’s recommendations. Let us consider the truth of this matter and compare the recommendations made by the Commission on Government with what the member for Mitchell said - the master of misrepresentation in this House. In its fifth report of August 1996, the Commission on Government made two points about the issue of the Constitution and referendums: first, the Constitution Act 1889 should be amended by Parliament and, most importantly, it should incorporate the principle of one vote, one value. I refer all members of this House to pages 58 to 62 of the fifth report, which outline clearly that recommendation. Putting it simply, the Commission on Government said that although the detailed operations of electoral systems should be outlined in the Electoral Act, fundamental principles like one vote, one value should be put in the Constitution Act. Secondly, any future amendments to the Constitution would have to go to the people for ratification. I emphasise the word “future”. The report states - The Constitution Act 1889, amended in accordance with our recommendations, should be subject to the following procedure for amendment: (a) a Bill to amend the Constitution Act 1889 shall pass both houses of Parliament by simple majority; and (b) the Bill to amend the Constitution Act 1889 shall not be presented for assent unless approved by a majority of the electors in a referendum. It is not true that the Commission on Government recommended that electoral reform legislation go to a referendum. The Commission on Government recommended the entrenchment of the principle of one vote, one value into our Constitution. That was an indication of the status that the Commission on Government gave the principle of one vote, one value. This episode tells us that the member for Mitchell cannot tell the truth about these matters. He does not have credibility. The Opposition will go to any lengths to defend the indefensible. It also tells us that the Opposition has no position on electoral reform. What is its position on our electoral system? Members opposite have abjured their responsibilities as legislators because they cannot get their act together. We will give the Leader of the Opposition a chance on another issue. We note that the former Deputy Premier in the previous Government, the member for Merredin, has indicated that he may resign to contest a position in the federal Senate. This raises an interesting question that I will put to the Leader of the Opposition. Mr Barnett: Are you asking us questions now? Dr GALLOP: I am asking the Leader of the Opposition a direct question. Will he guarantee that the National Party and the Labor Party will be ahead of One Nation on the how-to-vote card for the Merredin by-election? It is an easy question. Is the member’s answer yes or no? Mr Barnett: If the Speaker will allow me to answer the question I will answer it. Will the Premier give me an opportunity to answer the question now? Dr GALLOP: Yes. What is the Leader of the Opposition’s answer? Mr Barnett: If the member for Merredin resigns his seat and decides to stand for the Senate and there is a by-election in Merredin, the Liberal Party will run a candidate and our preferences will go to the National Party. There will not be a deal with One Nation. At the time of the by-election, the Liberal Party will decide whether One Nation or the Labor Party is placed last in its preferences. Dr GALLOP: Weak as water! That is the new Liberal Party! It does not have a position on electoral reform and it cannot make up its mind whether One Nation should be placed last. This side of the House has made up its mind and One Nation will go to the bottom of the how-to-vote card.
I thank the member for Kimberley for this question. It is an interesting question because an allegation was made by the Deputy Leader of the Opposition that our refusal to support a referendum on the Electoral Amendment Bill and the Electoral Distribution Repeal Bill was in direct contravention of the Commission on Government’s recommendations. Let us consider the truth of this matter and compare the recommendations made by the Commission on Government with what the member for Mitchell said - the master of misrepresentation in this House. In its fifth report of August 1996, the Commission on Government made two points about the issue of the Constitution and referendums: first, the Constitution Act 1889 should be amended by Parliament and, most importantly, it should incorporate the principle of one vote, one value. I refer all members of this House to pages 58 to 62 of the fifth report, which outline clearly that recommendation. Putting it simply, the Commission on Government said that although the detailed operations of electoral systems should be outlined in the Electoral Act, fundamental principles like one vote, one value should be put in the Constitution Act. Secondly, any future amendments to the Constitution would have to go to the people for ratification. I emphasise the word “future”. The report states - The Constitution Act 1889, amended in accordance with our recommendations, should be subject to the following procedure for amendment: (a) a Bill to amend the Constitution Act 1889 shall pass both houses of Parliament by simple majority; and (b) the Bill to amend the Constitution Act 1889 shall not be presented for assent unless approved by a majority of the electors in a referendum. It is not true that the Commission on Government recommended that electoral reform legislation go to a referendum. The Commission on Government recommended the entrenchment of the principle of one vote, one value into our Constitution. That was an indication of the status that the