The Animal Justice Party (AJP) is dedicated to championing reforms that ensure fairness, transparency, and inclusivity in Victoria’s electoral system. As part of this commitment, we have submitted our position to the Inquiry into Victoria’s Upper House Electoral System, advocating for the removal of regional divisions in favour of a statewide electorate model.

The Current System and its Shortcomings

Victoria’s Upper House, or Legislative Council, serves as an essential house of review, scrutinising legislation and ensuring it represents the diverse needs of the Victorian community. However, the current system of regional divisions falls short of providing true proportional representation. These regional divisions often fail to represent the interests of voters equally across the state, which can lead to the underrepresentation of smaller parties and independents.

AJP's Proposal for Reform

The AJP strongly supports transitioning to a statewide electorate model for the Upper House. This reform would abolish the existing regional divisions and ensure that all voters are treated equally, regardless of their geographic location. Our position is rooted in principles of proportionality, equity, and inclusivity.

By removing regional boundaries, we can achieve:

• Enhanced Proportional Representation: With all members elected from a single state-wide pool, the representation of diverse voices will be significantly improved.
• Equal Weight of Vote: Voters in every part of Victoria will have an equal say, addressing the current inequities that arise from regions with vastly different interests being grouped together.
• Simplified Electoral Processes: A statewide model would eliminate the administrative burden of managing multiple regional boundaries and the associated costs.

Why Removing Regional Divisions is Beneficial

The core of the AJP's submission is our call for the removal of regional divisions. Under the current system, the quota for election in each region is set at 16.67%, which is too high for smaller parties or independents to achieve representation. In contrast, a statewide electorate would lower this quota to around 2.44%, significantly improving the chances of diverse representation from a variety of political perspectives.

The benefits of this proposal include:

• More Diverse Voices in the Legislative Council: Smaller parties, including those advocating for animal rights and environmental protection, would have a better chance of securing seats, ensuring that all issues are debated in the Upper House.
• Better Representation of Shared Interests: Victoria is a highly interconnected state, and issues like climate change, animal welfare, and public health do not adhere to arbitrary regional divisions. A statewide electorate will better reflect these shared concerns, making the Legislative Council a true house of review.

Moving Forward with Electoral Reform

The AJP believes that adopting this statewide model will strengthen democracy by making the electoral system more equitable and transparent. It will also ensure that every Victorian’s vote counts equally, no matter where they live.

We are committed to working with the Electoral Matters Committee and other stakeholders to ensure that our recommendations are taken seriously and lead to meaningful reforms. We look forward to a future where Victoria’s Upper House is a more accurate and fair reflection of the state’s diverse communities.

For more details on our submission and the full recommendations, read the AJP’s comprehensive submission below.

Support AJP's Vision for a Fairer Victoria: Elect All Members Statewide

The Animal Justice Party firmly believes that Victoria’s Upper House should be reformed to ensure fairer, more proportional representation for all voters. We advocate for the option "40 members, elected from the state as a whole, with all members elected at every election" as the most democratic and inclusive choice.

Why You Should Support This Change

By choosing this structure, we can:

• Ensure Equal Representation: Every Victorian’s vote will carry equal weight, regardless of their geographic location, making the Legislative Council a true house of review.
• Enhance Diversity: Smaller parties, such as the AJP, will have a better chance of being represented, which allows for a wider range of voices in Parliament.
• Simplify the Electoral Process: A single statewide electorate reduces confusion and administrative burdens, making it easier for all Victorians to understand and participate in the election.

How You Can Make a Difference

You can help us push for this important change by voicing your support. The Committee is currently seeking feedback on preferred electoral structures, and we encourage you to share your views.

1. Visit the official inquiry page and select "40 members, elected from the state as a whole, with all members elected at every election".
2. Share why you support this model—highlight the benefits of equal representation, improved diversity, and electoral simplicity.
3. Encourage others to take part by spreading the word and letting your friends, family, and community members know how crucial this change is for a fairer electoral system.

By supporting this proposal, you’re helping to build a more democratic Victoria, where every voice is heard, and the interests of all citizens are represented.

Support AJP’s vision for a better electoral system today!

Click here to submit your support to the inquiry.