This paper reviews features of the Australian democratic system with consideration to reshaping that system to better serve a liberal democracy. It argues that reform must focus on how the political system can be improved so that it represents the views and values of ordinary Australians. The paper is intended to generate debate and provides...

This research note quantifies the potential benefits of shifting from a three-year to a four-year term in the Commonwealth House of Representatives, analysing three categories of benefits: reduced direct election costs, indirect economic benefits and policy implementation benefits. It finds the total benefits over a 20-year period to be between $59-$71 billion.

An overview of key issues related to moving to four-year terms for the Australian House of Representatives. The paper covers the history of the proposal, arguments for and against, potential economic implications and key design choices if four-year terms are to be implemented. It finds potential for significant economic benefit, tempered by concerns around democratic...

This paper discusses the background to the 2022 election, the events of the campaign and the Australian Electoral Commission’s administration of the election. It provides an overview of results in the House of Representatives and the Senate. The paper concludes with data on parties’ and candidates’ declared donations and expenditure leading up to the election...

After the official results of the 2023 New Zealand General Election were released, a journalist queried the Electoral Commission about an apparently anomalous result in one electorate. After discussion with the Electoral Commission, the Office of the Auditor-General decided to review the Electoral Commission’s quality assurance processes for counting votes.