Australian democracy is built on the fundamental principle that every vote counts. However, former Hunter MP Joel Fitzgibbon has proposed that Labor and the Coalition collaborate to exclude minor parties and independents in the event of a hung parliament, effectively sidelining the choices of voters who elected them.
Minor parties and independents exist because Australians are increasingly disillusioned with the two-party system. In the 2022 federal election, one in three voters supported a minor party or independent, signaling a desire for change. If neither Labor nor the Coalition can secure a majority, it reflects the electorate’s demand for negotiation and collaboration, not backroom deals that exclude alternative voices.
This proposal is not only dangerous but also hypocritical. Both major parties often emphasize the importance of listening to voters, but this commitment seems to wane when the electorate supports minor parties. By attempting to rewrite the rules to maintain their dominance, the major parties risk undermining the very democratic principles they claim to uphold.
Here are three reasons why excluding minor parties and independents is detrimental to democracy:
- It Ignores the Will of the Voters
Australians are increasingly turning to minor parties because they feel ignored by the major parties. In the 2022 federal election, one in three voters supported a minor party or independent. If neither Labor nor the Coalition can win a majority, it means the people want them to negotiate, not form a backroom deal to shut everyone else out. - It Protects the Political Establishment at the Expense of Accountability
Minor parties and independents hold major parties accountable. When politicians know they have to negotiate with independents or minor parties, they are forced to actually listen to the people. If Labor and the Coalition work together to freeze them out, they eliminate any challenge to their power. - It’s a Slippery Slope to Even More Voter Suppression
If major parties can agree to ignore duly elected independents and minor parties, what’s stopping them from making it even harder for them to get elected in the first place? If they decide democracy only works when they win, then we’re heading toward a system where voters only get the “choices” the establishment allows. That’s a dangerous road, and Australians should reject it outright.
Fitzgibbon’s plan would disenfranchise millions of Australians, undermining the diversity of representation that is vital for a healthy democracy. Instead of conspiring to exclude competition, Labor and the Coalition should focus on addressing the concerns that drive voters toward minor parties and independents. Engaging with these alternative voices can lead to more robust policy discussions and a political landscape that truly reflects the electorate’s diverse views.
For more details on Fitzgibbon’s proposal, refer to the original article in The Australian