Hannah Beazley’s proposal that WA local government elections be compulsory due to the poor turnout at Saturday’s election does not address the cause of the low vote.

To force electors to vote for candidates in a body intended to administer and govern the provincial matters of their neighbourhood with a financial penalty for failing to do so misplaces the role local government should have.

There is a vast difference between the two constitution tiers of government and the intended minor parochial role of local government, which gives compelling cause for compulsory voting in State and Federal elections and voluntary voting Local government elections.

The powers of the Commonwealth parliament are set out in the Constitution and are binding on the courts, judges, and the people of every St

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