This Appendix outlines the proposed approach for longitudinal parliamentary oversight of AEC performance. Commitment to this process will give the Committee, the AEC and other stakeholders certainty and allow the Committee a formal mechanism with which to take ongoing evidence on electoral matters.
Areas of focus
The following are the suggested key areas of focus for future parliamentary oversight. In time the Committee’s continued focus on these areas will provide the Parliament with quantitative comparative data.
1
modernisation of paper-based electoral systems;
2
modernisation of AEC information technology systems;
3
temporary election workforce recruitment and training;
4
progress against recommendations made by the 2013 Keelty review and ANAO reports; and
5
addressing overly prescriptive parts of the Electoral Act and resolving other technical issues.
Review process
The Committee proposes the following process.
Detail
September/October
AEC Annual Report is tabled.
November
Committee adopts inquiry and seeks a report from the AEC on progress of stated reforms.
February
AEC delivers first biannual report to Committee. Private briefing and/or public hearing to review report.
August
AEC delivers second biannual report to Committee. Private briefing and/or public hearing to review report.
October
Committee reports to Parliament if required. This report may also include other issues that may have surfaced during the course of the year through this or other investigations.
Cycle begins again, using the same reporting performance matrices to ensure continuity and consistent treatment of issues.