It is now common for minor parties and independents to determine election outcomes via their preferences. This has been seen in relation to the Democrats, the Greens and One Nation. The allocation of preferences is just as crucial in Senate elections. Unlike the House of Representatives, a proportional voting system is used in Senate elections. The allocation of preferences is crucial in determining the result of the final place in each State.
Voters are able to cast valid votes by simply indicating which group of candidates they prefer.
The decision on preferences is thus effectively made by the political parties. The parties are required to register their Group Voting Tickets with the Australian Electoral Commission which uses them when counting the Senate votes. The allocation of preferences will be crucial in all States in the 2001 Federal election. In Queensland, for example, the sixth position will be a contest between the National Party, the Australian Democrats and One Nation. The flow of preferences from other candidates will determine the result.