2024-05-09
The ACT Greens want to increase participation in democracy by giving permanent residents and 16- and 17-year-olds the right to vote in ACT elections.
“The Greens want Canberra to be a city for all of us and that means including more Canberrans in our democracy,” said Andrew Braddock, ACT Greens democracy spokesperson and re-contesting Member for Yerrabi.
“There are so many active and engaged Canberrans who are directly impacted by the decisions that their elected representatives make, but are currently unable to vote at ACT elections.
“These members of our community work and pay taxes, make use of public services like public transport, schools and hospitals, so it’s only right that they should have a say on the future of our city and how it is run,” said Mr Braddock.
Greens MLA Laura Nuttall, who is the only Gen-Z Member of the Legislative Assembly and recontesting her seat in Brindabella said:
“I know so many informed young people who are desperate to access their democratic rights. They're super conscious that the decisions that are made by today’s politicians are the decisions that will shape their future. They want to have a say and they don't want to have to wait until they're 18.
“As the youngest MLA in the ACT, I am particularly keen to engage more young people in ACT politics, and giving more young people the right to vote is an excellent step in the right direction.
“The old parties have consistently united to ensure that 16 and 17 year olds can’t have a say in their future. It’s time for that to change,” said Ms Nuttall.
Mr Braddock and Ms Nuttall were joined at this announcement by Greens candidate for Yerrabi, Soelily Consen-Lynch, who recently became an Australian citizen.
“Having the opportunity to vote in ACT elections would give permanent residents a sense of belonging in our community and allow them to feel heard and respected,” said Ms Consen-Lynch.
“I arrived in Australia in 2013 but I didn't become a citizen until late 2019. I knew I wanted to make Canberra my home, but initially I wasn't able to have a say in the future direction of my new home.
“As working, tax-paying members of our community this initiative will mean so much to many permanent residents who call Canberra home, giving them a voice in local government,” Ms Consen-Lynch said.
“The more people are involved in democracy and engaged in decision making, the better the outcomes for everyone,” said Mr Braddock.