22 May 2008

The New South Wales Electoral Commission (NSWEC) will conduct an additional candidate information session for local government candidates following representation from the Tweed Shire Council.

Up to 5,000 candidates are expected to run for public office in 149 council areas on Saturday 13 September, including the Tweed Shire which has been in administration for the past three years.

The Tweed information seminar will be conducted at the Tweed Shire Civic Centre, Tumbulgum Road, Murwillumbah on Thursday, 19 June between 6.00pm and 7.30pm. It is also open to candidates thinking of standing for local government elsewhere in NSW.

“The seminar is a great opportunity for first time candidates to learn more about the electoral process and their legislative responsibilities as a councillor. We would also encourage councillors considering re-election to attend,” NSW Electoral Commissioner Colin Barry said.

The seminar will explain the rules and regulations around the nomination process, registering how-to-vote material, campaigning, vote counting, scrutineering and declaring political donations.

The NSW Electoral Commission 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 the past some roles and responsibilities were carried out by councils under ad hoc historical arrangements such as printing their own ballot papers, hiring staff and determining the number and location of polling places,” Mr Barry said.

“In addition to the seminars we have established a 1300 help desk number for candidates and closer to the election an elector enquiry centre will open to answer questions from voters.”

The electoral roll will close on 4 August and candidates have until 13 August to nominate.

More information 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