Comments on: Electoral (Administration) Amendment Bill

By: G

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 19:34:50 +0000

The criteria for appointing could be stricter. For instance, the Electoral Act 1993 has provisions for regulation-making. The consultation required include (s276B):

the recommendation is agreed by at least half of the parliamentary leaders of all political parties represented in Parliament; and
the members of Parliament of the political parties whose parliamentary leaders agree with the Minister’s recommendation comprise at least 75% of all members of Parliament.

That would satisfy your objection DPF?

By: tvb

tvb — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:47:55 +0000

Should be an Officer of Parliament on a similar footing to the Auditor General. Clark could not sack the AG though she would have wanted to and her kind should not be able to do the same with the Electoral Commissioners.

By: Graeme Edgeler

Graeme Edgeler — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 08:32:37 +0000

I actually believe the three Commissions should be appointed directly by Parliament, and that the Commission should be an “Office of Parliament” not a crown entity. The preamble states this was considered but rejected as not fitting the criteria.

I understand former Clerk of the House of Representatives David McGee has no objection to the Electoral Commission as an Office of Parliament.

That fits my criteria.

By: wreck1080

wreck1080 — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 08:19:38 +0000

While he’s about it, he should reverse the law change Labour pushed through to let Helen and Winnie off the hook for overspending.

Then, a police investigation could be instigated, and Helen extradited from the USA to face trial here.

As should have occurred in the first place.

We could even get that auditor guy back (kevin someone?) to pursue this through.