Electoral Process
26/05/2010
The Hon. K.L. VINCENT (20:27): I move:
I wish to place on the record my support for this motion; that is, the establishment of this select committee. South Australians deserve an open and accountable electoral process that will ensure that those who are enrolled to vote are in fact given the opportunity to vote, and I consider that the proposed select committee could well improve the current process and help to ensure this. It was with great concern that I saw the dodgy how-to-vote card scandal unfold in the days following the 20 March 2010 election. However, as I see it, the proposed select committee will do more than simply name and shame those involved in that particular scandal, as it would also consider measures that may be necessary to ensure that our electors are not misled in future elections.
Further to this, the proposed committee would also report on other important aspects of the March 2010 election, including the integrity of the roll. This must be upheld on the grounds that a vote is both a right and a privilege. It is outrageous that we even need a select committee to ensure that this basic element of the electoral system is upheld, but clearly we do. The proposed committee would also report on the provision of voting services, including voting by post and services to people with disabilities and residents of declared institutions. For me, this term of reference is most important as I believe that effective and inclusive voting services are central to ensuring that all eligible voters are able to cast their vote.
I am aware that the Electoral Commission SA has a disability strategy to help ensure that its services are tailored to meet the needs of people with disabilities. However, my office has been contacted by a number of people with disabilities who have raised concerns about the voting services for people with disabilities in the 2010 election.
I received contact from several constituents who are outraged at a state system that does not allow those with vision impairments, for example, to vote in privacy unlike the federal electoral system which already has in place strategies to accommodate people with visual impairments.
My mandate, and the mantra of my party, is to achieve dignity through choice for people with disabilities, and choosing one’s own elected representatives is fundamental to that idea of choice. This is, after all, the people’s parliament, is it not?
While I consider that the Hon. Mr Wade’s current terms of reference for the proposed committee may well cover services for people with disabilities, I feel that it would be somewhat remiss of me not to move an amendment that ensures that services for people with disabilities will definitely be addressed if the committee is established. I ask that my fellow members support me in this amendment.
