30 April 2008

The New South Wales Electoral Commission (NSWEC) has launched a new initiative to inform candidates considering standing at this year’s local council elections 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. Free information seminars will be held at 29 locations, including 21 regional centres between 7 May and 28 June.

“We’ll be taking to the road to make sure existing councillors and those thinking of standing for the first time are fully aware of their legislative responsibilities as well as explaining the election process itself,” NSW Electoral Commissioner Colin Barry said.

“Local government is sometimes seen as being low key but in fact becoming an elected councillor is a high profile community role that carries important responsibilities.

“An important part of the seminar series is to provide information to candidates about their election funding obligations, in particular declaring any political donations.”

Senior staff will be travelling around the State covering a range of topics including campaigning, election advertising, how-to-vote material, scrutineering and the public scrutiny candidates can expect.

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 will establish a 1300 help desk number for candidates and closer to the election an elector enquiry centre will open. This year we will also set up a virtual tally room to provide results for local councils on election night.”

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