Committee Details

committee's report

The committee tabled its report on 3 December 1996.

View:    Report No. 4, 48th Parliament – Truth in Political Advertising
View:    Government Response

Overview

On 16 November 1995, the Legislative Assembly referred the following matter to the Legal, Constitutional and Administrative Review Committee:

1. That, pursuant to section 8(2) and 9 of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1995, the general issue described as "truth in political advertising" be referred by this House to the Parliamentary Legal, Constitutional and Administrative Review Committee for consideration and report on the appropriateness of implementing legislation in relation to this matter.
2. That in considering this question, the Committee have regard to the following -

1. the history and drafting of section 161(2) [subsequently section 329(2)] of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 (CTH), as inserted in that Act by the Commonwealth Legislation Amendment Act 1983 (CTH) and repealed by the Electoral and Referendum Act 1984 (CTH);
2. subsequent developments at the federal level in relation to proposals to legislate on this matter;
3. the operation of section 113 ("Misleading Advertising") of the Electoral Act 1985 (South Australia); and
4. any other matter which the committee considers appropriate and relevant.

Following prorogation of Parliament on 11 March 1996 the above reference lapsed.

On 2 May 1996 the Committee resolved:

• that the Committee, in discharging its responsibility in respect of electoral reform, commence an inquiry on the issue of truth in political advertising;
• further, that the terms of reference of the Committee’s inquiry include all those issues which formed part of the reference from the Legislative Assembly to the Committee during the first session of the 48th Parliament, and additionally the issue of bogus how-to-vote cards; and
• further, that as a first step in its inquiry, the Committee produce an issues paper which will set forth the major issues for consideration.

Public Hearing

30 August 1996 - Brisbane - Transcript