4th May 2016, 4:28 PM – Senate Motions - Australian Electoral Commission: Election Materials - Use Australian paper

The majority agreed with a motion that the Government should use Australian paper for ballot papers and other election materials made for the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC), which means the motion was successful.

The motion has been introduced by Independant Senator Nick Xenophon.

Wording of the motion

That the Senate—

(a) notes that:

(i) it is likely that a federal election will be held on Saturday, 2 July 2016,

(ii) it is estimated that some 40 million ballot papers will be required on election day, which is equivalent to some 700 tonnes of paper, and

(iii) Australia is capable of producing the quantity and quality of paper required for ballot papers as well as other election material to be printed for the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) for the 2016 Federal Election; and

(b) calls on the Government to require the use of Australian paper for ballot papers and other election materials produced for the AEC.