Latest news with #AustralianElectionCommission
The Advertiser
2 hours ago
- Politics
- The Advertiser
The people behind the Aussie good life
Despite their seeming ubiquity in Australian life, elections don't just happen. Turning up on election day, having your name crossed off the roll and repairing to a booth to exercise your democratic right ahead of nabbing a democracy sausage comes about as the result of an elaborate process overseen by the Australian Election Commission. And despite Australia's compulsory voting, our system is the subject of much envy the world over. And there's none more deserving of one of a King's Birthday honour this year than former Australian Electoral Commissioner Tom Rogers, who has been appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to public administration and leadership and administration of Australia's democratic electoral system. As commissioner for a decade, Mr Rogers led the agency to successfully deliver the 2016, 2019 and 2022 federal elections, numerous by-elections and boundary redistributions in every Australian state and territory. He also led the AEC in 2023 to deliver the Indigenous Voice referendum, the first referendum held in Australia in nearly a quarter of a century. Most Australians are blissfully unaware that much of the system we take for granted comes down to a dedicated team of distinguished public servants, but this fact, in and of itself, is one to emulate. "Running the election, it is Australia's largest peacetime logistic operation," Mr Rogers said last week. "If you think about it, 105,000 workers, 8000 polling places, it's like setting up a Fortune 500 company in five weeks and then disassembling it a couple of weeks after the event." And with talk of stolen elections in the United States and elsewhere, Mr Rogers didn't mind that Australians just expected their electoral system to work. "We used to have this thing called the 'Electoral Commission's dilemma' - which was the easier we make it look, the easier people think it is," he said. "I've had different comments over the years, from people I know pretty well, along the lines of 'You're so lucky, sweet job, it must be nice to work every three years, then it's pina coladas and away you go' and maybe that's okay. "Australians love their electoral system, they trust the AEC greatly, and maybe that's a good thing, that it's seen as unremarkable." And that's the thing about the King's Birthday honours - they're a chance to shine a light on the things that make our ordinary and everyday lives easy, or straightforward, or successful. Mr Rogers is in distinguished company this year, with the likes of broadcaster Phillip Adams, who was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) for his services to the media, the arts, cultural leadership and the community, alongside husband-and-wife creative powerhouse Baz Lurhmann and Catherine Martin, for eminent service to the arts. Former prime minister Scott Morrison has been appointed AC, routine postnominals for former holders of the nation's top office, but an honour that will not pass without some criticism. Former model and television host Deborah Hutton, who had two skin cancers removed from her face and advocated for sun safety, was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to community health and to media. There are many extraordinary people living throughout our communities, and the King's Birthday is an opportunity to reflect on how lucky we are to live in such a diverse country. Much like elections, a rich and varied life doesn't happen automatically, or without effort. Despite their seeming ubiquity in Australian life, elections don't just happen. Turning up on election day, having your name crossed off the roll and repairing to a booth to exercise your democratic right ahead of nabbing a democracy sausage comes about as the result of an elaborate process overseen by the Australian Election Commission. And despite Australia's compulsory voting, our system is the subject of much envy the world over. And there's none more deserving of one of a King's Birthday honour this year than former Australian Electoral Commissioner Tom Rogers, who has been appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to public administration and leadership and administration of Australia's democratic electoral system. As commissioner for a decade, Mr Rogers led the agency to successfully deliver the 2016, 2019 and 2022 federal elections, numerous by-elections and boundary redistributions in every Australian state and territory. He also led the AEC in 2023 to deliver the Indigenous Voice referendum, the first referendum held in Australia in nearly a quarter of a century. Most Australians are blissfully unaware that much of the system we take for granted comes down to a dedicated team of distinguished public servants, but this fact, in and of itself, is one to emulate. "Running the election, it is Australia's largest peacetime logistic operation," Mr Rogers said last week. "If you think about it, 105,000 workers, 8000 polling places, it's like setting up a Fortune 500 company in five weeks and then disassembling it a couple of weeks after the event." And with talk of stolen elections in the United States and elsewhere, Mr Rogers didn't mind that Australians just expected their electoral system to work. "We used to have this thing called