The WA Government is urging Western Australians to have their say on the planning and delivery of the 2025 State Election held on Saturday, 8 March.
People can make public submissions on the management of the Election as part of an independent Special Inquiry announced by WA Premier, Roger Cook, on 2 April.
The Inquiry follows concerns raised by voters, candidates and Members of Parliament about the staffing and management of polling booths that led to long waits as well as delays with the vote counting process.
“The Special Inquiry provides an opportunity for all Western Australians to have their say on the running of the March State Election and I urge people with any concerns to make a submission,” said Electoral Affairs Minister, David Michael.
“Submissions from the public assist the Inquiry to make its findings and recommendations.
“While the final result of the election represented a clear outcome, as the new Electoral Affairs Minister, I want to ensure any questions around the handling of the March State Election are answered and future polls are managed as efficiently as possible.”
The Inquiry is being headed by Malcolm McCusker AC CVO KC, who will be supported by staff to assist in undertaking the review effectively and efficiently.
“The importance of this Special Inquiry is clear. The community must have confidence in the electoral system which underpins our democracy,” said Mr McCusker.
“The experiences of Western Australians at polling booths will assist the Special Inquiry to make recommendations on what changes may be desirable to improve the electoral process.
“I am also seeking extensive information from the Western Australian Electoral Commission.”
Public submissions should address the Terms of Reference which include:
- the resourcing, planning and management of polling booths;
- the decision to outsource some aspects of the Election;
- ballot paper allocation and management;
- efficiency and effectiveness of vote counting and processing; and
- changes needed to improve the planning and delivery of future WA State Elections.
The Terms of Reference of the Special Inquiry and information on how to make a submission are available at WA.gov.au/SEspecialinquiry.
Submissions are open until Friday, 9 May 2025 at 4pm.
The Special Inquiry will deliver a final report containing its findings and recommendations to the Public Sector Commissioner by 30 June.
