107-747: Rex Lyall Patrick (born 8 May 1967) is an Australian politician who served as a Senator for South Australia from November 2017 until June 2022. He was appointed to the Senate to fill a casual vacancy caused by the resignation of Nick Xenophon . He joined the Senate as member of the Centre Alliance party, though in August 2020 he left the party and became an independent . He created the Rex Patrick Team party in January 2021 and sat in parliament as its only member for
214-537: A Greens -initiated gay marriage bill following the announcement of Tasmania's planned changes. The South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) was opened by Jay Weatherill in 2013, a building often referred to as "the cheese grater" due to its exterior design. It is a health and medical research institute housing more than 700 researchers, and was the first stage of a new health and bio-medical precinct on North Terrace in Adelaide. Weatherill allowed
321-585: A conscience vote for the Greens' 2013 South Australian Gay Marriage bill in August 2012. However, the bill was frustrated by Labor's conservative Catholic right, as well as a lack of support by then Prime Minister Julia Gillard , and faced constitutional issues as expressed by the SA Liberal Party. The bill ultimately failed the lower house in July 2013 following Weatherill's planned conscience vote. August 2012, in
428-551: A first-past-the-post and block voting system, on a state-by-state basis. This was replaced in 1919 by preferential block voting . Block voting tended to produce landslide majorities. For instance, from 1920 to 1923 the Nationalist Party held all but one of the 36 seats, and from 1947 to 1950, the Australian Labor Party held all but three. In 1948, single transferable vote with proportional representation on
535-542: A 2011 leadership change from Mike Rann . During 2013 it became the longest-serving state Labor government in South Australian history, and in addition went on to win a fourth four-year term at the 2014 election . The 16-year state Labor government lost power at the 2018 election . On 18 March, the day after the election, Weatherill announced his decision to step down as Labor leader, but intended to remain in Parliament on
642-437: A Senate that blocks supply is obliged to either resign or call an election was one of the major disputes of the 1975 constitutional crisis . However, even where the Senate does not block supply, they can still use their power to frustrate the legislative agenda of the government. The overwhelming majority of senators have always been elected as representatives of political parties. Parties which currently have representation in
749-517: A better deal for the River and South Australia. The end result was an additional commitment of 450 gigalitres of environmental water under the Murray Darling Basin Plan. The 2012–2013 budget was Weatherill's first, with Jack Snelling as treasurer, and came with deep cuts aiming to achieve major savings. Some of this was through suspension of major works programs such as the electrification of
856-455: A compensation package was developed for those earning under $ 100,000 In the 2016–17 Budget, Weatherill introduced Job Accelerator Grants, providing between $ 4,000 and $ 10,000 to businesses for creating new jobs, increasing in the 2017–18 budget. Weatherill claimed these grants created 10,000 jobs in their first year. Jay Weatherill, along with then Health Minister Jack Snelling, opened the new Royal Adelaide Hospital in early September 2017. It
963-430: A majority in the Senate and the balance of power has typically rested with minor parties and independents . In practice, this means government bills cannot be assured of passage and regulations may be disallowed. The power to bring down the government and force elections by blocking supply also exists, as happened for the first and thus far only time during the 1975 constitutional crisis . Since major reforms in 1970,
1070-506: A member of the trials crew of the first Collins -class submarine at Osborne in Adelaide. From 1995 to 2008, Patrick worked for Sonartech Atlas as a project manager. The company was focused on the design and development of sonar systems. In 2008, Patrick started a company called Acoustic Force, which provided training in sonar and acoustics to domestic and international customers. In 2009, Patrick began writing articles calling for Australia to buy cheap, off-the-shelf submarines to replace
1177-571: A number of measures supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs, and promised a return to surplus by 2015–2016. During the 2013 Federal Election, both Liberal and Labor promised that the next round of the country's submarines (12) would be built in South Australia, however after the election it appeared that the Liberal government had arranged to buy just eight submarines directly from Japan. Following an organised campaign by Jay Weatherill and Labor,
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#17328522176481284-610: A party to become an independent, most recently in the cases of Senator Lucy Gichuhi not joining the Conservatives following its merger with Family First, Senators Rod Culleton and Fraser Anning resigning from One Nation, Senator Steve Martin being expelled from the Jacqui Lambie Network, and Lidia Thorpe resigning from the Australian Greens. Jay Weatherill Jay Wilson Weatherill AO (born 3 April 1964)
1391-635: A political party called the Rex Patrick Team In November 2021, Patrick was opposed to the Liberal Morrison government plans for a Voter ID Law , calling it "a solution looking for a problem" The Rex Patrick Team was formed by Patrick in October 2020, after he left Centre Alliance. The party was registered with the AEC in January 2021. At the 2022 federal election, the party received 2.08% of
1498-492: A population of around 500,000, elects the same number of senators as New South Wales , which has a population of more than 8 million. Because of this imbalance, governments favoured by the more populous states are occasionally frustrated by the extra power the smaller states have in the Senate, to the degree that former Prime Minister Paul Keating famously referred to the Senate's members as "unrepresentative swill". The proportional election system within each state ensures that