the 'Electoral Commission's dilemma' - which was the easier we make it look, the easier people think it is," he said. "I've had different comments over the years, from people I know pretty well, along the lines of 'You're so lucky, sweet job, it must be nice to work every three years, then it's pina coladas and away you go' and maybe that's okay. "Australians love their electoral system, they trust the AEC greatly, and maybe that's a good thing, that it's seen as unremarkable." And that's the thing about the King's Birthday honours - they're a chance to shine a light on the things that make our ordinary and everyday lives easy, or straightforward, or successful. Mr Rogers is in distinguished company this year, with the likes of broadcaster Phillip Adams, who was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) for his services to the media, the arts, cultural leadership and the community, alongside husband-and-wife creative powerhouse Baz Lurhmann and Catherine Martin, for eminent service to the arts. Former prime minister Scott Morrison has been appointed AC, routine postnominals for former holders of the nation's top office, but an honour that will not pass without some criticism. Former model and television host Deborah Hutton, who had two skin cancers removed from her face and advocated for sun safety, was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to community health and to media. There are many extraordinary people living throughout our communities, and the King's Birthday is an opportunity to reflect on how lucky we are to live in such a diverse country. Much like elections, a rich and varied life doesn't happen automatically, or without effort. Despite their seeming ubiquity in Australian life, elections don't just happen. Turning up on election day, having your name crossed off the roll and repairing to a booth to exercise your democratic right ahead of nabbing a democracy sausage comes about as the result of an elaborate process overseen by the Australian Election Commission. And despite Australia's compulsory voting, our system is the subject of much envy the world over. And there's none more deserving of one of a King's Birthday honour this year than former Australian Electoral Commissioner Tom Rogers, who has been appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to public administration and leadership and administration of Australia's democratic electoral system. As commissioner for a decade, Mr Rogers led the agency to successfully deliver the 2016, 2019 and 2022 federal elections, numerous by-elections and boundary redistributions in every Australian state and territory. He also led the AEC in 2023 to deliver the Indigenous Voice referendum, the first referendum held in Australia in nearly a quarter of a century. Most Australians are blissfully unaware that much of the system we take for granted comes down to a dedicated team of distinguished public servants, but this fact, in and of itself, is one to emulate. "Running the election, it is Australia's largest peacetime logistic operation," Mr Rogers said last week. "If you think about it, 105,000 workers, 8000 polling places, it's like setting up a Fortune 500 company in five weeks and then disassembling it a couple of weeks after the event." And with talk of stolen elections in the United States and elsewhere, Mr Rogers didn't mind that Australians just expected their electoral system to work. "We used to have this thing called the 'Electoral Commission's dilemma' - which was the easier we make it look, the easier people think it is," he said. "I've had different comments over the years, from people I know pretty well, along the lines of 'You're so lucky, sweet job, it must be nice to work every three years, then it's pina coladas and away you go' and maybe that's okay. "Australians love their electoral system, they trust the AEC greatly, and maybe that's a good thing, that it's seen as unremarkable." And that's the thing about the King's Birthday honours - they're a chance to shine a light on the things that make our ordinary and everyday lives easy, or straightforward, or successful. Mr Rogers is in distinguished company this year, with the likes of broadcaster Phillip Adams, who was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) for his services to the media, the arts, cultural leadership and the community, alongside husband-and-wife creative powerhouse Baz Lurhmann and Catherine Martin, for eminent service to the arts. Former prime minister Scott Morrison has been appointed AC, routine postnominals for former holders of the nation's top office, but an honour that will not pass without some criticism. Former model and television host Deborah Hutton, who had two skin cancers removed from her face and advocated for sun safety, was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to community health and to media. There are many extraordinary people living throughout our communities, and the King's Birthday is an opportunity to reflect on how lucky we are to live in such a diverse country. Much like elections, a rich and varied life doesn't happen automatically, or without effort. Despite their seeming ubiquity in Australian life, elections don't just happen. Turning up on election day, having your name crossed off the roll and repairing to a booth to exercise your democratic right ahead of nabbing