“Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has shown leadership and vision in spearheading changes to our Senate voting system that will strengthen the integrity of Australia’s parliamentary democracy,” Business Council Chief Executive Jennifer Westacott said today.

“We also acknowledge both the pragmatic and sensible way the Greens have approached this issue, and the leadership of Members of Parliament such as Labor’s Gary Gray,” Ms Westacott said.

“The changes passed today mean Australians will have a much better chance of getting the representation they vote for in the Senate, and greater confidence that their votes won’t be traded through a highly opaque behind the scenes process.

“Rather than acting as a house of review the current Senate has too often just become a blocker of important legislation which can underpin the next wave of Australia’s economic growth.

“Today’s voting reforms, which follow an extensive process of review by a joint parliamentary committee, will transform our system of governance for the better and ensure that Senators are truly representative of the wishes of voters,” she said.

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