Commission on Government gave the principle of one vote, one value. This episode tells us that the member for Mitchell cannot tell the truth about these matters. He does not have credibility. The Opposition will go to any lengths to defend the indefensible. It also tells us that the Opposition has no position on electoral reform. What is its position on our electoral system? Members opposite have abjured their responsibilities as legislators because they cannot get their act together. We will give the Leader of the Opposition a chance on another issue. We note that the former Deputy Premier in the previous Government, the member for Merredin, has indicated that he may resign to contest a position in the federal Senate. This raises an interesting question that I will put to the Leader of the Opposition. Mr Barnett: Are you asking us questions now? Dr GALLOP: I am asking the Leader of the Opposition a direct question. Will he guarantee that the National Party and the Labor Party will be ahead of One Nation on the how-to-vote card for the Merredin by-election? It is an easy question. Is the member’s answer yes or no? Mr Barnett: If the Speaker will allow me to answer the question I will answer it. Will the Premier give me an opportunity to answer the question now? Dr GALLOP: Yes. What is the Leader of the Opposition’s answer? Mr Barnett: If the member for Merredin resigns his seat and decides to stand for the Senate and there is a by-election in Merredin, the Liberal Party will run a candidate and our preferences will go to the National Party. There will not be a deal with One Nation. At the time of the by-election, the Liberal Party will decide whether One Nation or the Labor Party is placed last in its preferences. Dr GALLOP: Weak as water! That is the new Liberal Party! It does not have a position on electoral reform and it cannot make up its mind whether One Nation should be placed last. This side of the House has made up its mind and One Nation will go to the bottom of the how-to-vote card.
Let us consider the truth of this matter and compare the recommendations made by the Commission on Government with what the member for Mitchell said - the master of misrepresentation in this House. In its fifth report of August 1996, the Commission on Government made two points about the issue of the Constitution and referendums: first, the Constitution Act 1889 should be amended by Parliament and, most importantly, it should incorporate the principle of one vote, one value. I refer all members of this House to pages 58 to 62 of the fifth report, which outline clearly that recommendation. Putting it simply, the Commission on Government said that although the detailed operations of electoral systems should be outlined in the Electoral Act, fundamental principles like one vote, one value should be put in the Constitution Act. Secondly, any future amendments to the Constitution would have to go to the people for ratification. I emphasise the word “future”. The report states - The Constitution Act 1889, amended in accordance with our recommendations, should be subject to the following procedure for amendment: (a) a Bill to amend the Constitution Act 1889 shall pass both houses of Parliament by simple majority; and (b) the Bill to amend the Constitution Act 1889 shall not be presented for assent unless approved by a majority of the electors in a referendum. It is not true that the Commission on Government recommended that electoral reform legislation go to a referendum. The Commission on Government recommended the entrenchment of the principle of one vote, one value into our Constitution. That was an indication of the status that the Commission on Government gave the principle of one vote, one value. This episode tells us that the member for Mitchell cannot tell the truth about these matters. He does not have credibility. The Opposition will go to any lengths to defend the indefensible. It also tells us that the Opposition has no position on electoral reform. What is its position on our electoral system? Members opposite have abjured their responsibilities as legislators because they cannot get their act together. We will give the Leader of the Opposition a chance on another issue. We note that the former Deputy Premier in the previous Government, the member for Merredin, has indicated that he may resign to contest a position in the federal Senate. This raises an interesting question that I will put to the Leader of the Opposition. Mr Barnett: Are you asking us questions now? Dr GALLOP: I am asking the Leader of the Opposition a direct question. Will he guarantee that the National Party and the Labor Party will be ahead of One Nation on the how-to-vote card for the Merredin by-election? It is an easy question. Is the member’s answer yes or no? Mr Barnett: If the Speaker will allow me to answer the question I will answer it. Will the Premier give me an opportunity to answer the question now? Dr GALLOP: Yes. What is the Leader of the Opposition’s answer? Mr Barnett: If the member for Merredin resigns his seat and decides to stand for the Senate and there is a by-election in Merredin, the Liberal Party will run a candidate and our preferences will go to the National Party. There will not be a deal with One Nation. At the time of the by-election, the Liberal Party will decide whether One Nation or the Labor Party is placed last in its preferences. Dr GALLOP: Weak as water! That is the new Liberal Party! It does not have a position on electoral reform and it cannot make up its mind whether One Nation should be placed last. This side of the House has made up its mind and One Nation will go to the bottom of the how-to-vote card.
