Inquiry into the integrity of the electoral roll
Media Releases

Media release, 14 November 2000

INTEGRITY OF ELECTORAL ROLL INQUIRY COMMENCES HEARINGS

As part of its inquiry into the Integrity of the Commonwealth Electoral Roll the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters will hear from the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) at the Committee's first public hearing to be held in Canberra on Wednesday 15 November 2000.

'The integrity of the Commonwealth Electoral Roll is vital to the conduct of free and fair elections. It is therefore essential that the integrity of the roll is not compromised and that all Australians have confidence in the accuracy of the roll. The Committee's current inquiry is designed to do that,' said Committee Chair, Mr Christopher Pyne MP (Member for Sturt).

'This inquiry is about the integrity of the electoral roll. This is not an inquiry into the internal party matters of any political party except in so far as they impact on the electoral roll', Mr Pyne said.

Appearing before the Committee on Wednesday will be a number of AEC officials (list attached). 'It is expected the Committee will discuss with the AEC the adequacy of the Commonwealth Electoral Act for the prevention and detection of fraudulent enrolment; incidents of fraudulent enrolment; and the need for legislative reform.'

'Given the AEC's responsibilities in ensuring the accuracy of the roll, this hearing will be most important.'

Mr Pyne reported that the inquiry is progressing well and is still receiving submissions. The Committee expects to deliver its report next year.

The hearing is to be broadcast on the Parliamentary Internet site at: http://webcast.aph.gov.au/webcast/webcast3.asp

Ends
14 November 2000
Further information:
Christopher Pyne MP (Chair) 02 6277 4842 (Parliament House) 08 8363 0666 (Electorate)
Beverley Forbes (Secretary) 02 6277 2374

Details of Hearing and Committee membership attached

PUBLIC HEARING: PROGRAM

Date: Wednesday 15 November 2000
Time: 9.30am - 3.30pm
Place: House of Representatives Committee Room 2R1 Parliament House, Canberra

Witnesses:
9.30am - 12.30pm Australian Electoral Commission
12.30pm - 1.30pm Lunch
1.30pm - 3.30pm Australian Electoral Commission

Mr Andy Becker, Australian Electoral Commissioner
Mr Mark Cunliffe, Acting Deputy Electoral Commissioner
Mr Paul Dacey, Assistant Commissioner, Elections and Enrolment
Mr Bob Longland, Australian Electoral Officer for Queensland 1995 to present
Mr David Muffet, Australian Electoral Officer for Queensland, 1987
Mr Steve Brown, Divisional Returning Officer for Herbert, Queensland, 1995-97
Ms Bronwyn Madden, Divisional Returning Officer for Hinkler, Queensland, 1984
Mr Greg Shields, Divisional Clerk for Fisher, Queensland, 1987

Membership of the Committee

The members of the Committee are:

Mr Christopher Pyne MP (Chair)
Mr Laurie Ferguson MP (Deputy Chair)
Senator Andrew Bartlett
Senator the Hon. John Faulkner
Senator Jeannie Ferris
Senator Brett Mason
Senator Andrew Murray
Mr Michael Danby MP
Mr John Forrest MP
Hon. Alex Somlyay MP

Inquiry into the Integrity of the Electoral Roll

On 23 August 2000 the Special Minister of State, Senator the Hon. Chris Ellison, asked the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters to examine the issue of the integrity of the electoral roll and fraudulent enrolment. At its meeting on 5 September the Committee agreed that in examining the matter it would look at the following.

That the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters inquire into and report on:

• the adequacy of the Commonwealth Electoral Act for the prevention and detection of fraudulent enrolment;
• incidents of fraudulent enrolment; and
• the need for legislative reform.

Further information:
The Secretary
Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Tel: 02 6277 2374
Fax: 02 6277 4710
E-mail: JSCEM@aph.gov.au

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