Member for Davidson, Jonathan O’Dea, has supported NSW Opposition Leader Barry O’Farrell’s call for NSW to introduce recall elections – a mechanism which triggers the removal of an elected government and calls for fresh elections.
“As the NSW Labor Government lurches from crisis to crisis, lost in a sea of debt and incompetence under an unelected Premier, the electorate is crying out for an opportunity to express their dismay through the ballot box.” Mr O’Dea said.
“In a less disciplined and respectful society, the degree of disgust within the electorate may well have degenerated into undesirable and extreme reactions. “There must be a mechanism, where in certain circumstances, fresh elections can be called, Mr O’Dea said.
“A number of countries already boast such a mechanism, including many states in America, British Columbia in Canada and Venezuela.
“Many believe that current fixed four year fixed terms allow too much security of power to politicians, while lessening potential opportunities for voter accountability,” he said.
“In a democratic society, voters should not feel powerless when it is clear a government does not meet the most basic expectations of the electorate.
“A recall election mechanism would ensure the relevance of voters throughout a government’s entire term – not just once every four years,” Mr O’Dea said.
“The ability to dissolve a parliament, which has lost the confidence of the electorate, is an important provision to keep our democratic system responsive to the community’s expectations.
“A recall election provision would return power to the people at a time when many people believe the power of government has failed them.
“Under Barry O’Farrell’s sensible proposal, an independent team of experts will examine how the NSW Constitution could be changed by referendum to include a recall provision”, Mr O’Dea said.
