The Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters has resolved to continue its oversight of the Australian Electoral Commission and other related electoral matters, launching the Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2017-18. In the first instance this will include continuing the Committee’s investigation into the dangers of cyber interference during elections.

The Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters is holding further public hearings into the Commonwealth Electoral Amendment (Lowering Voting Age and Increasing Voter Participation) Bill 2018. This Bill as proposed by the Greens would extend the franchise to 16 and 17 year-olds on a voluntary basis, allow enrolment for 14 and 15 year-olds, and permit a provisional vote on election day for unenrolled citizens.

The Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters has released its report on the proposed amendments to the Electoral Funding and Reform Bill, referred to the Committee in September 2018.

I present the second advisory report of the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters on the Electoral Legislation Amendment (Electoral Funding and Disclosure Reform) Bill 2017, and I move:

That the Senate take note of the report.

The Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters will hold a public hearing on 5 October 2018 on the proposed amendments to the Electoral Legislation Amendment (Electoral Funding and Disclosure Reform) Bill 2017.