'Stitch-up': Crossbench in the dark over Labor's electoral reforms
Crossbenchers complain they’ve been cut out of talks over electoral reform, despite the government's promises they would be consulted.
Crossbenchers fear a major party “stitch-up” over changes to Australia’s electoral system, revealing the government is yet to consult them on its plans.
Despite Labor pledging to brief them on its electoral reform package during last month’s sitting period, minor parties and independents remain in the dark just weeks before the proposal will be brought to Parliament.
This has left them suspecting Labor is instead seeking a deal with the Coalition, which could result in significantly watered-down reforms.
The exact makeup of Labor’s omnibus bill is unclear, and it remains to be seen how much Special Minister for State Don Farrell will be able to wrangle through Parliament.
