6 October 2004

The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) had the massive task of recruiting and training the over 67,000 casual staff required to deliver a smooth voting process for over 13 million Australian electors at the 2004 federal election.

The Electoral Commissioner, Mr Andy Becker said that over 67,000 temporary employees had been recruited and trained to work in the lead-up to and on election day.

“The AEC only has a small number of permanent staff, so we rely on the experience and skills of these casual employees to assist with polling and in the counting of ballot papers,” he said.

“While many of these casuals have valuable experience from working at past elections, the AEC has a comprehensive election training program which every casual employee is required to undergo before they start work.

“Each casual undertakes specialised training which is directly related to the particular role that they are doing at the 2004 election.”

Some of the different election roles include working in mobile polling teams visiting hospitals, remote locations and prisons; working at pre-poll and election day polling places; and assisting with the counting of votes at polling places and divisional offices.

In addition, the AEC has provided extensive election training to over 400 call centre operators who are working at the AEC’s election call centre.

Mr Becker said that on election day the work started around 7am, with final preparations being completed before polling places opened at 8am.

‘While voting ceases at 6pm sharp, the work continues until late in the night with the counting of ballot papers,” he said.

“And while, by election day over 13 million electors will have completed their job - the heavy workload for AEC staff will continue with providing election results.”

Further information:

Brien Hallett Ph. (02) 6271 4477
Assistant Commissioner, Mobile : 0413 274 798
Public Awareness, Media and Research

Phil Diak Ph. (02) 6271 4415
Director, Media and Communication Mobile : 0413 452 539