Doc. 214: URL = http://www.multiline.com.au/~johnm/mcginty.htm
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Ref: 9-6022
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Mr J Massam
46 Cobine Way
GREENWOOD WA 6024
Dear Mr Massam
I refer to your letter of 15 August 2001 together with the enclosed copy of a media release from Senator the Hon. Eric Abetz, Special Minister of State.
There has been no evidence of widespread fraud in electoral enrolment, so the proposed changes are, in my view, unwarranted, and I cannot agree with the media statements made by Senator Abetz. It is my firm belief that changes proposed by the Federal Government, requiring new electors to provide original proof of identity documents to agents of the Australian Electoral Commission and requiring all re-enrolling electors to find a qualified person to witness their enrolment, is not in the public interest.
It is anticipated that many electors will be disenfranchised at the close of roll for an election under the proposed system because they will not be able to produce the evidence and conform with the witnessing rules within the short time permitted.
The need to provide identification and obtain the signatures of a qualified witness will be a significant deterrent to enrolment, which will affect not only the broad population but particularly will impact the young and those who are marginalised by society.
Thanks you for taking an interest in the voting process and letting me know your views.
Yours sincerely
JIM McGINTY MLA
ATTORNEY GENERAL
MINISTER FOR ELECTORAL AFFAIRS
04 SEP 2001
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