The Joint Standing
Committee on Electoral Matters has today issued two reports. One is an inquiry
into a bill that proposes to allow 16 and 17 year olds to vote, and the second
is an update report on the Committee’s oversight of the electoral system.
In its Advisory Report on the proposal to
lower the voting age, the Committee acknowledges the contribution made by many
young people to the inquiry, and their clear political engagement. However, the
Committee ultimately concludes that, other than from a narrow cross-section of
the community, there is insufficient evidence of support for lowering the
voting age, and recommends that the Bill not be passed.
In its Status Report the Committee discusses its oversight activities of the Australian
Electoral Commission. It also outlines key investigatory areas for the Electoral
Matters Committee to consider after the next federal election. This includes
the threats posed by disinformation and cyber manipulation to democracy.
‘Although the
Committee’s Status Report outlines
some of the challenges facing democratic processes, the Advisory Report is an example of how Australians are able to keep
debating changes to the electoral system,’ said the Committee Chair, Senator
James McGrath.
‘The Committee had a
vigorous inquiry with many passionate witnesses, and this healthy debate
strengthens Australian democracy.’