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Bolster numbers by changing Senate, says Joyce

Former Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce has proposed changing Senate representation to lift the number of indigenous MPs.

Barnaby Joyce leaving Parliament House in Canberra. Picture: Kym Smith
Barnaby Joyce leaving Parliament House in Canberra. Picture: Kym Smith

Former Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce has proposed radically changing Senate representation in an attempt to bolster the number of indigenous MPs, while dismissing the need for a First Nations’ “voice to parliament” being enshrined in the Constitution.

Instead of a voice to parliament, likened by Coalition MPs to a “third chamber”, Mr Joyce propose­d the states be divided into six regions and that each have two senators representing them. As it stands, the states are represented by 12 senators and the territories by two senators.

“The Senate was supposed to represent the geographic diversity of Australia but all it’s really done is re-entrenched the power of the capital cities, where overwhelmingly all the senators live,” Mr Joyce told The Australian.

“Instead of having 12 senators per state, you have two senators per region. By its very nature … it will most definitely represent Aborigina­l people in a better way.”

Mr Joyce pitched his plan after Indigenous Australians Minister Ken Wyatt committed to put a consensus option for constitutional recognition to a referendum within three years.

“If you’re proposing a referendum, propose a referendum in such a form (that ensures) current institutions of parliament better represent Aboriginal people without forcing it, just by the nature of its constituency,” Mr Joyce said.

“I don’t think you’re going to get many arguments from people saying if New York can live with two senators, why does Sydney get nine?”

The former deputy prime minister said he was inclined to support constitutional recognition without a voice, saying the Australians wanted “less government”.

One proposed model that has divided politicians and indigenous leaders is for dedicated indigenous seats in parliament.

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Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/bolster-numbers-by-changing-senate-says-joyce/news-story/9c4578507d4b4303702736fac307a825