1605-543: A relationships register, the removal of discriminatory language throughout legislation, formal protections for intersex people, and changes to make amending a gender on a birth certificate easier. During this time, Weatherill also issued a formal apology to the LGBTIQ community for historical discrimination, and signed South Australia up to the trial of the HIV prevention drug PrEP. In April 2016, Whyalla's steelworks owned by Arrium
1712-417: A state-by-state basis became the method for electing senators. At this time the number of senators was expanded from 36 to 60 and it was argued that a move to proportional representation was needed to even up the balance between both major parties in the chamber. The change in voting systems has been described as an "institutional revolution" that has had the effect of limiting the government's ability to control
1819-673: A sunset clause on the cashless debit card in Indigenous communities. Following a tweet about alleged Australian war crimes in Afghanistan made by Zhao Lijian that was deemed offensive by some Australian politicians, Patrick called on the Commonwealth Government to expel two-thirds of China's 143 diplomats and consular staff. In January 2021, the Australian Electoral Commission approved Patrick's application to form
1926-625: A territory expires at the same time as there is an election for the House of Representatives. Section 13 of the Constitution requires that in half-Senate elections, the election of State senators shall take place within one year before the places become vacant. The actual election date is determined by the Governor of each State, who acts on the advice of the State Premier. The Governors almost always act on
2033-601: A total four terms in government. Weatherill joined with Liberal premiers proclaiming he would lead a national campaign against the then federal Abbott government 's 2014 federal budget . Former Liberal Leader Martin Hamilton-Smith then defected, becoming an independent and entered the Weatherill cabinet . Hieu Van Le was announced on 26 June 2014 as the next Governor of South Australia to replace Kevin Scarce . Following
2140-748: A training contract with Quantum Ark Technologies, a company that trained members of the Royal Malaysian Navy. In 2015, Patrick wrote several articles for the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) which were published in The Strategist . Before joining the Xenophon team, Patrick had been a staffer for Liberal Senator David Johnston . When Johnston was the Shadow Defence Minister, Patrick assisted him in exposing
2247-460: A veneer of professional respectability, he's a hypocrite and a corporate scumbag". Patrick pulled a stunt in the federal Senate Chamber to push his view that submarine jobs would be lost to Western Australia. That incurred the wrath of the Senate President, Scott Ryan, who told Senator Patrick: "Remove yourself from the chamber. You're embarrassing yourself." In August 2020, Patrick split from
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#17328522176482354-565: Is a former Australian politician who was the 45th premier of South Australia , serving from 21 October 2011 until 19 March 2018. Weatherill represented the House of Assembly seat of Cheltenham as a member of the South Australian Labor Party from the 2002 election to 17 December 2018, when he retired. Labor was in government from 2002, with Weatherill leading the Labor government since
2461-622: Is not merely a chamber of review. Instead of being modelled solely after the House of Lords , as the Senate of Canada was, the Australian Senate was in part modelled after the United States Senate , by giving equal representation to each state and almost equal powers with the lower house. This was done to give less populous states a real influence in the Parliament, while also maintaining the traditional review functions upper houses have in
2568-487: Is the upper house of the bicameral Parliament of Australia , the lower house being the House of Representatives . The powers, role and composition of the Senate are set out in Chapter I of the federal constitution as well as federal legislation and constitutional convention . There are a total of 76 senators: twelve are elected from each of the six Australian states , regardless of population, and two each representing
2675-465: The 1997 Australian Constitutional Convention election , running as an ungrouped candidate under the "Bill of Rights for Australia" label. Weatherill defeated the incumbent Labor member Murray De Laine for Labor preselection in the electorate of Cheltenham at the 2002 election and went on to retain the seat for Labor. Weatherill is from the Labor Left faction. Upon election he immediately entered
2782-709: The 2010 election , Weatherill as a cabinet minister in the Rann government, unsuccessfully challenged Kevin Foley for the position of Deputy Premier . Weatherill said the election day backlash against Labor made it evident that a fresh approach was needed; however he lost along factional lines. In late July 2011, senior figures within Labor had indicated to Rann that both the left and right Labor factions had agreed to replace Rann with Weatherill as party leader. In early August 2011 Weatherill's attempts at contacting Rann on his trade mission to India had been met with silence, leaving
2889-447: The 2016 election to reduce the number of senators of elected with a very small number of first preference votes as a result of the candidates of these micro-parties preferencing each other. In the place of group tickets, a form of optional preferential voting was introduced. As a result of the changes, voters may now assign their preferences for parties above the line (numbering as many boxes as they wish), or individual candidates below
