INDEPENDENT NEWS

Greens Want Anti-Defection Act Repealed

Published: Tue 19 Mar 2002 11:02 AM
Green Party co-leader Rod Donald said today the Greens would support the repeal of the Electoral Integrity Act.
"The impending split in the Alliance highlights the futility of the anti-defection legislation," said Mr Donald.
"The Green Party opposed the bill at all stages because it is anti-democratic. The party-hopping legislation stops parties doing the very thing that the Alliance now needs to do.
"A well-managed dignified split would do much more to uphold electoral integrity than the farce which is unfolding.
"Instead the two factions in the Alliance will be forced to engage in extraordinary contortions in order not to break the law as they prepare to stand separately."
Mr Donald said political renewal is a vital ingredient of democracy.
"It is ironic that the major proponent of legislation to stop parties splitting is now driving a split in his own party."
Ends

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