ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY We pay our respects to the traditional custodians of the land on which we meet today and acknowledge Elders of the past, present and future.
What is the role of the AEC?
The role of the Australian Electoral Commission is to Deliver the franchise: that is, an Australian citizen's right to vote, as established by the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918.
The AEC is responsible for conducting federal elections and referendums and maintaining the Commonwealth electoral roll. The AEC also provides a range of electoral information and education programs and activities.
The AEC s Indigenous Electoral Participation Program (IEPP) is part of the Closing the Gap initiative. Closing the Gap is a commitment by Australian governments at all levels to improve the lives of Indigenous Australians.
The IEPP operates in urban, regional and remote areas across Australia and provides support and information to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voters. NSW IEPP staff, the majority of whom are Indigenous, are located in Sydney. However, we do work in all parts of the State.
The IEPP works across all 3 levels of government in Australia
Enrolling and voting
ENROLLING It is compulsory to enrol and vote in elections and referendums if you are: an Australian citizen, or eligible British subject; 18 years of age or older; and have lived at your address for at least one month.
How do I enrol to vote to have my say on representatives in the Government? Fill in an enrolment form with your contact details, sign and return to the AEC to get on the roll for local, state and federal elections.
Why vote? Voting in elections gives you the chance to choose who represents you in government. You have to vote at: Local NSW Federal State government elections to elections choose to choose to who choose who you you want who you want in the want in Federal the in state your local government council to make to make decisions about libraries, schools, universities, transport, parks, environment, ovals, roads swimming and welfare, traffic, immigration, pools, hospitals, local housing... tax, roads, defence... garbage collection...
Turn-out and formality With any election, it s important for everyone on the electoral roll to turn up at a polling place to have their say. This could be on polling day, but there are also early voting options including prepoll voting, and postal voting. It s also important to follow the instructions on your ballot papers to make sure your vote counts.
Why is engagement lower? Mistrust / cynicism Seen as white man s business Complexity of the electoral system Historical context
Activism and voting
Images taken from AIATSIS website. Credit: Ern McQilliam (above); Sun Melbourne (right)
Engaging with young people
The National Indigenous Youth Parliament (NIYP) was an opportunity to engage with young Indigenous Australians
The Youth Parliamentarians came together in Canberra to learn about democracy and having a say
Get Voting The AEC has a school outreach program which encourages the school community to value voting developing students trust, confidence and motivation to participate in their democracy.
Other school resources There are a number of educational resources aimed at primary and high school students on the AEC website, and on the Museum of Australian Democracy (MoAD) site. These resources cover topics such as Australia s democratic history, civics and citizenship, as well as a range of other activities with an electoral education focus.
Engaging with schools in 2015 We would like to increase interest in Australian electoral processes amongst school students One idea is to run a creative competition for primary and high school students. Students could submit artwork, poems or songs that show why they think it is important to participate in our democracy
NSW State Election
In NSW election day will be 28 March 2015 The NSW state election is run by the NSW Electoral Commission You can now register your interest for an election employment opportunity on the NSW Electoral Commission website
NSW State election voting methods For NSW State elections there are 2 methods of voting used. The method of voting for the Legislative Assembly is known as optional preferential. This means that after you have shown your first choice, it is up to you whether you show further choices. NSW Electoral Commission General Enquiries - 02 9290 5999 www.elections.nsw.gov.au
NSW State election voting methods The method of voting for the Legislative Council is known as proportional representation. To be elected under this voting system a candidate needs to gain a quota of the formal votes. NSW Electoral Commission General Enquiries - 02 9290 5999 www.elections.nsw.gov.au
We have some more information about making your vote count at the NSW state election, as well information on applying for election employment opportunities
Australia s political system is based on the Westminster system used in Great Britain. Rules for voting may differ depending on the level of government, and the area in which the election is held. It s best to read the instructions on the ballot papers that you are issued to ensure that you vote correctly.
For more information visit the AEC website www.aec.gov.au/indigenous or contact the AEC on 13 23 26