2996-694: The 2019 Australian federal election . Weatherill moved to Perth in 2020 to lead the Minderoo Foundation 's early childhood development arm Thrive by Five. In 2024, he joined the Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation as chairman of the board. In the 2021 Australia Day Honours , Weatherill was awarded Officer of the Order of Australia for "distinguished service to the people and Parliament of South Australia, particularly as Premier, and to early childhood and tertiary education". Weatherill
3103-693: The Australian Capital Territory (including the Jervis Bay Territory and Norfolk Island ) and the Northern Territory (including the Australian Indian Ocean Territories ). Senators are popularly elected under the single transferable vote system of proportional representation . Section 24 of the Constitution provides that the House of Representatives shall have, as near as practicable, twice as many members as
3210-496: The Australian Workers' Union . In the early 1990s, he worked at the law firm Duncan Hannon with Patrick Conlon and Isobel Redmond . With fellow Adelaide lawyer Stephen Lieschke, he established industrial law firm Lieschke & Weatherill in 1995 where he practised law until his election to the House of Assembly seat of Cheltenham at the 2002 election when his party won government. Weatherill unsuccessfully contested
3317-616: The Centre Alliance , arguing that standing as an independent would improve his chances for re-election at the next federal election . His Centre Alliance Senate colleague Stirling Griff regarded the move as akin to removing "a powerful voting bloc that has achieved a remarkable amount for South Australia". During the Parliamentary year, Patrick was noted for criticising the Murray-Darling Basin Authority for its delays in appointing an Indigenous representative and for putting
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3424-750: The Collins-class submarine fleet. He believes that attempts were made by naval personnel to muzzle his criticisms of the Collins-class vessels. He said of the Navy's attitude towards freedom of speech and policy debate: "I presume that, from (the navy’s) perspective, the public is better served if debates about defence are devoid of any contributions from people who know about the subject.” In 2012, he noted that American nuclear-powered submarines would be more cost effective for Australia to purchase and maintain and would offer strategic advantages. In 2013, Patrick took over
3531-637: The Gawler and Outer Harbor rail lines, and redevelopments of Modbury Hospital and Queen Elizabeth Hospital . Notably, the AAA credit rating achieved under the Rann government was lost, downgraded to AA+ in October, a move foreshadowed by Snelling. Other actions during Weatherill's first 12 months included a deal to increase shopping hours on public holidays, supported by SDA secretary Peter Malinauskas and Business SA chief executive Peter Vaughan, and Weatherill's support for
3638-551: The Murray-Darling Basin Plan , Weatherill requested that the Federal Government undertake a judicial enquiry or Royal Commission to determine who was to blame for “water theft” and whether upstream states had been complicit. When the Federal Government rejected the request, Weatherill then launched a South Australian Royal Commission in January 2018 to investigate. Later in 2018, after the change of state government,
3745-403: The cabinet of the Rann government as Minister for Local Government, Government Enterprise, Urban Development and Planning, and Administrative Services. Later, Weatherill would hold portfolios such as Housing (2004–2008), Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation (2006–2010), Early Childhood and Development (2008–2011), Environment and Conservation (2008–2010) and Education (2010–2011). Following
3852-485: The 2016 election, Tim Storer , had "assert[ed] rights" to the vacancy. On 14 November, Patrick was confirmed as the replacement senator by a joint sitting of the SA Parliament. He became a senator on 15 November when he was sworn in by the Senate. Within three days of his appointment, Patrick defended the appointment of Xenophon as an advisor on a part-time contract, but Xenophon subsequently announced that he would leave
3959-693: The Advertiser newspaper, workers at the Australian Submarine Corporation and the South Australian public, a “competitive evaluation process” was announced by the Federal Government, with the final contract for a South Australian build awarded to French company DCNS with majority of the work to take place in Osborne, South Australia. Following the announcement, Jay Weatherill travelled to France to meet with DCNS and others in an attempt to maximise opportunities for South Australia. Weatherill also released
4066-471: The Australian Capital Territory also represent voters from the Jervis Bay Territory and since 1 July 2016, Norfolk Island . The latest expansion in Senate numbers took place in 1984, when the number of senators from each state was increased from 10 to 12, resulting in a total of 76 senators. Senators normally serve fixed six-year terms (from 1 July to 30 June). At most federal elections,
4173-403: The Constitution , the number of members of the House of Representatives has to be "as nearly as practicable" double the number of senators. The reasons for the nexus are twofold: a desire to maintain a constant influence for the smaller states, and maintain a constant balance of the two Houses in the event of a joint sitting after a double dissolution. A referendum in 1967 to eliminate the nexus
4280-828: The Federal Government barred Murray Darling Basin Authority officials from appearing at the Royal Commission to give evidence. The Commissioner, Bret Walker SC, also wrote to SA Attorney-General Vickie Chapman asking for an extension, but this was rejected. In February 2018, Weatherill announced that the South Australian Government and Tesla had reached an agreement to create the world's largest virtual power plant at 250MW, giving free solar panels and battery systems to 50,000 South Australian homes. Weatherill claimed it would reduce power prices directly for those involved, and indirectly for others through increased competition in
