In response to a request to the three continuing Independents in the House of Assembly for details on their electoral reform policies, Bob Such has provided the details listed below.

While the Electoral Reform Society does not have an official opinion on some of the issues raised (such as the Republic Referendum), Bob Such has certainly been prolific with the issues he has raised and is to be commended.

Are you are aware, I have had a number of Bills and Motions before the Parliament dealing with the issue of electoral and parliamentary reform.

Bills

Statutes Amendment (Entitlements of Elected Representatives) Bill

• Will make it so that MP and local government members allowances and entitlements are set by an independent Remuneration Tribunal
• This Bill will be amended when reintroduced to remove local government members as this has already been dealt with by Govt legislation which was passed in late 2009.

Lobbying and Ministerial Accountability Bill

• Will establish a register for lobbyists.

Electoral (Voting Age) Amendment Bill

• Will enable 16/17 year olds the ability to enrol to vote in state and local government elections should they wish.

Electoral (Optional Preferential Voting) Amendment Bill 2006

• Will enable electors to indicate a preference only for those candidates that they choose to indicate a preference for.
• Under current system you have to indicate a preference for people you may not like or support in any way, shape or form.

Motions

Republic Referendum

That this House calls upon the Federal Government to act decisively and initiate a referendum relating to Australia becoming a Republic and in particular, one which allows the public to indicate if they desire a Republic and if so, whether the President should have a symbolic or executive role, or both, and whether the President should be selected by either a joint sitting of the Federal Parliament, a direct vote or by some other mechanism.

Republic Plebiscite

That this House calls upon the State Government to consult the people of South Australia, via a plebiscite at the time of the next State election, as to whether or not they support Australia becoming a Republic, and if Australia becomes a Republic what connection, if any, should South Australia maintain with the Crown.

Members’ Code of Conduct

That this House adopts the following Statement of Principles for Members of Parliament –

1. Members of Parliament are in a unique position of being accountable to the electorate. The electorate is the final arbiter of the conduct of Members of Parliament and has the right to dismiss them from office at elections.
2. Members of Parliament have a responsibility to maintain the public trust placed in them by performing their duties with fairness, honesty and integrity, subject to the laws of the State and rules of the Parliament, and using their influence to advance the common good of the people of South Australia.
3. Political parties and political activities are a part of the democratic process. Participation in political parties and political activities is within the legitimate activities of Members of Parliament.
4. Members of Parliament should declare any conflict of interest between their private financial interests and decisions in which they participate in the execution of their duties. Members must declare their interests as required by the Members of Parliament (Register of Interests) Act 1983 and declare their interests when speaking on a matter in the House or a Committee in accordance with the Standing Orders.
5. A conflict of interest does not exist where the Member is only affected as a member of the public or a member of a broad class.
6. Members of Parliament should not promote any matter, vote on any bill or resolution, or ask any question in the Parliament or its Committees, in return for any financial or pecuniary benefit.
7. In accordance with the requirements of the Members of Parliament (Register of Interests) Act 1983, Members of Parliament should declare all gifts and benefits received in connection with their official duties, including contributions made to any fund for a Member's benefit.
8. Members of Parliament should not accept gifts or other considerations that create a conflict of interest.
9. Members of Parliament should apply the public resources with which they are provided for the purpose of carrying out their duties.
10. Members of Parliament should not knowingly and improperly use official information, which is not in the public domain, or information obtained in confidence in the course of their Parliamentary duties, for private benefit.
11. Members of Parliament should act with civility in their dealings with the public, Ministers and other Members of Parliament and the Public Service.
12. Members of Parliament should always be mindful of their responsibility to accord due respect to their right of freedom of speech within Parliament and not to misuse this right, consciously avoiding undeserved harm to any individual.

And that –

(a) upon election and re-election to Parliament, within 14 days of taking and subscribing the Oath or making and subscribing an Affirmation as a Member of Parliament, each Member must sign an acknowledgement to confirm they have read and accept the Statement of Principles; and

(b) a Message be sent to the Legislative Council transmitting the foregoing resolution and requesting its concurrence thereto

State Election Plebiscite

That this House calls on the State Government to facilitate, via the State Electoral Commission, a plebiscite at the next State Election so that voters can indicate their views on a range of social and economic issues.

Metropolitan Councils Review

That this House requests the State Government initiate an independent review to ascertain the optimal number and size of Councils in the metropolitan area.

Parliamentary Reform

That this House supports the reform of this Parliament and in particular, reform of the Legislative Council, including, a change to the term of office from eight to four years and the power to delay but not veto, as well as significant changes to the processes and procedures of the House of Assembly.