Skip to contentInformation for people with disabilityInformation on accessibility
Australian Electoral Commission
The AEC is committed to providing the highest standard of electoral services for the Dunkley by-election. We are committed to continuous improvement, and we have taken lessons from our experiences conducting the 2022 federal election and the 2023 referendum which we can apply to the Dunkley by-election. This service plan outlines the key election services and standards that will underpin the AEC’s delivery of the 2024 Dunkley by-election.
Electoral integrity remains at the core of our operations. We are committed to a high-quality, trustworthy, and transparent by-election. Ensuring the security and integrity of ballot papers is integral to the AEC maintaining an impartial and independent electoral system. The AEC’s operations and procedures mean that all ballot papers are tracked, secure and accounted for at all times.
The AEC is responsible for providing the Australian people with an independent electoral service; political neutrality (real and perceived) must underpin our day-to-day business activities. To achieve this all our staff, as well as suppliers, are required to follow our strict Political and Issue Neutrality Policy. All key by-election suppliers have been advised of the importance of their political and issue neutrality obligations under their agreements with the AEC.
Should you have any comments on the Service Plan or the AEC’s delivery on these commitments, I would ask you to take the time to let us know through our online enquiry form so we can consider your feedback as we continue to improve the delivery of our election services.
Tom Rogers
Electoral Commissioner
The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) is the independent statutory authority responsible for the conduct of federal by-elections.
A by-election must be held when a House of Representatives seat falls vacant; this may be for reasons such as the death, resignation, absence without leave, or other ineligibility of the sitting member.
The Dunkley by-election will be held to fill the vacancy following the passing of the House of Representatives Member for Dunkley, Ms Peta Murphy.
On Friday 19 January 2024, the Speaker of the House of Representatives announced that the writ for the by-election would be issued on Monday 29 January 2024, and that the Dunkley by-election would be held on Saturday 2 March 2024.
The AEC is the independent statutory authority responsible for the conduct of federal elections, referendums, and by-elections. Our purpose is to maintain an impartial and independent electoral system for eligible voters through active electoral roll management, efficient delivery of polling services, and targeted education and public awareness programs.
In line with the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 (Electoral Act) we do this by:
Compulsory voting maintains a high level of participation in electoral processes and the AEC works hard across the electoral cycle to increase opportunities to engage and enhance access for all eligible Australians.
More information on how we have designed elements of our service offering to meet the needs of these electors during this by-election is outlined throughout this document.
The AEC and Australian Public Service (APS) values are an essential component or our operating environment. The APS values and code of conduct are fundamental to our work. The AEC values and commitments frame how AEC staff work in delivering our services - our focus is on electoral integrity through the values of quality, agility, and professionalism.
Several essential steps are involved in conducting a by-election.
These steps, according to the Australian Constitution and the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 (the Electoral Act), begin with the issue of the writ (a document commanding an electoral official to hold an election) and end with the return of the writ after the votes have been counted and the results declared.
The Dunkley by-election will be conducted according to the following timetable:
Activity |
Date |
|---|---|
By-election date announced |
Friday 19 January 2024 |
Postal vote applications open |
Friday 19 January 2024 |
Issue of the writ |
6pm (AEDT) Monday 29 January 2024 |
Close of rolls |
8pm (AEDT) Monday 5 February 2024 |
Close of candidate nominations |
12pm (AEDT) Thursday 8 February 2024 |
Declaration of candidate nominations |
12pm (AEDT) Friday 9 February 2024 |
Early voting commences |
Monday 19 February 2024 |
Last day for receipt of postal vote applications |
6pm (AEDT) Wednesday 28 February 2024 |
By-election day |
Saturday 2 March 2024 |
Last day for receipt of postal votes |
Friday 15 March 2024 |
Return of the writ (latest date) |
On or before Wednesday 8 May 2024 |
The AEC election delivery principles underpin delivery at the next by-election.
Integrity of the result
Good customer service and positive customer experience
Efficient processes and procedures
The following five election service standards will guide the AEC in delivering the Dunkley by-election.
The AEC will provide timely and accurate information using appropriate technology and channels.
The AEC website serves as a central information hub providing candidate nomination forms (including the qualification checklist), the Nominations Guide for Candidates, and the Candidates Handbook, which provide guidance on standing for election to the Australian Parliament.
Information published on the AEC website about the location and accessibility of voting centres (early voting centres and polling places) will be accurate.
Preliminary results will be published as soon as they are available.
During the early voting period, an official guide to the by-election will be delivered to households across the electoral Division of Dunkley.
During the election period, the AEC’s 13 23 26 telephone number will provide a specific Dunkley by-election service which will operate daily from 9am to 5pm AEDT.
For this by-election, information will be accessible to voters who speak a language other than English via the telephone interpreter service, which is available in more than 19 languages. The National Relay Service is also available for people who are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment.
The AEC’s online enquiry form, which is always available, will be monitored and any enquiries received via this form will be answered in an efficient and accurate manner.
Applications for enrolment received by the close of roll deadline will be processed in time for the by-election.
Early voting centres will operate for the Division of Dunkley by-election and the details of these locations and voter eligibility will be available online (AEC website).
