Voting rules for the Senate have changed this federal election. You need to either: number at least six boxes above the line for parties or groups, or at least 12 boxes below the line for Independents and individuals. The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has prepared an online video tutorial.
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Further, the Post has compiled a brief synopsis of each party standing candidates for the Senate in 2016. The synopsis is a short explainer as to the party's premier policies or values. We've also extracted the employment status of each Independent candidate, as advised by the AEC.
The list is alphabetically arranged by party name and Independent surname.
Animal Justice Party: end live animal export trade, increase the production of plant-based food, oppose brumbies culling
Antipaedophile Party: seek to bring about legislative change that will make children safe from all forms of abuse, especially sexual abuse
The Arts Party: crowd-funded, encouraging a more creative, cultural, educated and prosperous life
David Ash, Independent, barrister at law
Australian Cyclists Party: single-issue on cycling related policies to affect human, environmental and economic health
Australian Liberty Alliance: individual liberty, small government, Western (Christian) values, an integrated multi-ethnic society with one set of laws for all
Australian Motoring Enthusiast Party: formed in response to moves by state governments to toughen anti-hooning and vehicle impoundment legislation
Australian Progressives: "the advancement of an empathetic society . . . through laws, services and infrastructure rather than . . . the free market"
Australian Sex Party: formed in response to "increasingly draconian censorship laws and escalating Government encroachment on adult civil liberties"
Leonard Brown, Independent, disability support pensioner
Nick Chapman, Independent, consultant
Christian Democratic Party (Fred Nile Group): socially conservative, supports Christian representation/values in every level of government
Citizens Electoral Council: "peace through economic development"
John Cooper, Independent, business improvement advisor
Country Minded: "an uncompromised voice for rural and regional Australia . . . founded for farming families and all who rely on their viability"
Democratic Labour Party: a labour tradition that espouses social conservatism and opposes neo-liberalism
Derryn Hinch's Justice Party: justice in sentencing, reform in bail, parole and domestic violence law, public register of sex offenders
Drug Law Reform: "problematic drug use is a health concern . . . criminalising drug users causes more harm than good"
Family First: mainstream conservative Christian values across social institutions
Flux - Upgrade Democracy: empowering people in government decisions directly through technology
Peter Gooley, Independent, Alzheimer's/Dementia coach
The Greens: a focus on conservation and responsible environmental management, alongside economic and social justice
Warren Grzic, Independent, accounts processing officer
Health Australia Party: improving health and wellness of Australians holistically
Jacqui Lambie Network: the right to a conscience vote on all moral and ethical matters, advocating primarily for veterans affairs
Katter's Australian Party: against the sale and privatisation of assets paid for and owned by the people of Australia; for the restoration of personal freedoms eroded by over-regulation
Labor: modern social democratic party "of opportunity and security for working people"
Bryan Lambert, Independent, project officer
Liberals: centre-right promoting economic liberalism and social conservatism
Liberal Democrats: individual liberty, free markets and small government
Danny Lim, Independent, pensioner
Marijuana (HEMP) Party: integrate the whole plant into everyday life for medicine, food security, the environment and social harmony
Mature Australia: effective and equitable representation for older Australians; acting for decades ahead, not just planning for the next election cycle
Non-Custodial Parents Party: specific interest in family law and child support issues
Peter Muller, Independent, dental prosthetist
Stephen Muller, Independent, producer
Liam Munday, Independent, diver
The Nationals: traditionally representing graziers, farmers and rural voters in a centre-right coalition with the Liberal Party
Nick Xenophon Team: core focus on "predatory gambling", Australian made and Australian jobs, government and corporate accountability
Online Direct Democracy: utilise the internet to enable the population, where practicable, to vote on every Bill put to Parliament
Palmer United Party: policies include an emissions trading scheme, free trade and closer economic relations with Asia, Decentralisation and regional self-government
Pauline Hanson's One Nation: strongly nationalist and conservative platform; "criticism is not racism"
Pirate Party Australia: basic income as welfare, free internet, digital privacy and rights
Renewable Energy Party: net zero emissions to limit global warming, policies informed by best available scientific information and research
Ron Poulsen: Independent, factory worker
Rise Up Australia Party: "Keep Australia Australian"; against multiculturalism and the Islamisation of the West
Joanna Rzetelski, Independent, manager
Science Party: technophiles who aim to make Australia an advanced, technologically superior country
Secular Party of Australia: "an end to religious interference in education, health, civil liberties and taxation; champions of human rights; socially and economically liberal"
Seniors United Party of Australia: economic, social, political and fundamental rights of the aged
Shooters, Fishers and Farmers: actively supports recreational and rural activities, farming, mining, forestry; opposes "extreme Green policies"
Santa Spruce-Peet-Boyd, Independent, artist/prophet
Sustainable Australia: "a centrist community movement committed to a prosperous, inclusive, democratic and sustainable Australia"
Nigel James Smith, Independent, grazier
Socialist Alliance: a democratic society run by and for working people; "people and the planet before profit"
Socialist Equality Party: "a just society, based on social equality and the right of all people to a decent and productive life"
Teresa Van Lieshout and Colin Bennett: Duo campaigning on economics, education and sociological issues affecting Australians
Richelle Girado Tsay, Independent, carer
Veterans Party: policies across education, health, taxation, immigration, national security as well as returned servicemen and women
Voluntary Euthanasia Party: dying with dignity, either medically or self administered, should be a basic human right for the terminally ill
Peter Wallace, Independent, business owner
Jane Ward, Independent, counsellor/teacher
James Wright, Independent, producer/project manager