4387-631: The Federal Liberal government was the "most anti-SA government in living memory" and claimed the Federal Government's plan for Snowy Hydro 2.0 was a sign of a government in a "white-knuckled panic about national energy policy". In September 2017, at the opening of the International Astronautical Congress held in South Australia, Weatherill announced the South Australian Space Industry Centre. The intention
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4494-476: The French Engagement Strategy, a plan to strengthen economic and business ties with France, also focusing on broader opportunities in areas such as education, tourism and the arts. In December 2013 Holden announced it would withdraw production from Australia. At the time Holden directly employed 1,600 people in its Elizabeth plant in South Australia, with a total of 3,000 job losses predicted through
4601-410: The House an advantage in joint sittings but not in ordinary elections, where the Senate may be too evenly balanced to get House legislation through. A party does not need the support of the Senate to form government (needing only a majority in the House of Representatives), however the Senate can block supply, effectively preventing the government from lawfully spending money. Whether a government facing
4708-466: The Liberals, and the balance of power resting with the two independents , Bob Such and Geoff Brock . After Such went on medical leave for a brain tumour without indicating his support, political commentators indicated that Brock would likely back Labor by reason of 'political stability'. Brock did back Labor, giving Labor 24 seats and as a result Weatherill formed a minority government − giving Labor
4815-481: The Senate and House of Representatives reflects the desire of the Constitution's authors to prevent the more populous states totally dominating the legislative process. In practice, however, most legislation (except for private member's bills ) in the Australian Parliament is initiated by the government, which has control over the lower house. It is then passed to the Senate, which has the opportunity to amend
4922-540: The Senate are: Other parties that have achieved Senate representation in the past include the Australian Conservatives (2017-2019), Derryn Hinch's Justice Party (2016-2019), Family First Party (2005-2011,2014-2016), Australian Democrats (1977-2008), Palmer United Party , Australian Motoring Enthusiast Party (2014-2016), Nuclear Disarmament Party , Liberal Movement , Liberal Democratic Party (2014-2019) and Democratic Labour Party (1955-1974). Due to
5029-435: The Senate incorporates more political diversity than the lower house ( House of Representatives ), which has historically been a two party body. The elected membership of the Senate more closely reflects the first voting preference of the electorate as a whole than does the composition of the House of Representatives, despite the large discrepancies from state to state in the ratio of voters to senators. This often means that
5136-524: The Senate's role as a house of review has increased with the expansion of its committee system . Senators from states ordinarily serve six-year terms, with half of the Senate up for re-election at each federal election along with the entirety of the House of Representatives. However, there is no constitutional requirement that Senate and House elections occur at the same time; the last Senate-only and House-only elections occurred in 1970 and 1972 respectively . The terms of senators from territories expire at
5243-429: The Senate, a joint sitting after a double dissolution is more likely than not to lead to a victory for the House over the Senate. When the Senate had an odd number of senators retiring at an election (3 or 5), 51% of the vote would lead to a clear majority of 3 out of 5 per state. With an even number of senators retiring at an election, it takes 57% of the vote to win 4 out of 6 seats, which may be insurmountable. This gives
5350-424: The Senate. The constitution grants the Senate nearly equivalent powers to the House of Representatives, with the exception that the Senate may not originate or amend money bills , but only reject or defer them. According to convention, the Senate plays no role in the formation of the executive government and the prime minister is drawn from the majority party or coalition in the House of Representatives. However,
5457-595: The Westminster system. This has led to the description of a " Washminster system " to describe the Australian political structure. Although the prime minister and treasurer , by convention (though not legal requirement), are members of the House of Representatives (after John Gorton was appointed prime minister in 1968, he resigned from the Senate and was elected to the House), other ministers may come from either house, and
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#17328522176485564-439: The above example. Names of parties can be shown only if the parties are registered, which requires, among other things, a minimum of 1,500 members. The order of parties on the ballot papers and the order of ungrouped candidates are determined by a random ballot conducted by the Australian Electoral Commission . Candidates, parties and groups pay a deposit of $ 2,000 per candidate, which is forfeited if they fail to achieve 4% of
5671-536: The aftermath of the GFC, BHP announced that the $ 20 billion Olympic Dam mine expansion would not go ahead, citing 'subdued commodity prices and higher capital costs'. However, the mine remains operational, employing 2500 people. On 21 January 2013, Weatherill became Treasurer of South Australia and took other various portfolios following a cabinet reshuffle triggered by the resignation of two members of his ministry. The 2013–2014 budget saw revenue increase, in part due to
