Media Release – Review of Local Government Election Disappointment

Independent Member for Nelson Meg Webb today stated her disappointment at the State Government and Labor Opposition’s position in regard to post-election evaluation review of the transition to compulsory voting in the recent Local Government elections.

“Despite furious verbal agreement that a comprehensive review is necessary, I’m disappointed and bemused that neither Labor nor Liberal MLCs were prepared to support my motion which called for exactly that,” Ms Webb said.

“It was stated Minster Nic Street has flagged a broader scope of review to be undertaken by the TEC, over and above the standard data and logistics report.

“It was also further confirmed by Government this broader review will involve consultation with the Local Government sector, a public consultation process and additional resources will be made available, if necessary – all of which is completely aligned with the call made in my motion.”

Ms Webb said despite the Government not voting to support her motion, she was pleased the Minister agrees with all elements of it and a valuable review of the  recent Local Government elections with first-time compulsory voting will be undertaken.

“I will now seek a formal and written commitment from the Minister confirming the timelines and scope of the additional review process to be conducted by the TEC, and look forward to seeing the constructive ideas, and information it produces.”

Motion text:

Ms Webb MLC to move that the Legislative Council notes:

1. Notes that the Tasmanian Local Government elections held in October 2022 were the first local government elections held in this state in which voting was compulsory;

2. Notes the government’s acknowledgement during debate on the Local Government Amendment (Elections) Bill 2022, that:

a) the introduction of compulsory voting for council elections had not been consulted with the local government sector or more broadly prior to the government’s announced intention to introduce legislative reforms to enact it;
b) the rushed parliamentary debate was not ideal, but necessary to enable the voting reforms to be implemented in time for the October local council elections;
c) the tight timeframe between the Act commencing on the 16th of June and the Tasmanian Electoral Commission (TEC) issue on the 3rd of September of the formal notice of election for the local government polls, by which the community had to adjust to the new compulsory voting requirements and any associated ramifications; and further

3. Requests the Minister for Local Government undertakes a comprehensive evaluation review of the implementation of compulsory voting in the 2022 local government elections and any matters arising, that:

a) Provides a public consultation process;
b) Engages with the local government sector, and the broader community;
c) Is separate and additional to the Tasmanian Electoral Commission’s standard procedural Report on Elections;
d) Is adequately resourced; and
e) The final report of which is to be tabled in both Houses of Parliament once the Minister has received and considered its findings.

See more of Meg’s media releases.