18 October 2002

Nominations for the Tasmanian ATSIC regional council elections open Monday.

Anyone on the Tasmanian Indigenous Electors roll can nominate as a candidate in the Tasmanian ATSIC regional council elections from this Monday, the Regional Returning Officer (RRO) for Tasmania, Mr Peter Weldon said today.

The nomination period for the elections will open on Monday 21 October 2002 and will close at 5pm on Monday 28 October 2002.

Mr Weldon urged anyone on the Tasmanian Indigenous Electors roll who was interested in nominating to act quickly and get a nomination form.

"The forms are available from any AEC office in Tasmania, on the AEC website at www.aec.gov.au or by ringing the AEC on 6235 0522 during business hours," he said.

People must ensure that their completed form and $50 nomination fee is with the Regional Returning Officer for Tasmania by the close of nominations at 5pm on Monday 28 October 2002.

The form and fee can be taken in person to the RRO's office located at 8th Floor AMP Building, 86 Collins Street, Hobart or mailed to GPO Box 1098, Hobart 7001. The form can also be faxed to 6234 9538 as long as the fee is also with the RRO by the close of nominations.

During the nomination period, the office will be open during normal business hours on weekdays but will be closed on Hobart Show Day on Thursday 24 October.

Mr Weldon said that it was essential that any Tasmanian intending to lodge their nomination had prior confirmation of their enrolment eligibility.

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

"Candidates must be nominated by four people who are also on the Indigenous Electors roll, only being enrolled on the Commonwealth electoral roll is not sufficient to be either a candidate or a nominator.

"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."

Polling day for the Tasmanian ATSIC regional council elections is Tuesday, 12 November 2002, and all voting will be conducted by postal voting.

For information on nominating as a candidate, ring the AEC on 6235 0522 during business hours.

Further information:

Peter Weldon
Regional Returning Officer for Tasmania
Ph. 6235 0522