Anger over Greens threat to electoral equality

18/9/01
Electoral Affairs Minister Jim McGinty says he is bitterly disappointed by the threat today from the Greens to torpedo electoral reform plans unless the Government agrees to their demand for two additional Members of Parliament in the Legislative Council.
Mr McGinty said the Government did not support increasing the number of MPs and the associated costs it would impose on taxpayers.
"The plan by the Greens would also increase the malapportionment in the system for the Legislative Council, which flies in the face of the equality we are trying to achieve," he said.
"It is frustrating but I intend to continue talking these matters through with the Greens and I will also be discussing the position with my Cabinet colleagues."
Mr McGinty said Western Australia was the only Parliament in Australia that did not have electoral equality, and it was time to give all people in the State an equal say in electing their Government.
"What we've got now is the Greens saying they are prepared to throw out this very important principle, which they have previously said they support, unless they get their way and have more Upper House positions created," he said.
"That is not a question of principle. It is the crude, brutal end of politics and I think the Greens have today put themselves in a position that they want to play hardball in politics and forget principle, and I'm very sorry they have done that.

"We will obviously need to sit down and deal with the reality of the threat they have made to us, but I'm still very keen to press ahead this year with electoral reform.
"Unfortunately, we're going to have to now give consideration to things we would prefer not to be thinking about or legislating on because the position of the Greens is crystal clear.
"They have a gun at our heads, saying that if we don't support them, they are going to vote against electoral equality.
"That is an unprincipled position but we must deal with the reality of it. But I make it quite clear, the Labor Party does not believe an increase in the number of MPs should be the price we pay for electoral equality. I would be very surprised if people in either the city or country condoned this sort of political manoeuvring by the Greens."
Media contact: Amanda O'Brien on 9220 5000