Crossbenchers warn Prime Minister against Senate reform

Key crossbenchers warn the Abbott Government could have its agenda thwarted if it pursues Senate voting reforms with Labor and the Greens that make it hard for small parties and independents to get elected.

But amid speculation about an early election, Greens democracy spokeswoman Lee Rhiannon toldThe West Australian she wanted Parliament to outlaw secret and complex preference deals when it resumed in August after its winter break.

The case for voting reform gained momentum after the 2013 election, which saw a record number of crossbenchers elected despite polling less than 1 per cent of primary votes thanks to above-the-line group voting tickets which leave voters in the dark on how their preferences flow.

A parliamentary inquiry saw the coalition, Labor and Greens MPs recommend dumping group voting tickets and allowing voters to fill in their own preferences.

Tony Abbott labelled the crossbench “feral” earlier this year and while it is understood the Prime Minister’s office has taken carriage of electoral reform, the Government has put it on the backburner. Splits have also emerged within Labor.

Senator Rhiannon said changes needed to be made as soon as possible so the Electoral Commission could prepare for the new system.

“It’s overdue ... and it enhances democracy,” she said.

Senator David Leyonhjelm.

Liberal Democrat Senator David Leyonhjelm warned voting reform would see the Senate permanently deadlocked, with the coalition on one side and Labor and Greens on the other.

While he would still support the Government on Bills that were in sync with his party’s principles, he warned on issues where previously he had given the coalition the benefit of the doubt or did not care about he may vote against.

“I definitely am leaving that option open,” Senator Leyonhjelm said.

Independent Jacqui Lambie said it would “certainly not be smart political tactics” if the Government pursued voting reform.

Independent Nick Xenophon predicted there would be a public backlash against the Greens if the party did a deal with the coalition to change the voting system.

Senator Leyonhjelm - who was elected after drawing a favourable position on the ballot paper and benefited from voter confusion with the Liberal Party - revealed he would not see out a full term if re-elected in five years time so he could handover the seat to a successor.