The Nationals and the Greens were the star performers last Saturday in Western Australia, writes Norm Kelly.

This research report surveys the operation of three types of voting system – first past the post, preferential and proportional representation (single transferable vote) – in Australia.

Ever since above-the-line voting was introduced for the Australian Senate in 1984 there has been concern over what happens with preferences under this system. Marian Sawer examines the problems of this voting system and looks at options for reform.