a democracy sausage comes about as the result of an elaborate process overseen by the Australian Election Commission. And despite Australia's compulsory voting, our system is the subject of much envy the world over. And there's none more deserving of one of a King's Birthday honour this year than former Australian Electoral Commissioner Tom Rogers, who has been appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to public administration and leadership and administration of Australia's democratic electoral system. As commissioner for a decade, Mr Rogers led the agency to successfully deliver the 2016, 2019 and 2022 federal elections, numerous by-elections and boundary redistributions in every Australian state and territory. He also led the AEC in 2023 to deliver the Indigenous Voice referendum, the first referendum held in Australia in nearly a quarter of a century. Most Australians are blissfully unaware that much of the system we take for granted comes down to a dedicated team of distinguished public servants, but this fact, in and of itself, is one to emulate. "Running the election, it is Australia's largest peacetime logistic operation," Mr Rogers said last week. "If you think about it, 105,000 workers, 8000 polling places, it's like setting up a Fortune 500 company in five weeks and then disassembling it a couple of weeks after the event." And with talk of stolen elections in the United States and elsewhere, Mr Rogers didn't mind that Australians just expected their electoral system to work. "We used to have this thing called the 'Electoral Commission's dilemma' - which was the easier we make it look, the easier people think it is," he said. "I've had different comments over the years, from people I know pretty well, along the lines of 'You're so lucky, sweet job, it must be nice to work every three years, then it's pina coladas and away you go' and maybe that's okay. "Australians love their electoral system, they trust the AEC greatly, and maybe that's a good thing, that it's seen as unremarkable." And that's the thing about the King's Birthday honours - they're a chance to shine a light on the things that make our ordinary and everyday lives easy, or straightforward, or successful. Mr Rogers is in distinguished company this year, with the likes of broadcaster Phillip Adams, who was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) for his services to the media, the arts, cultural leadership and the community, alongside husband-and-wife creative powerhouse Baz Lurhmann and Catherine Martin, for eminent service to the arts. Former prime minister Scott Morrison has been appointed AC, routine postnominals for former holders of the nation's top office, but an honour that will not pass without some criticism. Former model and television host Deborah Hutton, who had two skin cancers removed from her face and advocated for sun safety, was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to community health and to media. There are many extraordinary people living throughout our communities, and the King's Birthday is an opportunity to reflect on how lucky we are to live in such a diverse country. Much like elections, a rich and varied life doesn't happen automatically, or without effort.
West Australian
26-05-2025
- Politics
- West Australian
AEC confirms partial recount in Goldstein after teal's request
The Australian Election Commission (AEC) will carry out a partial recount in the Melbourne seat of Goldstein after a request from independent Zoe Daniel. The AEC over the weekend declared Liberal moderate Tim Wilson the winner by 260 votes. But Ms Daniel, who unseated Mr Wilson in 2022, said a recount was needed because of the 'very tight margin and several errors'. The AEC on Monday confirmed it would comply. 'The direction to conduct a partial recount has been made on the basis of advice from the national election manager to the electoral commissioner that in order to ensure the greatest level of confidence in the final result and the utmost integrity in the counting process, there should be a re-examination of all first preference ballot papers for Tim Wilson and Zoe Daniel as well as all informal votes,' the AEC said in a statement. 'The recount request submitted by independent candidate Zoe Daniel was carefully considered and was instructive but not determinative, and her request for a full recount has not been granted.' The AEC said the recount would start on Wednesday. Ms Daniel welcomed the recount, thanking her 'scrutineers and AEC staff for their diligence and dedication to the democratic process'. 'I will be making no further comment until the process is complete,' she said in a statement. Mr Wilson, who has urged Ms Daniel to accept the result, said he was 'very relaxed about every count and recount to date in Goldstein' but accused the Teal of working with consultants 'that have also been consulting to Labor and who have been providing cover to push for this recount'. 'I look forward to the conclusion of the partial recount and the declaration of the poll, and thank the AEC staff, all scrutineers and the people of Goldstein,' he posted on social media.
ABC News
13-05-2025
- Politics
- ABC News
Missing ballots found at election worker's home
The Australian Election Commission has confirmed 1,866 ballots from the NSW seat of Barton were found at the home of a temporary worker.
