**Debate Over Increasing Number of Federal Politicians in Australia** Special Minister of State Don Farrell is advocating for an increase in the number of federal politicians in Australia. He has initiated a review by the parliamentary Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters to explore this proposal. Farrell, a significant figure within the Labor Party, previously led successful reforms on political funding that will take effect before the 2028 election. The potential expansion of parliament hinges on the response from the opposition. The Liberal Party has not yet taken a definitive stance on the matter. Liberal Senator Richard Colbeck, who serves as the deputy chair of the committee, stated, "It's up to the government to make a case. I'm not sure the Australian people are hanging out for more politicians." Farrell hopes to collaborate with the opposition, but if that fails, support from the Greens may be essential. Greens spokeswoman Steph Hodgins-May remarked, "We don't have a position currently, but if something will make our democracy fairer, we would consider legislation favourably." Farrell has also requested the committee to examine the possibility of longer and fixed parliamentary terms. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has expressed interest in extending terms, citing the benefits of having more time for policy development. He noted at a recent conference that in the UK, where terms last five years, governments have more time to implement their agendas. However, any change to parliamentary terms would require a referendum, which Albanese has indicated he is reluctant to pursue following the recent failed Voice referendum. The current three-year term could be made fixed with just legislation, a change that has been adopted by all Australian states except Tasmania. The argument for increasing the number of parliamentarians is largely based on population growth. A report from the electoral matters committee noted that the representation ratio in the House of Representatives has declined significantly over the years. Currently, each member represents more than 120,000 voters, compared to about 66,000 in 1984. Advocates for expanding parliament argue that it would enhance representation and accountability. However, any increase must maintain the constitutional ratio between the House of Representatives and the Senate, which requires a referendum to alter. The proposed expansion could add between 28 and 32 members to the House of Representatives, based on population distribution across states and territories. If approved, the changes would not take effect until the 2031 election. Political analysts suggest that while an increase in the number of politicians may be unpopular, it could provide electoral advantages for the Labor Party, particularly in urban areas where they have a stronger presence. Former Liberal Attorney-General George Brandis noted that Labor could benefit from a larger House, while the Greens might gain from an expanded Senate. Electoral analyst Ben Raue has challenged Brandis' conclusions regarding the electoral outcomes of a larger parliament. Bob McMullan, a former senator, supports increasing the number of senators to 14 per state, arguing it could help smaller parties maintain their seats. Farrell's push for more parliamentarians faces significant political challenges. The key questions remain whether he can navigate these obstacles and if the Prime Minister is willing to invest political capital in this contentious issue.