'Education' for major party benefit?

That system certainly suits the major parties but does it suit the voters, the Australian people? I would say no, because apart from the Senate, which is elected on a (very imperfect) system of proportional representation, the choice that voters have in Australia for the House of Representatives, is virtually meaningless. It has nothing to do with democracy. Voters will have to vote for the least objectionable major party and those who realize that, a growing number, will endeavour to avoid voting, even enrolling.

Would the system itself become more attractive if automatic enrolment is introduced as has been reported? Most unlikely I would say. The reason why the young stay away is that they find the entire political system off-putting, it has little attraction for most.

Voters should have the opportunity to consider proportional representation (preferably the Open-Party-List-System) as a far superior alternative to the present electoral system (preferential voting) that is GROSSLY biased towards the major parties in the House of Representatives. Proportional representation is based on multi-member electoral districts that provide opportunity for new parties to gain representation in the National Parliament.

The current system is appallingly adversarial. Most European countries use PR (21 out of 28) and also many others, like New Zealand and South Africa. Altogether 89 states use a PR system. Japan and Thailand are considering now changing to PR. A form of PR is used in Australia in the Senate where smaller parties and Independents are doing an excellent job as a result.

Tasmania and the ACT also have the Hare-Clark system of PR. Amazingly, Australians have NEVER had the opportunity in a referendum or plebiscite to express a preference for an electoral system. Education about electoral systems has been rudimentary here – and can now be improved considerably IF the AEC gets its act together.

This is a supposedly a democracy and we should have a say in what electoral system we prefer in Australia. Proportional representation promotes diversity in our Parliaments and introduces a new political culture. In the Open-Party-List-Systems (used mostly) voters can indicate their preference for a party AND a particular candidate on its list with ONE mark. It is a flexible system resulting in coalition government that produces parliamentary majorities. It is flexible, inexpensive and fast in counting.

No, proportional representation is NOT like minority government, often claimed here. Minority government reflects a failing of a two-party system that is the result of single-member-district preferential voting (since 1918) combined with compulsory voting (in 1924).

PR proper produces majority government of diverse groups in Parliament. It is long overdue. It will produce a much more cooperative political culture, a new beginning – and will also help end the blocking of amendments to the Constitution. This is an important aspect frequently overlooked.

Unless both major parties support a proposal for constitutional amendment it is hardly possible to gain acceptance for a proposal. The toxic adversarialism of the system has long blocked constitutional renewal.

So if the ALP wants make its mark in electoral reform it should introduce PR (Open-Party-List-System). It introduced Hare-Clark for the Senate in 1948. Its National Conference is elected on the basis of PR. What is good for the ALP should be good for the nation as well.