****Media Release************Media Release********
No fixed terms! Introduce recall referendum legislation
The Tasmanian Greens bill to fix state governments term's to four years will do nothing to improve accountability or honest government.
The Socialist Alliance believes that rather than legislating for a fixed term, the Tasmanian government should introduce a mechanism that allows for recall
referendums.
"The majority of Tasmanians are opposed to the proposed Tamar Valley pulp mill, but the Labor Government have been actively supporting it for the past 4
years anyway", Duncan Meerding a Socialist Alliance member said.
'We should have a mechanism like in California where the people can recall their elected representatives,' Meerding continued. 'There, if a petition is
signed by 12% of the number of people who voted in the previous election, a recall election is triggered. Tasmania should have the same measure so there's
some accountability over politicians'
The ability to call a recall election would mean the government could be held to account for the decisions they make all year round. Ordinary people would
be able to pressure the government to call an election early and face the people.
In response to Greens MP Nick McKim claims that fixed terms are more democratic, Meerding replied, "Democracy should not be limited to a once-every-four-years
vote. A fixed term only increases the amount of time that unpopular governments can stay in power."
"We should be increasing the ability for the people to put pressure on the government on when it can call elections, not decrease the people power", Meerding
finished.
For further comment call Duncan Meerding on 0419 406 875
