On 28 October, at the direction of Pauline Hanson’s One Nation, the Government introduced the Electoral Legislation Amendment (Voter Integrity) Bill 2021 into the House of Representatives. The laws would require people to provide a prescribed, valid form of ID to voting officers when attending a polling place to vote.
The Bill has been reviewed by the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights, which has questioned whether the laws are fit for purpose, necessary, proportionate and, ultimately, if they will unjustifiably limit the right to equality and non-discrimination.
If passed, these laws will create many more obstacles to voting ...
On 28 October, at the direction of Pauline Hanson’s One Nation, the Government introduced the Electoral Legislation Amendment (Voter Integrity) Bill 2021 into the House of Representatives. The laws would require people to provide a prescribed, valid form of ID to voting officers when attending a polling place to vote.
The Bill has been reviewed by the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights, which has questioned whether the laws are fit for purpose, necessary, proportionate and, ultimately, if they will unjustifiably limit the right to equality and non-discrimination.
If passed, these laws will create many more obstacles to voting for a large number of people, including First Nations communities, particularly those living remotely. Many First Nations communities already find it difficult to engage with political processes in this country. Permanency of residence or a fixed address are often essential in obtaining most forms of identification and can be a huge hurdle to overcome.
Political participation is a human right! Attempts by One Nation and the Government to disenfranchise people from participating in the Parliamentary process should be opposed at every opportunity.
Send a clear message to key decision-makers that this legislation should be stopped!