The Commonwealth Electoral Act

State electoral laws ceased to have effect for the Federal Parliament when it passed its own legislation in 1902.[9] This legislation and subsequent amendments were consolidated in 1918 and formed the basis of the Commonwealth’s electoral law. The Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 has been substantially amended over the years. This chapter outlines the provisions applicable at the 2016 general election.[10]

Review of electoral arrangements

A Joint Select Committee on Electoral Reform was established in the 33rd and 34th Parliaments. In each Parliament since then a Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters has been appointed. The standing committees have inquired into and reported on the conduct of each general election and related matters. As a result of the committees’ reports a number of amendments have been made to the Commonwealth Electoral Act.