Secondly, any future amendments to the Constitution would have to go to the people for ratification. I emphasise the word “future”. The report states - The Constitution Act 1889, amended in accordance with our recommendations, should be subject to the following procedure for amendment: (a) a Bill to amend the Constitution Act 1889 shall pass both houses of Parliament by simple majority; and (b) the Bill to amend the Constitution Act 1889 shall not be presented for assent unless approved by a majority of the electors in a referendum. It is not true that the Commission on Government recommended that electoral reform legislation go to a referendum. The Commission on Government recommended the entrenchment of the principle of one vote, one value into our Constitution. That was an indication of the status that the Commission on Government gave the principle of one vote, one value. This episode tells us that the member for Mitchell cannot tell the truth about these matters. He does not have credibility. The Opposition will go to any lengths to defend the indefensible. It also tells us that the Opposition has no position on electoral reform. What is its position on our electoral system? Members opposite have abjured their responsibilities as legislators because they cannot get their act together. We will give the Leader of the Opposition a chance on another issue. We note that the former Deputy Premier in the previous Government, the member for Merredin, has indicated that he may resign to contest a position in the federal Senate. This raises an interesting question that I will put to the Leader of the Opposition. Mr Barnett: Are you asking us questions now? Dr GALLOP: I am asking the Leader of the Opposition a direct question. Will he guarantee that the National Party and the Labor Party will be ahead of One Nation on the how-to-vote card for the Merredin by-election? It is an easy question. Is the member’s answer yes or no? Mr Barnett: If the Speaker will allow me to answer the question I will answer it. Will the Premier give me an opportunity to answer the question now? Dr GALLOP: Yes. What is the Leader of the Opposition’s answer? Mr Barnett: If the member for Merredin resigns his seat and decides to stand for the Senate and there is a by-election in Merredin, the Liberal Party will run a candidate and our preferences will go to the National Party. There will not be a deal with One Nation. At the time of the by-election, the Liberal Party will decide whether One Nation or the Labor Party is placed last in its preferences. Dr GALLOP: Weak as water! That is the new Liberal Party! It does not have a position on electoral reform and it cannot make up its mind whether One Nation should be placed last. This side of the House has made up its mind and One Nation will go to the bottom of the how-to-vote card.
(a) a Bill to amend the Constitution Act 1889 shall pass both houses of Parliament by simple majority; and (b) the Bill to amend the Constitution Act 1889 shall not be presented for assent unless approved by a majority of the electors in a referendum.
(b) the Bill to amend the Constitution Act 1889 shall not be presented for assent unless approved by a majority of the electors in a referendum.
We will give the Leader of the Opposition a chance on another issue. We note that the former Deputy Premier in the previous Government, the member for Merredin, has indicated that he may resign to contest a position in the federal Senate. This raises an interesting question that I will put to the Leader of the Opposition. Mr Barnett: Are you asking us questions now? Dr GALLOP: I am asking the Leader of the Opposition a direct question. Will he guarantee that the National Party and the Labor Party will be ahead of One Nation on the how-to-vote card for the Merredin by-election? It is an easy question. Is the member’s answer yes or no? Mr Barnett: If the Speaker will allow me to answer the question I will answer it. Will the Premier give me an opportunity to answer the question now? Dr GALLOP: Yes. What is the Leader of the Opposition’s answer? Mr Barnett: If the member for Merredin resigns his seat and decides to stand for the Senate and there is a by-election in Merredin, the Liberal Party will run a candidate and our preferences will go to the National Party. There will not be a deal with One Nation. At the time of the by-election, the Liberal Party will decide whether One Nation or the Labor Party is placed last in its preferences. Dr GALLOP: Weak as water! That is the new Liberal Party! It does not have a position on electoral reform and it cannot make up its mind whether One Nation should be placed last. This side of the House has made up its mind and One Nation will go to the bottom of the how-to-vote card.
