FAIR AND TRANSPARENT ELECTIONS Bill
Improving transparency, reducing financial influence and levelling the playing field in Australia’s elections.
Leading the Crossbench on Fair and Transparent Elections Bill
In March, as part of my ongoing commitment to restoring trust in politics, I introduced my Fair and Transparent Elections Bill. The crossbenches of both Houses support my Bill, including David Pocock in the Senate. The Bill introduces a suite of electoral reforms to rebuild trust in our political system, including voters knowing who is supporting political candidates before they vote.
These changes have broad support. The government has said it supports many of them, but I (and many on the crossbench) are concerned that we will not see any change before the next election.
I will keep driving for reform during this term, because shining a light on vested interests will encourage politicians to make decisions in the interests of community, on so many important issues.
You can view the Fair and Elections Bill here, the Explanatory Memorandum here or a Bill summary table here.
You’re encouraged to support the Bill by signing the petition below.
Support the FAIR AND TRANSPARENT ELECTIONS Bill
Sign this petition to show your support for the Fair and Transparent Elections Bill.
Broad community pressure will be crucial in convincing Parliament to adopt these reforms.
Together, we can improve transparency, reduce financial influence and level the playing field in Australia’s elections.
HOW WE GOT HERE
Transparency and integrity in politics were key pillars of Kate’s campaign platform in the lead up to the 2022 Federal election.
Kate led by example during the election campaign by publicly disclosing all donations her team received in real time on her website.
After being elected as Member for Curtin, Kate became the first ever Lower House Independent to sit on the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters. Kate and her committee colleagues were tasked with holding an inquiry into the 2022 Federal elections.
The Committee heard more than 40 hours of evidence from expert witnesses, academics and other relevant stakeholders during its inquiry.
That evidence helped Kate and her team develop the Restoring Trust Bill which Kate introduced to the House of Representatives on 7 August 2023. The Fair and Transparent Elections Bill builds on the Restoring Trust Bill with the crossbenches of both House now supporting the Bill.
While Private Member’s Bills rarely become law, with sustained community pressure it can lead to the Government adopting the changes. The support of the crossbenches of both Houses, democracy think tanks and civil society organisations has increased the pressure on the Government and Opposition to support the Bill.
Kate will keep you up to date on the Bill’s progress on this webpage!
Hear Kate TALK ABOUT the FAIR and transparent elections Bill
Fair and Transparent Elections Bill - 19 March 2024
Restoring Trust Bill - ABC Afternoon Briefing - 7 August 2023
Electoral Reform - ABC Afternoon Briefing - 19 March 2024
My Restoring Trust Bill - 7 August 2023
Electoral Reform - 10 News Midday - 19 March 2024
Restoring Trust Bill - Sky News - 7 August 2023