5778-551: The agency had created over 9,000 jobs for South Australians. In 2015, the Weatherill Government pledged significant funds towards a second building, to be known as the John Chalmers Centre for Transforming Healthcare or 'SAHMRI II', which would house Australia's first proton therapy unit. In the 2015–16 Budget, Weatherill spruiked his government's plan to abolish stamp duties on business transactions and introduce
5885-560: The back-bench. Peter Malinauskas succeeded Weatherill as Labor leader on 9 April. Weatherill announced his intention to retire from Parliament on 6 December 2018. Born in the western suburbs of Adelaide , he is the son of English-born former South Australian politician George Weatherill . Weatherill completed his secondary education at Henley High School . He later studied at the University of Adelaide , graduating with degrees in law and economics. Between 1987 and 1990, he worked for
5992-517: The bill, pass or reject it. In the majority of cases, voting takes place along party lines , although there are occasional conscience votes . The Senate maintains a number of committees , which engage in a wide variety of inquiries. The results have no direct legislative power, but are valuable forums that raise many points of view that would otherwise not receive government or public notice. The system for electing senators has changed several times since Federation . The original arrangement involved
6099-668: The blocked a vote in the Senate that would've seen an inquiry into the Liberal and National Party government "Grass-gate" scandal. Labor was pursuing the Energy Minister Angus Taylor over his interest in a family company linked to an investigation into alleged illegal land clearing. Patrick was critical of the Future Submarine programme, suggesting that the Rear Admiral overseeing the project, Gregory Sammut , has no professional experience in project management. The project
6206-466: The chamber, as well as helping the rise of Australian minor parties. The 1984 election saw the introduction of group ticket voting , in order to reduce a high rate of informal voting that arose from the requirement that each candidate be given a preference, and to allow small parties and independent candidates a reasonable chance of winning a seat. This allowed voters to select a single party to distribute their preferences on their behalf (voting "above
6313-400: The composition of the Senate is different from that of the House of Representatives, contributing to the Senate's function as a house of review . With proportional representation, and the small majorities in the Senate compared to the generally larger majorities in the House of Representatives, and the requirement that the number of members of the House be "nearly as practicable" twice that of
6420-414: The day that they are elected. Their terms expire the day prior to the following general election day. While there is no constitutional requirement for the election of senators to take place at the same time as those for members of the House of Representatives, the government usually synchronises the dates of elections for the Senate and House of Representatives. However, because their terms do not coincide,
6527-491: The death of Such, Labor won the 2014 Fisher by-election by nine votes from a 7.3 percent two-party swing in a hotly contested three-cornered contest. Weatherill nonetheless kept Brock and Hamilton-Smith in cabinet, giving the government a 26 to 21 parliamentary majority. In 2015, Weatherill initiated the Nuclear Fuel Cycle Royal Commission to investigate opportunities and risks associated with expanding
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#17328522176486634-527: The disc, even though he knew of the leak during the competition to select the international partner for the Future Submarine Project, and didn't act on it until after the contract was awarded so as not to affect France's chances in the contract. In 2016, after the contract was awarded, and the security breach became directly relevant to Australia from a national security perspective, Patrick, then an adviser to then Senator Nick Xenophon, provided some of
6741-438: The dissolution of the House of Representatives, typically at three-year intervals. Section 57 of the constitution provides for a double dissolution as a mechanism to break deadlocks between the House and Senate, whereby the entire Senate is dissolved and all seats made vacant. Casual vacancies are filled by the relevant state or territory parliament, or by the corresponding state or territory government on an interim basis if
6848-563: The documents, carefully redacted, to The Australian newspaper after which Xenophon handed the disc to Defence Minister Marise Payne. Patrick was not investigated for his handling of the sensitive material, and retained his security clearance as a naval contractor. On 30 October 2017, Xenophon announced Patrick as his Senate replacement, and the nomination was lodged with the South Australian Parliament on 1 November. Premier Jay Weatherill revealed that an NXT Senate candidate from
6955-782: The duration of his term. Before entering politics, Patrick served as a submariner in the Royal Australian Navy , then was a businessman and senior business executive officer. Patrick was born in New Zealand and moved to South Australia as a child. He attended school in Whyalla then joined the Royal Australian Navy . Patrick served in the Royal Australian Navy from 1983 to 1994. He trained as an electronic technician and volunteered for submarine service. He served on several Oberon -class submarines before being selected and posted as
7062-411: The election will be disrupted, and there can be half-Senate elections without a concurrent House election. The last time this occurred was on 21 November 1970 . The number of votes that a candidate must receive to be elected to the senate is referred to as a "quota". The quota is worked out by dividing the number of formal votes by one more than the number of vacancies to be filled and then adding one to
