23 May 2008

The New South Wales Electoral Commission (NSWEC) will run candidate information seminars on the mid north coast to inform local council candidates of their obligations and responsibilities under the law.

Up to 5,000 candidates are expected to run for public office in 149 council areas on Saturday 13 September and the commission is encouraging people with integrity to come forward.

“This is an initiative to ensure candidates standing for local government are fully aware of their obligations and responsibilities,” 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 political 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.”

A seminar will be held at the Greater Taree City Council on Saturday, 24 May between 10.30am – 12 noon and at Coffs Harbour City Council on Saturday 21 June between 10.30am – 12 noon. 

The free seminar is open to candidates for any local government area in NSW, not just the Greater Taree or Coffs Harbour City councils.

The NSW Electoral Commission will put in place robust arrangements to ensure all the administrative functions of the 2008 local council elections are consistent across the state and conducted to the same high standard as at state and federal elections.

The commission has established a 1300 help desk number for candidates and an elector enquiry centre will open for general enquiries in mid June.

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