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First Post
03-05-2025
- Business
- First Post
Australia election: Can Dutton replace Albanese as PM? Polls close, counting of votes begins
The almost universal consensus across a slew of opinion polls leading up to election day was that Albanese's governing Labour Party would win a second term read more A woman walks past electoral placards outside a pre-polling place in the seat of Bennelong, Sydney, Australia. Reuters Most of Australia has voted for its next government after polling stations closed at 6 pm AET(1:30 pm IST) in the eastern states. Now, all eyes are on the results, which will be displayed soon by the Australian Election Commission in real-time after the counting begins later today. This year's elections were swayed by issues like cost of living, climate anxiety and US President Donald Trump's tariffs. While Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has taken a tough stance against Trump's trade measures, his main contender, Peter Dutton went soft on the US president and has been heavily criticised for it. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Later today, both leaders will address their respective parties in Sydney and Brisbane as the Australian Electoral Commission tallies votes. The almost universal consensus across a slew of opinion polls leading up to election day was that Albanese's governing Labour Party would win a second term. 'The holy grail is back-to-back wins that we're aiming for today,' Albanese told Channel Seven. 'I'll leave nothing on the field over the next three years if I'm re-elected as Australia's prime minister.' Some polls have shown Dutton losing support to Albanese because of Trump, whom he praised this year as a 'big thinker' with 'gravitas' on the global stage. The ruling centre-left Labour Party has branded the opposition leader 'DOGE-y Dutton' and accused his party of mimicking Trump and his Department of Government Efficiency. Not just the US, but China has also emerged as a key point of contention between the two parties with Albanese claiming that his government had improved relations with Beijing, which removed a series of official and unofficial trade barriers that had cost Australian exporters 20 billion Australian dollars ($13 billion) a year since Labor came to power in 2022. The election is taking place against a backdrop of what both sides of politics describe as a cost-of-living crisis. Foodbank Australia, the nation's largest food relief charity, reported that 3.4 million households in the country of 27 million people experienced food insecurity last year. The Australian House of Representatives is made up of 150 members, each representing a specific region of the country. Members serve a term of three years. To form a majority government and choose a prime minister, a party or coalition must win at least 76 seats. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
How compulsory voting works in Australia
Australians will head to the polls tomorrow to elect a new government. But the country's 18 million eligible voters won't just be going to pick their preferred candidate - they'll also be fulfilling a legal obligation. Since 1924, voting has been compulsory for all Australian citizens over the age of 18, with failure to vote carrying a fine of A$20 ($13; £10). Today, while many countries are struggling to get people to the ballot box, Australia boasts one of the highest voter turnouts in the world. The country's last federal election in 2022 saw ballots counted from around 90% of eligible voters, according to official statistics. For comparison, the voter turnout for the UK general election in 2024 was 60%, while the figure for the US presidential election in the same year was 64%. Compulsory voting has broad popular support in Australia, and is seen as a way to capture representation from the majority of society - not just the majority of people who choose to vote. Here's what you need to know about compulsory voting in Australia. You can be exempted from voting with a valid reason, but Australian authorities have put in place a variety of policies to reduce barriers to voting. For one, elections are held on Saturdays, when more workers will be free to go down to polling stations. Employers are also required to give workers paid leave on election day to ensure that people have enough time to go vote. An added incentive for people to perform their democratic duty are "democracy sausages", grilled on barbeques near polling booths. These snacks have become icons of Australian elections, often making them the largest fundraising events of the year for local schools and community groups. Voting became compulsory for federal elections when the Electoral Act was amended in 1924, and the effect was swift and stark: voter turnout surged from less than 60% in the 1922 election to more than 91% in 1925. A big argument for compulsory voting in Australia is the legitimacy it grants the election winner. "Proponents of compulsory voting argue that a parliament elected by a compulsory vote more accurately reflects the will of the electorate," reads a guide published by the Australian Election Commission. "Compulsory voting is claimed to encourage policies which collectively address the full spectrum of elector values," said the commission. On the flipside, it notes, compulsory voting also runs the risk of "pork barrelling" - the use of government funds for projects that will curry favour with voters - as parties focus on winning over voters on the margins. While there is no scientific consensus on how compulsory voting affects the policy issues championed by political parties, many believe it counters political polarisation by drawing out more moderate voters. Conversely, places without compulsory voting may see parties appealing to more extreme voter bases. "That means they can be tempted towards much more extreme political issues," historian Judith Brett told the BBC in 2022, when the last Australian federal election was held. "Whereas because everybody has to vote, in a way it pulls politics towards the centre." Compulsory voting also helps ensure that marginalised people are better represented, said Ms Brett. Research shows that people who are less affluent are also less likely to vote. "Now that means that politicians, when they're touting for votes, know that all of the groups, including the poor, are going to have a vote," Brett said. "And I think that makes for a more egalitarian public policy." Compulsory voting is fairly uncontroversial in Australia. National surveys since 1967 show public support for the laws have consistently hovered around 70%. Over the decades there have been individuals campaigning to end compulsory voting, arguing that citizens should have the right to choose whether to vote at all - but such calls have gained little traction among the wider population. In 2022, 77% of Australians said they would have still voted if it was voluntary.
