2001 Federal Election Timetable

Updated: 27 January 2011
Election timetable according to the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act and the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918
  Min. – max. period Election 2001
Issue of writ
A writ commands an electoral officer to hold an election and contains dates for the close of rolls, close of nominations, polling day and the return of the writ. (Constitution s.12, 32) (the Act s.151) 0–10 days Monday, 8 October 2001
Close of rolls
Electors have until 8pm, seven days after the writs are issued to enrol or update their details on the Commonwealth electoral roll.

(the Act s.155)

7–17 days Monday, 15 October 2001
Close of nominations
It is not possible to nominate as a candidate for election until the writs have been issued. Candidates must nominate by 12 noon on the date specified on the writs as close of nominations. (the Act s.156) 10–37 days Thursday, 18 October 2001
Declaration of nominations
The public announcement of nominations received followed by a draw for positions on the ballot paper, 24 hours after the close of nominations. (the Act s.176) 11–38 days Friday, 19 October 2001
Polling day
The day on which the majority of electors cast their vote at a polling place. It must be a Saturday and at least 33 days after the issue of the writs. (the Act s.157) 33–68 days Saturday, 10 November 2001
Return of writ
For the House of Representatives, the Electoral Commissioner endorses on the Writ the name of the Member elected for each division and returns the Writ to the Governor-General. 110 days 6 December 2001
For the House of Representatives, the Electoral Commissioner endorses on the Writ the name of the Member elected for each division and returns the Writ to the Governor-General.

For the Senate, the Australian Electoral Officer for each State and Territory returns the Writ to the State Governor (for States) and the Governor-General (for Territories) endorsed with the names of the elected Senators for that State or Territory.

Writs must be returned within 100 days of their issue.

New South Wales

Victoria

Queensland

Western Australia

South Australia

Tasmania

ACT

Northern Territory

6 December 2001

7 December 2001

6 December 2001

4 December 2001

5 December 2001

3 December 2001

6 December 2001

6 December 2001