Peter FitzSimons is pushing for major constitutional changes that would require a new referendum
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Author and journalist Peter FitzSimons has thrown his support behind a major change to the Australian Constitution, just months after the failed Voice to Parliament referendum.
Earlier this week, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reiterated his support for extending federal parliament terms from three to four years.
Commentator and former radio host Mike Carlton said the change “makes sense.”
'Yes. Sounds logical. A four-year term for the House of Representatives AND the Senate. A referendum would be necessary,” he said on social media.
FitzSimons replied saying, “No problem. Let's do it'.
High-profile columnist Peter FitzSimons has thrown his support behind a major change to the Australian Constitution, just months after the failed Voice to Parliament referendum
Mr Albanese said it was unfortunate that increasing federal parliament terms to four years would not be implemented quickly, despite states and territories having longer limits.
“Our terms are short by just three years,” Albanese told reporters in Sydney on Wednesday.
“There have been a few attempts in the past to fix that, and it's very difficult to change that.”
Labour's national platform said fixed four-year terms for the House of Representatives and Senate should be considered.
“Our position, our long-term policy, and we have put it to the Australian people, is for a four-year term, but I don't expect that to happen anytime soon,” Mr Albanese said.
“That's a shame, every state has four years.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (pictured Wednesday) has reiterated his support for extending federal parliament terms from three to four years
The next federal election is scheduled for May 2025, but could be held earlier if the prime minister wants to go to the polls earlier.
Albanese has previously said he wants to serve his full term as prime minister and confirmed federal elections will be held in early 2025.
“We are focused on governing during the year,” he said.
Australia and New Zealand are the only countries that have three terms, with Canada and the United States having a four-year term and Britain a five-year term.
Critics of the four-year term say governments could become less accountable to voters if they stay in power longer.
However, advocates say the government would have more time to implement the legislation.