Media Release 1999: Stand by for Voting Messages

22 September 1999

Australians can expect a variety of messages competing for their attention in the lead up to the referendum on November 6.

Among them will be another voice of a different nature heard very clearly during the campaign: the Australian Electoral Commission will be making sure that over 12 million Australian electors know just what they have to do to be correctly enrolled and to cast a valid vote.

Melbourne agency Whybin TBWA & Partners is about to go into its fourth national election with an eight million dollar national campaign for the Australian Electoral Commission.

Director of Information with the Electoral Commission, Brien Hallett, said that Australia's compulsory voting system meant the Commission needed to do all it could to ensure all electors were fully informed about enrolment and voting procedures.

"The last referendum was over ten years ago so it is necessary for the Commission to remind people of the key facts," Mr Hallett said. "In addition, we also want to ensure that electors are aware of the importance of being correctly enrolled and know about the range of services we provide to make it easier for people to vote."

"It is important information, but at times pretty technical. Whybins have the challenging task of helping us to get these messages noticed at a time when there is strong focus on the issues being put to referendum."

Account Director at Whybin TBWA, David Clements, said that the agency is ready to roll with the first television enrolment ads on September 26.

"A campaign of this type presents a number of challenges," Mr Clements said. "We have just over a month in which to reach all adult Australians with our key messages."

Mr Clements said that a major creative focus of the campaign was the slogan "Yes/No". "Whether we are reminding people to be enrolled correctly or advising where they can get assistance, the "Yes/No" slogan will feature prominently in all AEC ads," Mr Clements said.

Further information:

Brien Hallett, Director Information

Phone: 02 6271 4415

David Clements

Whybin TBWA & Partners

Phone: 03 9690 8555