MENU
  • Loading ...
  • Loading ...

Accommodation Rockhampton

Latest News Accommodation Rockhampton

Are you looking for a holiday? Get special deals.

 

Voter ID laws will ?diminish rights of all Aboriginal people?, NT Indigenous leaders say

21 Nov 2021 By theguardian

Voter ID laws will ?diminish rights of all Aboriginal people?, NT Indigenous leaders say

Indigenous leaders from the Northern Territory have voiced their concerns over the Morrison government's proposed voter ID law.

The new legislation would require voters to show identification before voting in federal elections and referendums.

There are fears it will amplify the discrimination already experienced by many Indigenous citizens when they attempt to cast their ballot.

"Voting numbers will plummet," Northern Land Council's chief executive Joe Martin-Jard said.

First Nations union organiser Wayne Kurnorth said the law was like "using a sledgehammer to crack a peanut".

"There's no evidence of irregular voting or fraud in the NT," he said.

"This legislation would diminish the voting rights of all Aboriginal people."

Senator Malarndirri McCarthy called for the bill to be withdrawn.

She said more efforts should be focused on enrolling Indigenous Territorians to vote, not deterring them from taking part in polls.

"Our rate is very, very low," she said.

Under the legislation, voters who go to polling booths without ID will be able to fill in a declaration form to enable them to cast their ballot.

But Donnella Mills, chair of the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, said it was a "clumsy" measure.

"It's unrealistic to think that people without ID, who may have poor language and literacy skills, and perhaps a mistrust of government officials, will be able to fill in a complex ‘voter declaration' form," she said.

"The new arrangements defy common sense and most people without ID will be confused, and most will become embarrassed and walk away if they are challenged."

NLC chair Samuel Bush-Blanasi and Theresa Roe of Aboriginal Peak Organisations of the NT have also voiced concerns over the bill.

Federal parliament will continue considering the Electoral Legislation Amendment (Voter Integrity) Bill during the next sitting fortnight, which starts on Monday.

The parliamentary joint committee on human rights found the law could discriminate against homeless Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people in remote communities.

It has asked the special minister of state, Ben Morton, for evidence the legislation is necessary and information about the likely impact on voter turnout.

It comes as the Human Rights Commission assesses a complaint about an Australian Electoral Commission policy that allegedly excludes Indigenous people who don't have a postal address from the electoral process.

The AEC won't automatically enrol these people to vote because it can't send a written notice to them, affecting many residents in remote Indigenous communities, where mailboxes are rare.

About 30% of the NT's 251,396-strong population are Indigenous.

More News

Booking.com
Archaeologists uncover ancient baptistery in France tied to early Christian rituals
Archaeologists uncover ancient baptistery in France tied to early Christian rituals
Eight people rescued from sinking boat after running low on fuel in rough Miami waters
Eight people rescued from sinking boat after running low on fuel in rough Miami waters
Federal judge orders Oakland schools to allow after-school Christian clubs equal access
Federal judge orders Oakland schools to allow after-school Christian clubs equal access
Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta-Jones' daughter Carys shares bikini photos after college graduation
Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta-Jones' daughter Carys shares bikini photos after college graduation
More California girls' high school volleyball teams forfeit to squad with trans athlete
More California girls' high school volleyball teams forfeit to squad with trans athlete
Bucs to waive Shilo Sanders after ejection from punching Bills player: report
Bucs to waive Shilo Sanders after ejection from punching Bills player: report
Joy Reid says MSNBC is 'like Sesame Street to people,' calls liberal network a 'lifeline'
Joy Reid says MSNBC is 'like Sesame Street to people,' calls liberal network a 'lifeline'
Ex-UFC star's son engulfed in controversy over 'horrible' pro wrestling incident
Ex-UFC star's son engulfed in controversy over 'horrible' pro wrestling incident
2 men claiming to be police shot, killed by homeowner, authorities say
2 men claiming to be police shot, killed by homeowner, authorities say
Forensic team reveals Kohberger's panicked phone activity before Idaho murders arrest
Forensic team reveals Kohberger's panicked phone activity before Idaho murders arrest
Top liberal podcast declares that the Democratic Party is experiencing one of its 'worst' points in history
Top liberal podcast declares that the Democratic Party is experiencing one of its 'worst' points in history
Kansas State star Avery Johnson's family get into brawl outside Ireland stadium, issue apology
Kansas State star Avery Johnson's family get into brawl outside Ireland stadium, issue apology
Usha Vance backs books over phones as more schools implement no-cell policies
Usha Vance backs books over phones as more schools implement no-cell policies
Pioneering psychiatrist's shocking remark reveals field's antisemitism problem
Pioneering psychiatrist's shocking remark reveals field's antisemitism problem
Omega-3 may help to protect women from Alzheimer's disease, new study says
Omega-3 may help to protect women from Alzheimer's disease, new study says
Browns' Kevin Stefanski dismisses allegations he 'sabotaged' Shedeur Sanders' performance
Browns' Kevin Stefanski dismisses allegations he 'sabotaged' Shedeur Sanders' performance
Alina Habba says she 'won't be intimidated' after Senate custom hinders US Attorney nomination
Alina Habba says she 'won't be intimidated' after Senate custom hinders US Attorney nomination
Russian war hero 'the Executioner' allegedly ordered troops to shoot him in massive payout scheme: report
Russian war hero 'the Executioner' allegedly ordered troops to shoot him in massive payout scheme: report
Christopher Schwarzenegger debuts dramatic weight-loss transformation aboard boat with family
Christopher Schwarzenegger debuts dramatic weight-loss transformation aboard boat with family
Carson Wentz cuts deal with Minnesota Vikings
Carson Wentz cuts deal with Minnesota Vikings
Latest News

copyright © 2025 Accommodation Rockhampton.   All rights reserved.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z