Scott Ludlam (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Special Minister of State, upon notice, on 13 December 2010:

With reference to the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC):

(1) Who makes the decision on what issues are covered in voter education and information provided by the AEC.

(2) What steps did the AEC take, in the lead up to the 2010 federal election, to explain to electors how the preferential voting system works.

(3) During the 2010 federal election a booklet was mailed to householders that contained approximately eight pages of information about how voters could physically and practically cast a valid vote, however there was no information contained in the document as to why each of the boxes are numbered, or what that means and its effect, i.e. there was no explanation of the preferential voting system: Why does the AEC not include this detail in its material sent to voters.

(4) In light of the apparent misconceptions about preferences amongst voters, particularly in the lower house, can the Minister confirm whether the AEC will endeavour to better educate and inform voters about how our electoral process actually works in the future.