Simplifying the Senate

Victoria would have elected three Coalition Senators (2.83 quotas), two ALP (2.26 quotas) and one Green (0.7 quotas). The third Coalition Senator would be replacing the Aust. Motoring Enthusiasts Party candidate elected with 0.035 of a quota plus preferences.

In Queensland three Coalition (2.87 quotas), two ALP (2.0 quotas) and one Palmer United party (0.7 quotas) would have been elected. No change from the election result.

The actual national Senate result, including the four Territory Senators, (though not finally declared) was Coalition 17, ALP 13, Greens 3, Sex party 1, PUP 2, Xenophon 1, Family First 1, Motoring Enthusiasts 1 and Liberal democrats 1.

With my proposed new rules the national totals would have been Coalition 18, ALP 14, Greens 4, Xenophon 2, Palmer United 1, Liberal Democrats 1.

The Sex Party, Motoring Enthusiasts, Family First and one PUP would go. One Liberal (having lost one and won two), one ALP, one Green and a Xenophon nominee would be added. This would more accurately reflect the will of the people, be much quicker to count and eliminate a lot of the nonsense that is now part of upper house ballots in Australia.

In a double dissolution the quota drops to just under 7.7%. While it would still be easier for small parties to win seats, under these new rules they would need at least 3% primary vote to have a real chance. The idiot parties would disappear from the ballot paper, to the great relief of nearly everyone.

The Commonwealth and those States with Upper Houses elected by quotas should be able to make these changes easily as the ALP and Greens would probably support them. They should be enacted to be ready for the next election.