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Senate changes don't deter candidates

The close of nominations for the federal election has resulted in a record number of Senate candidates.

A blindfolded member of the AEC picks random numbers
The end of nominations for the federal election has resulted in a record number of Senate candidates (AAP)

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Source: AAP


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Changes to the way senators are elected has not deterred independents and micro-parties from nominating for the July 2 federal election.

The electoral commission on Friday conducted ballot draws for the 150 House of Representatives and 76 Senate seats up for grabs at the double-dissolution election.

A total of 631 people nominated for the Senate, up from 529 in 2013, and 994 candidates put up their hands for the lower house.

It was widely expected changes to the Senate voting system would deter candidates from nominating.

But in NSW, 151 candidates have nominated for the Senate - 41 more than in 2013.

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In Victoria, outspoken broadcaster Derryn Hinch drew first spot on the Senate ballot paper, giving him a better chance at taking a seat.

A poor draw for the Liberals in Western Australia could leave the government doing not as well as expected there.

Pauline Hanson and Glenn Lazarus' draw in the middle of the Queensland Senate ballot paper will reduce their chances of winning.

The biggest surprise in the lower house election was the nomination of Rob Oakeshott, who retired in 2013, for the NSW seat of Cowper.

While the introduction of party logos will go some way to eliminating name-confusion, the Liberal Democrats may still benefit having drawn fourth spot on the NSW Senate ballot paper with the Liberals and Nationals two spots away.

Labor drew 15th place and the Greens 38th.

"I think there's some advantage there for the Liberal Democrats, but essentially the Greens have done poorly," ABC election analyst Antony Green said on Friday.

"But the biggest news is 151 candidates in the (NSW) ballot paper ... even with the Senate reforms."

Under the changes, voters will be allowed to preference six candidates above the line and 12 below, rather than simply vote "1" above the line or number every single box below the line.

Mr Green said Labor had done well across the country, drawing spots close to the left-hand side of the ballot papers in most states and territories.

Early voting starts on Tuesday.


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