Katter’s Australian Party to appear as “The Australian Party” on ballot papers – Katter’s Australian Party

Katter’s Australian Party to appear as
“The Australian Party” on ballot papers

Katter’s Australian Party will appear as “The Australian Party” on ballot papers for the upcoming State election.

Queensland’s highest court today ruled against the constitutional arguments of Katter’s Australian Party, prohibiting them from using the party’s full registered name on the ballot paper.

The three judges in the court of appeal have failed to explain their decision and are unlikely to do so until sometime next week.

The decision causes confusion as The Australian Electoral Commission has written to the party and advised that if the party prints the name “The Australian Party” or allows it to be printed, promoted or even publically discussed during any Federal election period, then members of the party will be committing a criminal offence with a maximum penalty of 6 months gaol.

Furthermore, senior members of the party have received advice that using the term, even outside a Federal election period, could still put its Federal member of Parliament Bob Katter and other members of the party at risk of criminal conviction.

Following the judgment earlier today, Federal Party Leader Bob Katter said:

“Queenslanders now live in a State where the registered name of a political party has been prohibited from use on a ballot paper.

“Additionally the Queensland Electoral Commission is forcing us to do something that on the face of it will breach Federal laws. All Australians should be terrified by this decision. It is a massive blow for our democracy.”

The party is waiting to review the judges reasoning before it rules out a high court challenge.

Ends

For further information, contact Scott Barrett on 0434 740 698 or Bernard Gaynor on 0413 722 995

One comment to Katter’s Australian Party to appear as “The Australian Party” on ballot papers – Katter’s Australian Party

  • David

    Hi Scott,

    We sent this mail to Bernard two days ago and have yet to receive a response. Given the events of the day, perhaps you could take a moment to answer these questions now.

    —–

    Hi Bernard,

    Just two follow up questions from us on this issue.

    Given that ” the Australian Electoral Commission has informed us that if we say, publish or permit the printing of the words ‘The Australian Party’ during an election we will be committing a crime punishable by up to six months in prison ” , why did you apply for an amendment to your registration to the ECQ to have the abbreviation “The Australian Party” granted in the first place?

    Secondly, why didn’t you apply to be registered with the ECQ with your selected abbreviation as part of your initial registration?

    Any comments you would like to make on what the AEC’s ruling has in relation to your social media and other online addresses, notably your web address?

    Kind regards,
    BKoP Team

    —–

    Kind regards,
    BKoP Team

You must be logged in to post a comment.