Electoral system is the cause

Australia's single-member district electoral system is the very cause of the problem now highlighted by ALP Senator John Faulkner.

It results in the two-party dominance because minor parties and Independents have very little chance of being elected.

Varied public interests are compelled to seek expression and dominance within the major parties with the ultimate aim of forming Government.

A dubious front of unity and solidarity over a broad range of public policy areas is enforced.

The two-party system, which long reflected clear class demarcations, has lost that role completely now.

An electoral system is required which provides much greater flexibility and diversity in Parliament.

That can be achieved by introducing Proportional Representation.

Such a reform would turn the major party factions into (smaller) independent political parties whose representatives would be transparent in the Parliament.

It would end the faction fights and redirect the useless energies spent on them.

It would also encourage new entrants.

PR is the electoral system in some 25 European countries, Ireland, New Zealand and South Africa.

Iit was co-invented by the Tasmanian judge and Federal Constitution architect Andrew Ingliss Clark

Klaas Woldring, Pearl Beach