Greens candidate for Batman Alex Bhathal today released the results of a survey of voter knowledge in Batman, conducted by the Greens campaign for Batman over the past fortnight.
The survey, with a mixed multiple choice and single answer format, was delivered to 50 local residents in person, in a range of locations across the electorate, including North West Reservoir, at Northcote Plaza Shopping Centre, East and South Preston and Thornbury.
“These results are staggering” said Greens candidate for Batman Alex Bhathal, today.
“This was an easy format survey, delivered in person, where most of the questions were multiple choice”.
“Only 12 % of people passed, and half of these passed barely” said Ms Bhathal.
“A large number of respondents answered ‘don’t know’ or ‘unsure’, in response to the questions about voting systems in particular”.
“These results show that the Greens, which rely on people’s understanding of our preferential voting system in the lower house, are at a distinct disadvantage when compared with the two major parties” said Ms Bhathal.
“And there is a clear need for voter education, to be conducted by the Australian Electoral Commission”.
“The Greens continue to back this, but the two major parties joined forces to cut the funding for this crucial program” said Ms Bhathal today.