Ivana Bacik (Independent)

I thank colleagues for their good wishes expressed yesterday and today on the election. I believe I speak for all Members who ran for election when I state it was a very positive experience. It was important to hear people's concerns directly expressed on doorsteps and the anger at the current Government is palpable.

One concern to emerge from the election pertains to disenfranchisement and Senators McFadden and McCarthy have referred to this issue. However, various issues were brought to my attention regarding voters who were denied the right to vote in particular elections despite being legally entitled to so do. Returning officers in different polling stations were not aware of relevant electoral law and so on and this is a serious issue that requires further review.