Why Is Section 44 Important

Introduction
Section 44 of our constitution sets out a list of 5 factors that disqualify ordinary candidates to sitting as members of Parliament. The five factors disqualifying factors include a person who holds an foreign allegiance to another country or is entitled to its benefits or rights, has been found guilty of treason or an offence requiring imprisonment of one year or longer, has been discharged as bankrupt, holds an office of the crown or where there is a conflict of interest of some sort. In recent times, section 44 (1) has caused much controversy and has seen to not reflect modern Australia limiting a large percentage of Australia running for office as well as removing of several ministers.
The is essay will discuss section 44
When we prevent those who hold a dual citizenship or entitle too, not only to we prevent nearly fifty percent of Australian in our democratic process. As mentioned above nearly 50percent of Australian have a parent born overseas with one quarter of Australian themselves being born overseas too. In addition the ABS found that Australia is made up of people who come from200 nations and that speak over 300 languages. All the statics show that Australia is very diverse.
If we prohibit candidates based their entitlement of citizenship to another country the parliamentarian members that are elected will only represent a minority Australian, which goes against the diversity and equality both sections in principal encourage. A representative government is not only supposed to reflect the views and values of its electorate, but also be across section of society. Citizens don’t feel that they are being represent and our Legal system only allows for candidates who are white and most male to sit this only causes alienation and less participation in our political