7169-449: The entire Senate (and the House of Representatives) is dissolved, in what is known as a double dissolution . Following a double dissolution, half the senators representing states serve terms ending on the third 30 June following the election (two to three years) and the rest serve a five to six-year term. Section 13 of the Constitution requires the Senate to allocate long and short terms amongst its members. The term of senators representing
7276-409: The government appoints a Senate leader and senators hold senior roles in the government as ministers of state and members of cabinet . Senators from the opposition likewise serve in the shadow ministry . The Senate elects one of its members to serve as president , who exercises only an ordinary vote and has no casting vote . Since the late 20th century, it has been rare for governments to hold
7383-428: The handicap has caught up with us on this occasion." Peter Malinauskas became Leader of the Opposition and succeeded Weatherill who had resigned as Labor leader, with Susan Close as deputy, following a Labor caucus meeting on 9 April 2018. In June 2019, he was appointed as an industry professor at the University of South Australia. In July 2019, he was appointed to conduct a review of Federal Labor's loss at
7490-410: The incoming Parliament will for some time comprise the new House of Representatives and the old Senate, except for the senators representing the territories, until the new senators start their term on the next 1 July. Following a double dissolution, all 76 senators face re-election. If there is an early House election outside the 12-month period in which Senate elections can occur, the synchronisation of
7597-447: The line and below the line voting were consistent with the constitution. The Australian Senate voting paper under the single transferable vote proportional representation system resembles the following example (shown in two parts), which shows the candidates for Victorian senate representation in the 2016 federal election . To vote correctly, electors must either: Because each state elects six senators at each half-Senate election,
7704-428: The line"), but voters were still able to vote directly for individual candidates and distribute their own preferences if they wished (voting "below the line") by numbering every box. Following 1981, the government has only had a majority in the Senate from 2005–2007; otherwise, negotiations with other parties and independents have generally been necessary to pass legislation. Group tickets were abolished in advance of
7811-504: The line, and are not required to fill all of the boxes. Both above and below the line voting now use optional preferential voting . For above the line, voters are instructed to number at least their first six preferences; however, a "savings provision" is in place to ensure that ballots will still be counted if less than six are given. For below the line, voters are required to number at least their first 12 preferences. Voters are free to continue numbering as many preferences as they like beyond
7918-462: The market. The record-16-year-incumbent SA Labor government was seeking a fifth four-year term at the 2018 election , but was defeated by the opposition SA Liberals , led by Steven Marshall . Though a major electoral redistribution in 2016 had seen four Labor seats become notionally Liberal, Labor retained a total of 19 seats at the election. The incoming Liberal government won a total of 25 seats, with crossbench independents holding 3 seats. Despite
8025-402: The minimum number specified. Another savings provision allows ballot papers with at least 6 below the line preferences to be formal. The voting changes make it more difficult for new small parties and independent candidates to be elected to the Senate, but also allow a voter to voluntarily exhaust preferences — that is, to ensure their vote cannot flow to specific candidates or parties — if none of
8132-497: The nation's lowest payroll tax rate. In 2015, Weatherill invited the South Australian Law Reform Institute to review all legislation for discrimination against the LGBTIQ community resulting in a number of bills eventually being passed in the South Australian Parliament. These included laws to ensure equal access to IVF and surrogacy services for same sex couples, equal access to adoption, the establishment of
8239-458: The need to obtain votes statewide, independent candidates have difficulty getting elected. The exceptions in recent times have been elected in less populous States — the former Tasmanian Senator Brian Harradine and the former South Australian Senator Nick Xenophon . David Pocock was also elected to represent the ACT at the 2022 election. It is less uncommon for a senator initially elected representing
8346-586: The nickname " Inspector Rex ", owing to his investigative skills and use of Freedom of Information laws to obtain information in the public interest. On inheriting the Quantum Ark Technologies' files in 2013, Patrick discovered a mass data breach of classified documents from the French manufacturer DCNS related to the new Indian Navy's Scorpène submarines. Patrick took the data on a disc to a senior Defence official who declined to take it and so Patrick retained
8453-427: The outcome, there was actually a statewide two-party-preferred swing away from the Liberals toward Labor of over 1%. Four hours after the close of polls, Weatherill telephoned Steven Marshall and conceded defeat. Weatherill subsequently publicly announced that he had conceded, saying, "I'm sorry I couldn't bring home another victory, but I do feel like one of those horses that has won four Melbourne Cups and I think
8560-444: The parliament is not in session. A constitutional amendment passed in 1977 provides that casual vacancies must be filled by a member of the same political party as the previous senator. The Constitution of Australia established the Senate as the second chamber of the national parliament of the newly federated Australia . In contrast to countries employing a pure Westminster system the Senate plays an active role in legislation and
