Local school Glenala SHS today hosted the first Queensland public hearing into the Commonwealth Electoral Amendment (Lowering Voting Age and Increasing Voter Participation) Bill 2018 by the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters.
Committee member and local Federal Member Milton Dick MP joined the panel to hear from students and local community groups as to their views on the proposal by Greens Senator Jordan Steele-John.
The Bill proposes to introduce voluntary voting for 16 to 17 year olds and to allow people to enrol or update their enrolment details on polling day.
Mr Dick said it was great to hear firsthand from young people about their thoughts and opinions on the matter.
“It was great to hear from young people first hand on this important topic” said Mr Dick.
“We heard from students who were both for and against the proposal to lower the voting age.
“All of the students were fantastic ambassadors for the school and community and did themselves proud when giving their thoughts to the committee”.
The committee will continue to hold public meetings with a recommendation to be delivered once all submissions have been completed.
More information on the committee and the proposal can be found here.
https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/Electoral_Matters/VotingAge
