22 May 2008

The New South Wales Electoral Commission (NSWEC) will hold information seminars for candidates considering standing at the September local council elections.

Some 5,000 candidates are expected to contest more than 350 individual elections in 149 council areas across the State on Saturday 13 September. Elections will return to the Tweed Shire, which has been in administration for three years. 

“This is an initiative to ensure candidates standing for local government are fully aware of their obligations and responsibilities under the law,” said NSW Electoral Commissioner Colin Barry.

“Anyone thinking of becoming a councillor is encouraged to attend a seminar to learn first hand about the electoral process, including how to nominate, form groups, register how-to-vote material and declare donations.

“The public expects high quality, informed candidates to stand for local council so we are also urging current councillors who intend to run again to brush up on the electoral laws.”

The free seminars are being held at 30 locations across NSW, including 22 regional centres between 7 May and 28 June:

30 May Lismore
31 May Byron Bay
19 June Tweed Heads

The NSWEC will put in place robust arrangements to ensure all the administrative functions of the local council elections are consistent across the state and conducted to the same high standard as at state and federal elections.

In addition to the seminars the commission has established a 1300 help desk number for candidates and an elector enquiry centre will open for general enquiries in mid June.

More information on the candidate information sessions is available at www.elections.nsw.gov.au or by calling 1300 135 736.

Media Contact:  Adrian Kerr, Corporate Communications
(02) 9290 5954  adrian.kerr@elections.nsw.gov.au