8667-571: The party leadership in limbo until Rann's return to Australia. Weatherill refused to rule out challenging Rann in a caucus ballot if he did not stand down on his return to Australia. Rann eventually resigned at the behest of factional bosses, with Caucus endorsing Weatherill as his successor. Weatherill was then sworn in as the 45th Premier of South Australia on 21 October 2011. In 2011/2012, Weatherill and then Environment Minister Paul Caica brought together irrigators, business, River Murray communities and South Australians more generally to fight for
8774-535: The primary vote. Candidates, parties and groups earn a public subsidy if they gain at least 4% of the primary vote. At the 2019 federal election, funding was $ 2.756 per formal first preference vote. Under sections 7 and 8 of the Australian Constitution: These conditions have periodically been the source of debate, and within these conditions, the composition and rules of the Senate have varied significantly since federation. Under Section 24 of
8881-555: The privatisation of SA Lotto to Tatts Group for $ 427 million, and of forests in the State's south-east to international company The Campbell Group for $ 670 million. However, Australia's surging dollar hit the manufacturing industry sector in SA, and growth in indicators such as retail sales and house prices fell. Despite this, the government included funding for the Gawler railway line up to Dry Creek ,
8988-410: The quota for election is only one-seventh or 14.3% (one third or 33.3% for territories, where only two senators are elected). Once a candidate has been elected with votes reaching the quota amount, any votes they receive in addition to this may be distributed to other candidates as preferences, if there are still open seats to fill. With an odd number of seats in a half-Senate election (3 or 5), 50.1% of
9095-537: The recommendation of the Governor-General, with the last independent Senate election writ being issued by the Governor of Queensland during the Gair Affair in 1974. Slightly more than half of the Senate is contested at each general election (half of the 72 state senators, and all four of the territory senators), along with the entire House of Representatives. Except in the case of a double dissolution , senators for
9202-428: The result. The 2019 senate election was a half senate election, so 6 senate vacancies were contested in each state. At this election, the quotas in each state were: Each state elects the same number of senators, meaning there is equal representation for each of the Australian states, regardless of population, so the Senate, like many upper Houses, does not adhere to the principle of one vote one value . Tasmania , with
9309-636: The role "within weeks". Patrick used his first speech in the Senate to call for more parliamentary oversight of the Australian Intelligence Community . In December 2017, Patrick informed the Turnbull Government that NXT would suspend negotiations on welfare reform because a minister had failed to answer "reasonable questions". Patrick said that was part of "a broader problem with regard to the government’s preparedness to be appropriately open and accountable". Notably Patrick supported
9416-446: The seats of 40 of the 76 senators (half of the 72 senators from the six states and all four of the senators from the territories) are contested, along with the entire House of Representatives; such an election is sometimes known as a half-Senate election. The seats of senators representing states elected at a half-Senate election are not contested at the next election, provided it is a half-Senate election. However, under some circumstances,
9523-457: The state government would hold an annual 'Simplify Day' to initiate the reduction and removal of unnecessary regulation and legislation. Over the first two Simplify Days (2016 and 2017), the government amended 101 acts and regulations and removed 22 acts altogether. Jay Weatherill also set up Investment Attraction South Australia in 2015, attracting international companies including Technicolour, Boeing, Kaufland, Datacom and VeroGuard. In two years
9630-550: The state's involvement in the nuclear fuel cycle. The Commission was headed by former Governor Kevin Scarce and delivered its final report and recommendation to the Government of South Australia in May 2016. The Royal Commission report urged South Australia to pursue a waste storage facility, claiming South Australia has the "attributes and capabilities to manage and dispose of international used nuclear fuel safely". The report indicated that it
9737-423: The states are elected for fixed terms of six years, commencing on 1 July following the election, and ceasing on 30 June six years later. The term of the four senators from the territories is not fixed, but is defined by the dates of the general elections for the House of Representatives, the period between which can vary greatly, to a maximum of three years and three months. Territory senators commence their terms on
9844-612: The steelworks. The Federal Government refused, however in 2017 British consortium GFG Alliance settled on terms of a purchase of the steelworks with administrators Korda Menthe. Since the purchase, GFG Alliance has invested in Whyalla in a number of ways including a $ 1.37 billion renewable energy project. In 2016, Weatherill supported calls for increasing the GST to 15%. He argued that the GST rate should be increased but he would only support an increase if
9951-487: The supply chain. While Liberal Shadow Treasurer Rob Lucas claimed South Australia was “careering toward double digit unemployment” after the closure, strong support from the Weatherill Labor government ensured the small business sector grew above trend after the closure with unemployment at 6% in January 2017, three months after. The 2014 State election resulted in a hung parliament with 23 seats for Labor, 22 for
10058-513: The total to 60. In 1975, the two territories, the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory , were given an entitlement to elect two senators each for the first time, bringing the number to 64. The senators from the Northern Territory also represent constituents from Australia's Indian Ocean Territories ( Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands ), while the senators from
