A private company handling two council elections in Sydney’s south-west has conceded it may have breached NSW electoral laws, delivering Liverpool Council another headache as it grapples with the threat of suspension.
Hagarty said separate constituents had provided examples of how they were able to obtain ballot papers in breach of electoral laws. First saying they would be out of the country on polling day, they obtained a postal vote application form via email or at the company’s returning office, and were then handed a ballot paper to fill out.
In response to questions, Australian Election Company principal Richard Kidd said the company’s returning officer had advised of two electors who were “provided personally delivered ballot material” to provide “the best possible service to the particular electors”. “Unless permitted by law, the commission cannot comment on specific compliance matters or confirm whether or not it is conducting an investigation.”
University of Sydney professor Rodney Smith said private companies had been administering local government elections in NSW since 2012, with a major argument used being the cheaper costs offered by private providers. A spokesman for Fairfield Council said she was not aware of any potential breaches occurring at the company’s registered office in the local government area.in its battle with the Minns government on Monday. Justice John Robson dismissed several injunctions seeking to prevent the council from being suspended while a public inquiry examined damning allegations of misconduct.
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