Proportional representation 'the best system'

Proportional representation 'the best system'

In a media statement issued on November 4, the Progressive Labour Party has condemned the NSW Labor government's planned changes to the Legislative Council, saying they would turn the upper house into another "two-party tyranny" like the lower house.

The proposed changes — which include forcing all registered parties to prove each year that they have at least 1000 members in the state, pay a $3500 registration fee and be registered for at least a year before the election — would mean that only parties or groups with at least 15 upper house candidates will have the option of above-the-line voting.

PLP spokesperson Klaas Woldring said, "It would end the quite representative and democratic nature of the Legislative Council achieved through a system of proportional representation ... The PLP favours the introduction of PR for the main house, and if this is done, the upper house could be abolished ... The 21 MLCs elected in March could be added to the 93 Assembly politicians ... achieving a more diverse and democratic assembly."

The PLP points out that PR eliminates the problem of a large minority of people in each single-member electorate not being represented by the party of their choice, and reduces gerrymandering, pork-barrelling and resources being given only to marginal seats.

The proposed changes, which the Carr government negotiated with the two NSW Greens MLCs, have also been condemned by the Democratic Socialists and the Communist Party of Australia

From GLW issue 384