Electoral reform stalemate drags on as crossbenchers push back
The government's electoral reform package was effectively sunk last year, but talks to end the impasse continued on Monday.
Crossbenchers have flatly rejected the government’s claim that it properly consulted them on electoral reforms over the summer break, as a stalemate over the contentious bill continues.
Independents are pushing for the complex package, parts of which are opposed by the Coalition and others by the crossbench, to be split, allowing non-contentious elements to pass immediately.
On Monday, Labor frontbencher Murray Watt insisted consultations with the crossbench had taken place, in line with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s promise when the Opposition sank the bill just before Christmas.
Speaking with ABC radio, Watt said Special Minister of State Don Farrell had “spent the summer consulting with both the opposition and other parties” on a deal.
