Turnbull seeks to change voting system

WHAT THEY SAID ABOUT THE NEW SENATE VOTING SYSTEM:

"It's an important electoral reform. It will also be an important economic reform because it goes to the governance of Australia ... the strength of our democracy."

- Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull announcing the Senate voting system changes.

"Over 12 years the Greens have been putting forward legislation for Senate voting reform that ends backroom preference deals and puts power back into the hands of voters."

- Greens leader Richard Di Natale on why his party supports the changes.

"We will consider the matter when we see the final legislation."

- Opposition Leader Bill Shorten.

"Senate reform designed simply to defeat political opponents is outrageous. A complete rort."

- Labor senator Sam Dastyari.

"Sam's information is entirely wrong and he should have waited to see the bill."

- Retiring Labor MP and former ALP national secretary Gary Gray.

"Twenty-five per cent of voters prefer a minor party. Those 25 per cent are going to disenfranchised."

- Liberal Democrats senator David Leyonhjelm.

"This signs the death warrant for minor parties. The government has done a deal with the devil."

- Family First senator Bob Day on Greens and Nick Xenophon supporting voting changes.

"This will give minor parties a fighting chance."

- Independent senator Nick Xenophon.