LONG queues at pre-poll and the involvement of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church in this year’s Federal election have been raised as issues in Bonner as hearings for the parliamentary review of the election come to Brisbane next week.
Federal Member for Bonner Kara Cook said there were record numbers of people voting at pre-poll and the system needed to adapt to that shift.
“The way Australians vote has changed, and our electoral infrastructure hasn’t kept up,” Ms Cook said.
“At the two Bonner pre-poll centres, some voters were waiting more than an hour-and-a-half just to cast their ballot, while by lunchtime on election day many booths were close to empty.
“We need additional pre-poll locations and better resourcing to make sure voters aren’t discouraged or disadvantaged simply because they choose to vote early.”
Ms Cook also raised concerns about the involvement of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church in the LNP’s campaign in Bonner.
“The Exclusive Brethren were active in Bonner during both pre-poll and on election day supporting the LNP campaign,” Ms Cook said.
“I think it’s important that all third-party involvement in elections is transparent and properly regulated.
“Voters deserve to know who is participating in political campaigns and whose interests they represent.
“Clear rules and accountability are essential to maintaining trust in our democratic processes.”
Both the LNP and Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, a branch of the Exclusive Brethren, have denied the Brethren took part in a coordinated campaign.
A spokesman for the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church said the church did not “donate to, organise volunteers for, or otherwise support any political candidate or party in any way, and never has”.
“Our church is aware that some members volunteered for various parties at the last election,” he said.
“They were doing this in their own capacity, not representing the church.”
The Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters is conducting its regular review of the election and is holding a public hearing at Hotel Grand Chancellor in Brisbane on December 10.
Committee chairman Jerome Laxale said the focus of the review was on ensuring Australia’s democracy remained strong, accessible and fair.
To register your interest in making a statement at upcoming hearings, contact the Committee Secretariat at em@aph.gov.au.
