9 June 2018

Elise Archer, Attorney-General

Electoral Act Review

The Government is today calling for public submissions as part of our review into the Electoral Act and associated election laws.

This is the start of an extensive community and stakeholder consultation process to give every Tasmanian, political parties, and organisations a chance to have their say.

The review, which was announced last month, is a responsible action following a state election and will ensure our democratic processes are contemporary and in line with changing community expectations.

The review will be guided by two governing principles: protecting freedom of speech, with note to Constitutional implications, and minimal cost to the taxpayer.

The terms of reference for the review are:

• Modernising the current Tasmanian Electoral Act, with specific examination of sections including 191(1)(b); 196(1) and 198(1)(b);
• Whether state-based disclosure rules should be introduced and, if so, what they should include; and
• The level of regulation of third parties, including unions, during election campaigns.

Public submissions are invited until July 20. Targeted stakeholder consultation will also be undertaken.

An interim report is expected by the end of this year and a final report is expected in 12 months.

I encourage all Tasmanians to have their say via: https://www.justice.tas.gov.au/

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