Mr Barnett: Are you asking us questions now? Dr GALLOP: I am asking the Leader of the Opposition a direct question. Will he guarantee that the National Party and the Labor Party will be ahead of One Nation on the how-to-vote card for the Merredin by-election? It is an easy question. Is the member’s answer yes or no? Mr Barnett: If the Speaker will allow me to answer the question I will answer it. Will the Premier give me an opportunity to answer the question now? Dr GALLOP: Yes. What is the Leader of the Opposition’s answer? Mr Barnett: If the member for Merredin resigns his seat and decides to stand for the Senate and there is a by-election in Merredin, the Liberal Party will run a candidate and our preferences will go to the National Party. There will not be a deal with One Nation. At the time of the by-election, the Liberal Party will decide whether One Nation or the Labor Party is placed last in its preferences. Dr GALLOP: Weak as water! That is the new Liberal Party! It does not have a position on electoral reform and it cannot make up its mind whether One Nation should be placed last. This side of the House has made up its mind and One Nation will go to the bottom of the how-to-vote card.
Dr GALLOP: I am asking the Leader of the Opposition a direct question. Will he guarantee that the National Party and the Labor Party will be ahead of One Nation on the how-to-vote card for the Merredin by-election? It is an easy question. Is the member’s answer yes or no? Mr Barnett: If the Speaker will allow me to answer the question I will answer it. Will the Premier give me an opportunity to answer the question now? Dr GALLOP: Yes. What is the Leader of the Opposition’s answer? Mr Barnett: If the member for Merredin resigns his seat and decides to stand for the Senate and there is a by-election in Merredin, the Liberal Party will run a candidate and our preferences will go to the National Party. There will not be a deal with One Nation. At the time of the by-election, the Liberal Party will decide whether One Nation or the Labor Party is placed last in its preferences. Dr GALLOP: Weak as water! That is the new Liberal Party! It does not have a position on electoral reform and it cannot make up its mind whether One Nation should be placed last. This side of the House has made up its mind and One Nation will go to the bottom of the how-to-vote card.
Mr Barnett: If the Speaker will allow me to answer the question I will answer it. Will the Premier give me an opportunity to answer the question now? Dr GALLOP: Yes. What is the Leader of the Opposition’s answer? Mr Barnett: If the member for Merredin resigns his seat and decides to stand for the Senate and there is a by-election in Merredin, the Liberal Party will run a candidate and our preferences will go to the National Party. There will not be a deal with One Nation. At the time of the by-election, the Liberal Party will decide whether One Nation or the Labor Party is placed last in its preferences. Dr GALLOP: Weak as water! That is the new Liberal Party! It does not have a position on electoral reform and it cannot make up its mind whether One Nation should be placed last. This side of the House has made up its mind and One Nation will go to the bottom of the how-to-vote card.
Dr GALLOP: Yes. What is the Leader of the Opposition’s answer? Mr Barnett: If the member for Merredin resigns his seat and decides to stand for the Senate and there is a by-election in Merredin, the Liberal Party will run a candidate and our preferences will go to the National Party. There will not be a deal with One Nation. At the time of the by-election, the Liberal Party will decide whether One Nation or the Labor Party is placed last in its preferences. Dr GALLOP: Weak as water! That is the new Liberal Party! It does not have a position on electoral reform and it cannot make up its mind whether One Nation should be placed last. This side of the House has made up its mind and One Nation will go to the bottom of the how-to-vote card.
Mr Barnett: If the member for Merredin resigns his seat and decides to stand for the Senate and there is a by-election in Merredin, the Liberal Party will run a candidate and our preferences will go to the National Party. There will not be a deal with One Nation. At the time of the by-election, the Liberal Party will decide whether One Nation or the Labor Party is placed last in its preferences. Dr GALLOP: Weak as water! That is the new Liberal Party! It does not have a position on electoral reform and it cannot make up its mind whether One Nation should be placed last. This side of the House has made up its mind and One Nation will go to the bottom of the how-to-vote card.
Dr GALLOP: Weak as water! That is the new Liberal Party! It does not have a position on electoral reform and it cannot make up its mind whether One Nation should be placed last. This side of the House has made up its mind and One Nation will go to the bottom of the how-to-vote card.
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