Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters

1998 Federal Election and Matters Related Thereto
Media Releases

Media release, 19 October 1999

AEC TO APPEAR BEFORE PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE

The Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters will hear from the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) on 19 October April 1999 as part of its inquiry into the 1998 federal election.

Committee Chair, Mr Gary Nairn MP, Member for Eden-Monaro, said, 'This is the second hearing with the AEC and will be an invaluable contribution to finalising many aspects of this inquiry.'

'The AEC has been a vital contributor to the inquiry, identifying significant areas in need of change to improve the efficiency and integrity of the electoral system.' Mr Nairn said.

Mr Nairn reported that the Committee's inquiry is progressing well and is still receiving several submissions. The Committee now expects to deliver its report early next year.

Ends
18 October 1999
Further information: Gary Nairn MP (Chair) 02 6277 4939 (Parliament House)
Bev Forbes (Secretary) 02 6277 2374

Details of Hearing and Committee membership attached

PROGRAM : PUBLIC HEARING

TUESDAY 19 October
House of Representatives Committee Room 2R2
Parliament House
CANBERRA ACT

12.00 - 2.00 pm Mr Bill Gray, Electoral Commissioner
Mr Mark Cunliffe, First Assistant Commissioner
Mr Paul Dacey, Assistant Commissioner Elections and Enrolment
Mr Bob Longland, Australian Electoral Commission Officer for Queensland

Membership of the Committee

Mr Gary Nairn MP (Chair)
Mr Laurie Ferguson MP (Deputy Chair)
Senator Andrew Bartlett
Senator the Hon. John Faulkner
Senator Brett Mason
Senator Andrew Murray
Senator the Hon. Ron Boswell
Mr Michael Danby MP
Mr John Forrest MP
Hon. Alex Somlyay MP

Inquiry into the Conduct of the 1998 Federal Election and matters related thereto : Terms of Reference

On 10 December 1998 the Special Minister of State, Senator the Hon. Chris Ellison, referred the following to the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters:

"That the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters inquire into and report on all aspects of the conduct of the 1998 federal election and matters related thereto."

The terms of reference for an election inquiry are generally very broad, allowing the Committee to focus on those issues which are considered most pressing by the Committee and the respondents to the inquiry.