10165-492: The two Houses have almost equal legislative power. As with most upper chambers in bicameral parliaments , the Senate cannot introduce or amend appropriation bills (bills that authorise government expenditure of public revenue) or bills that impose taxation, that role being reserved for the lower house; it can only approve, reject or defer them (as famously occurred in the lead up to the Dismissal ). That degree of equality between
10272-535: The very high annual cost of the Collins-class submarines compared with their very low availability rates, being well over $ 500 million per annum but, at one stage, not a single submarine was at sea. Due to the pressure they were able to put on the Defence Department, the Coles review was commissioned in 2012 and the problems associated with the Collins-class submarine were then rectified. Xenophon referred to Patrick by
10379-903: The vote in the Senate in South Australia. Apart from Patrick, the only other candidate for the party was Leonie McMahon. The party voluntarily deregistered in October 2022 after Patrick failed to be re-elected. Patrick ran for Lord Mayor of Adelaide in the 2022 South Australian local elections . He lost to Jane Lomax-Smith by 52 votes, prompting Patrick to appeal the result due to the small margin and potential voter fraud. Patrick subsequently dropped his appeal in March 2023. Australian Senate Labor (25) Opposition (30) Coalition Liberal (24) National (6) Crossbench (21) Greens (11) One Nation (2) Lambie Network ( 1 ) United Australia ( 1 ) [REDACTED] [REDACTED] The Australian Senate
10486-468: The vote wins a majority (2/3) or (3/5). With an even number of seats in a half-Senate election (6), 57.1% of the vote is needed to win a majority of seats (4/6). The ungrouped candidates in the far right column do not have a box above the line. Therefore, they can only get a primary (number 1) vote from electors who vote below the line. For this reason, some independents register as a group, either with other independents or by themselves, such as group B in
10593-473: The voter's candidate preferences are elected. The changes were subject to a challenge in front of High Court of Australia by sitting South Australian Senator Bob Day of the Family First Party . The senator argued that the changes meant the senators would not be "directly chosen by the people" as required by the constitution. The High Court rejected Day's challenge unanimously, deciding that both above
10700-471: Was for it to eventually form part of a national space agency. In a reshuffle of the South Australian Cabinet that week, Weatherill also announced the expanded the portfolio to become 'Defence and Space Industries'. The Congress in Adelaide hosted 3500 delegates from around the world, including Elon Musk of SpaceX and NASA. In 2017, after revelations that upstream states had not been complying with
10807-418: Was in response to AEMO ordering power be cut to tens of thousands of homes rather than instructing generators to switch on The plan also further incentivised gas exploration by increasing royalties to farmers, and ensuring that gas went to South Australians first On 16 March 2017, Weatherill eviscerated then federal energy minister Josh Frydenberg at a press conference in Adelaide. Weatherill told Frydenberg
10914-462: Was not commercially viable to generate nuclear power. Weatherill used the release of the report as an opportunity to undertake "one of the largest" deliberative democracy processes in Australia's history. Weatherill stated early that a nuclear waste facility would need both public and bipartisan support, with the former withdrawn by Liberal leader Steven Marshall. In 2015 Jay Weatherill announced that
11021-411: Was placed in voluntary administration by its directors due to significant debts. There were concerns that if the steelworks fell over Whyalla would be unlikely to survive, with one in six of Whyalla's workers employed by Arrium at the time. Weatherill committed $ 50 million to support the steelworks and called on the Federal Government to commit $ 100 million, to then be matched by a buyer looking to reform
11128-439: Was rejected. The size of the Senate has changed over the years. The Constitution originally provided for six senators for each state, resulting in a total of 36 senators. The Constitution permits the Parliament to increase the number of senators, provided that equal numbers of senators from each original state are maintained; accordingly, in 1948, Senate representation was increased from 6 to 10 senators for each state, increasing
11235-462: Was reported that the transition from the original Royal Adelaide Hospital to the new site was smooth with 131 patients transferred in the first day of operation. The hospital has been described as "the most advanced in the nation". In 2017, Weatherill announced a plan to reform South Australia's electricity supply, as a response to a number of blackouts that affected large numbers of South Australian residents and businesses in 2016. The most notable
11342-455: Was revealed by Xenophon to have a requirement that 50% of the submarine's manufacture be Australian, down from the publicity stated figure of 60%. Patrick called it "treachery" by the Turnbull Government. Patrick used Parliamentary Privilege to call ExxonMobil Australia's boss, Richard James Owen, a "shameless corporate tax dodger" due to his payment of little tax in Australia. Patrick asserted that "he should be called out for what he is. Behind
11449-563: Was the statewide 2016 South Australian blackout . The plan included construction of a State Government-owned 250MW gas-fired power station, around 10 per cent of SA's peak demand, and grid connected utility scale battery storage (the Tesla Big Battery / Hornsdale Power Reserve ) to support the grid during periods of peak demand. The plan also included new legislative powers to ensure the South Australian energy minister could compel companies to turn on generators in peak demand periods. This
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