12 October 1999

The Australian Electoral Commissioner, Mr Bill Gray, announced today that over 12 million Australians now have the opportunity to vote in the 1999 referendum.

The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC)AEC today released the final enrolment figure of 12 361 694 Australians who are entitled to vote at the referendum, following the close of rolls at 8pm, last Friday.

This figure compares with 12,056,625 electors who were enrolled for the 1998 federal election.

Of the enrolment cards received by the AEC in the last week, almost a quarter were new enrolments with most of the remainder being change of address.

Mr Gray said that unfortunately at every electoral event there were a number of enrolment cards that reached the AEC after the close of rolls.

"Once the rolls close no further enrolment activity can take place until after the election or referendum," he said.

Details of enrolment by State and Territory are attached.

Further information:

Brien Hallett
Director Information
Ph. (02) 6271 4415

AUSTRALIAN ELECTORAL COMMISSION

1999 REFERENDUM

CLOSE OF ROLLS FIGURES

State enrolment

New South Wales	4 133 205
Victoria	3 161 187
Queensland	2 221 830
Western Australia	1 171 754
South Australia	1 027 992
Tasmania	325 826
Northern Territory	107 925
Australian Capital Territory	211 975
NATIONAL TOTAL	12 361 694

Please note: these figures are accurate as at the close of rolls at 8pm, 8 October 1999 and include

7 676 provisionally enrolled 17 year olds who will turn 18 by polling day.