Today, Rod Barton rejected the motion put forward by the Greens to change the way the upper house is elected.

The group voting ticket, as part of the 2006 reforms, ensures that no single party has control of the Upper House and diversifies the political party pool to better represent Victorians as a whole.

“This means that if your chosen candidate does not get the numbers, your vote won’t end there. You can choose whom the vote goes to after that, or you can let the candidate decide for you” says Rod.

“Victorians can choose to vote above or below the line. What could be more democratic than choice?”

Rather than the Greens’, Dr Ratnam, using one of her two motion slots this year to address issues of importance such as climate change, refugees and more, she chose to attack our diverse upper house that represents minorities.

“I wear my vote as a badge of honour,” says Rod. “The group voting ticket is for the little guy, it is the check and balance that corrects the super-planners and bureaucrats and I will continue to perform this role with pride, respect and humility.”

Mr Barton believes the Greens to be hypocritical in bringing this motion to the house.

“They say on one hand they are pro-environment and in support of minorities and refugees but on the other hand, they accept coal votes readily, support companies who exploit their workers and line their pockets with donations from developers.”

“Let us not forget that when 5 green members got elected to the upper house in 2014, they did not think the system worth changing.”

Mr Barton will continue to fight for the little guy, hold the government to account and represent the 22.1% of Victorians who did not vote for the major parties in Victoria in 2018.

ENDS

Media contact: Norm Dunn, Chief of Staff Rod Barton MP, 0438 175 113 Norm.dunn@parliament.vic.gov.au