Media Release 2002: 2002 ATSIC Elections Tasmanian Candidates

15 October 2002

Tasmanians can start getting ready now to nominate in the 2002 ATSIC Elections

Eligible Tasmanians interested in being a candidate in the 2002 ATSIC regional council elections can start preparing now, the Australian Electoral Officer for Tasmania, Mr Alex Stanelos said today.

"As a first step in getting ready, people should get a nomination form from the Australian Electoral Commission," he said.

Nomination forms are available from any AEC office in Tasmania, on the AEC website at www.aec.gov.au or by ringing the AEC on 02 6235 0522.

Mr Stanelos said that people could start ensuring that they met all the requirements for nominating, even though they could not lodge their nomination with the AEC until the nomination period opened.

"We anticipate that nominations will open shortly, but are waiting on the outcome of the ongoing Federal Court case to confirm this date," he said.

"Once the opening date for ATSIC nominations is confirmed, the AEC will publicise it throughout Tasmania."

Mr Stanelos also reminded interested Tasmanians that they needed to confirm their enrolment eligibility before they lodged their nomination.

"Only people on the Indigenous Electors roll are qualified to nominate as a candidate in the ATSIC regional council elections," he said.

"If anyone has applied to be on the Indigenous Electors roll but has not received a letter confirming the status of their application, they should contact the Independent Indigenous Advisory Committee on 1800 640 120."

Nominations for the Tasmanian ATSIC regional council elections must be lodged with the Returning Officer at the AEC Hobart office by the close of nominations at 5pm on Monday, 28 October 2002.

Polling day for the Tasmanian ATSIC regional council elections is Tuesday, 12 November 2002

If anyone has questions about nominating as a candidate they should contact the AEC on 6235 0522.

Further information:

Peter Weldon
Regional Returning Officer
Ph. 6235 0522