Michelle Landry (Capricornia, National Party, Assistant Minister for Children and Families) Share this | Hansard source

LANDRY (—) (): Firstly, I would like to thank all of those in the chamber who have contributed to the debate on the Electoral Legislation Amendment (Contingency Measures) Bill 2021. I will also take this opportunity to recognise and thank the members of the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters for the report of the inquiry of the future conduct of elections operating during times of emergency situations.

Elections are a fundamental part of Australian life. The reforms in the Electoral Legislation Amendment (Contingency Measures) Bill 2021 allow the Electoral Commission to make limited modifications to ensure Australians are able to participate in the electoral process and exercise their franchise whatever the situation. The modification powers are appropriately limited to expanding the grounds on which a person can apply for a postal or prepoll vote; extending the prepoll voting period in an emergency area; adjusting the number of scrutineers a group of candidates is entitled to be represented by in a Senate scrutiny being undertaken in an emergency area; and allowing persons to travel and be present for campaigning activities within 100 metres of a polling place and actions under the Electoral Act such as a ballot draw or attending scrutiny.

The bill makes additional amendments to the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918—the Electoral Act—to uplift the Electoral Commission's power to adjourn or temporarily suspend the polling. Where polling has been adjourned, the commencement of the scrutiny of the House of Representatives votes for that division will be delayed until the close of polls for the adjourned polling place. Further, scrutineers and officers are prohibited from disclosing any information relating to the Senate election in a division until the close of polls for the adjourned polling place. This is to protect the integrity of the election result by ensuring electors can cast their votes free from the influence of any indicative results which may have otherwise been released.

Once again, I thank my colleagues for their contribution and commend this bill to the House.

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