RESOURCES Minister Paul Harriss has lamented the lack of Legislative Council election candidates, but defends his party's decision not to contest three upper house seats. With just a day until nominations close, Derwent Labor MLC Craig Farrell and Mersey independent MLC Mike Gaffney appear certain to be re-elected unchallenged. Windermere is likely to be the only seat to go to the polls on May 2, with four candidates having declared. Mr Harriss, an ex-MLC, said electoral contests were critical to ensuring accountability. "Personally I just think it's a good process for democracy for there to be contests," Mr Harriss said. "We should always challenge ourselves, first of all, but also be available to be challenged by the electorate." However, Mr Harriss backed his party's choice not to put forward any candidates. "The Liberal Party have been very consistent they would assess the electorate and make an informed judgment on the likelihood of winning a seat," he said. "I don't have a problem with the current position of the Liberal Party making that judgment call." Only one sitting MLC has been defeated at an electoral contest in the past 10 years. Opposition Leader Bryan Green said the lack of candidates at the upcoming elections was a poor reflection on the electoral system. Mr Green said six-year terms made incumbent MLCs difficult to unseat, while rolling elections made it hard to scrutinise their decisions. But Mr Harriss rejected the claims, saying the election cycle and upper house structure were not in need of repair. "The voters will make their decisions regardless of whether it's a six-year fixed term with rotating elections," he said. "I personally don't favour all-in, all-out elections." Mr Harriss also dismissed calls to bring the houses closer together in policy debates. "There is a clear separation between the two places, and a house of review has its job to do," he said.
Resources Minister Paul Harriss has lamented the lack of Legislative Council election candidates, but defends his party's decision not to contest three upper house seats.
RESOURCES Minister Paul Harriss has lamented the lack of Legislative Council election candidates, but defends his party's decision not to contest three upper house seats.
With just a day until nominations close, Derwent Labor MLC Craig Farrell and Mersey independent MLC Mike Gaffney appear certain to be re-elected unchallenged.
Windermere is likely to be the only seat to go to the polls on May 2, with four candidates having declared.
Mr Harriss, an ex-MLC, said electoral contests were critical to ensuring accountability.
"Personally I just think it's a good process for democracy for there to be contests," Mr Harriss said.
"We should always challenge ourselves, first of all, but also be available to be challenged by the electorate."
However, Mr Harriss backed his party's choice not to put forward any candidates.
"The Liberal Party have been very consistent they would assess the electorate and make an informed judgment on the likelihood of winning a seat," he said.
"I don't have a problem with the current position of the Liberal Party making that judgment call."
Only one sitting MLC has been defeated at an electoral contest in the past 10 years.
Opposition Leader Bryan Green said the lack of candidates at the upcoming elections was a poor reflection on the electoral system.
Mr Green said six-year terms made incumbent MLCs difficult to unseat, while rolling elections made it hard to scrutinise their decisions.
But Mr Harriss rejected the claims, saying the election cycle and upper house structure were not in need of repair.
"The voters will make their decisions regardless of whether it's a six-year fixed term with rotating elections," he said.
"I personally don't favour all-in, all-out elections."
Mr Harriss also dismissed calls to bring the houses closer together in policy debates.
"There is a clear separation between the two places, and a house of review has its job to do," he said.
