Greens should have 24 seats

Opinion polls suggest that the Greens now attract approximately 16 per cent voter support, the ALP around 36 per cent and the Coalition around 43 per cent.

If fairly translated into seats, that is, proportionally, the Greens would win 24 seats, the ALP 54, Coalition 64, and a possible eight seats to be divided amongst them and a few Independents (total 150).

Australia's electoral system, preferential voting based on single-member districts, will deny the Greens such a result.

They would be fortunate to gain three seats in the House of Representatives.

The preferential system creates the illusion of democracy.

It compels voters to allocate their preferences to either of the major parties or vote informal. Most voters comply.

Can someone explain the fairness of this system?

The Electoral Act has to be changed.

The major parties won't do that, for obvious reasons.

The Greens would.

Proportional representation is in their policy platform.

Email, 3 Jun 2010 Klaas Woldring, Pearl Beach