Alternatively, voters who are entitled to an early vote can apply for a postal vote at AEC website or on a paper application available at AEC offices. Postal vote applications must be received by the AEC before 6pm (AEDT) Wednesday 28 February 2024.
The electoral roll for the Dunkley by-election will close at 8pm (AEDT) Monday 5 February 2024.
Voting locations (including early voting centres and polling places) will open in accordance with advertised dates and times.
AEC staff will be courteous and professional in all their dealings with the public and candidates.
Polling place accessibility ratings will be made available on the AEC website.
After the close of polls, up-to-date count information will be progressively published on the AEC website.
Ballot papers (both used and unused) will be accounted for using established processes.
Appointed scrutineers observe electoral processes, including counting of votes, to ensure transparency and integrity in the conduct of the by-election.
The writ for the by-election will be returned in accordance with the relevant legislation.
The AEC’s conduct of the by-election will be upheld in the event of any challenges to results taken to the Court of Disputed Returns.
All instances of apparent multiple voting will be reviewed and dealt with in accordance with AEC policy and procedures and within statutory timeframes.
All instances of apparent non-voting will be reviewed and dealt with in accordance with AEC policy and procedures and within statutory timeframes.
Complaints will be managed in accordance with the AEC’s Complaints Management Policy.
The AEC will comply with relevant health and safety requirements.
The AEC will communicate with eligible electors in the Division of Dunkley to provide information about the by-election and encourage participation. This will include some advertising, social media content and outreach to local community organisations. Up-to-date information will also be available on the AEC website.
Information about enrolment and voter services is available on the AEC website.
An interactive practise voting tool is available on the AEC website, with easy-to-follow instructions on how to complete your ballot paper correctly. In addition, translated information is available in 34 languages.
An official guide will be delivered to households across the electoral Division of Dunkley. The guide will provide information on where, how, and when to vote, what to do if you cannot get to a polling place on by-election day, and how to complete your ballot paper correctly.
During the election period, the AEC’s national telephone number, 13 23 26, will operate. A telephone interpreter service is available which includes 19 dedicated language lines and a general line for other languages. The National Relay Service is also available for voters (or any other person) who may need assistance contacting the AEC.
The AEC is committed to the provision of services through a range of channels. Should a member of the public be looking for information, wish to ask a question, provide feedback, or make a complaint, they can do so online, on the phone, or at an AEC office. The AEC’s online enquiry form will be monitored in real time and any enquiries received via this form will be answered in an efficient and accurate manner.
Prospective candidates will be provided with a range of information and services. The AEC website serves as a central information hub providing candidate nomination forms (including the qualification checklist), the Nomination guide for candidates, and the Candidates handbook, which all provide guidance on standing for election to the Australian Parliament.
The electoral roll will close at 8pm (AEDT) Monday 5 February 2024. Voters are able to enrol, check their current electoral enrolment, update their enrolment details, or check the progress of their enrolment application online. Enrolment applications are also available at any AEC office and on the AEC website. A full list of AEC offices is available on the AEC website. The preferred method of enrolment is online.
Voters who are entitled to cast an early vote can do so in person or by post. A person is entitled to an early vote if they meet the eligibility requirements listed on the AEC website.
Voters who are entitled to a postal vote can apply at aec.gov.au which is the preferred method of application or by using a paper application form available at AEC offices. Voters may also receive postal vote applications from candidates and political parties, which may be returned via the party or directly to the AEC. Postal vote applications must be received by the AEC before 6pm (AEDT) on Wednesday 28 February 2024.
The AEC will be offering mobile polling to all residential aged care facilities in the Division of Dunkley as per the 2023 referendum. Details regarding the locations that mobile polling teams will be visiting will be available at aec.gov.au.
The AEC continues to be conscious of the health and safety of voters and will comply with the health and safety measures of each facility.
Postal voting will be available to voters who cannot be visited by a mobile polling team. Voters can also attend an early voting centre or polling place on by-election day.
Any voters who are blind or have low vision will be able to vote via the secure telephone voting service. This service is operated by the AEC and allows registered voters to cast a secret vote from any location, without attending an AEC office or polling place.
Voters working in Antarctica, or in transit to or from Antarctica on by-election day, are also eligible to register and vote using the secure telephone voting service.
Information can be found on the AEC website.
Dunkley voters who are living, working, or holidaying overseas can apply online for a postal vote at aec.gov.au.
It is requested that voters overseas both apply for a postal vote and return their ballot papers as soon as possible to ensure they receive and return their ballot papers within all legislated time limits. Ballot papers must be completed before 6pm (AEDT) on polling day and then be received by the AEC by Friday 15 March 2024.
On by-election day, Saturday 2 March 2024, polling places across the Division of Dunkley will be open between 8am and 6pm AEDT. A full list of polling places will be available at aec.gov.au.
The AEC will ensure count processes produce a timely and accurate result and are managed in a transparent manner.
The AEC will ensure count processes produce a timely and accurate result and are managed in a transparent manner.
The by-election results will be communicated to the public in a clear and timely way. The AEC's official results centre, the Tally Room on the AEC website, enables the public, candidates, and scrutineers to follow vote counting on by-election night and progressive results until the final outcome is declared.
The Tally Room can be accessed on by-election night from 6pm (AEDT) and will be updated as results are entered into AEC systems.
Counts conducted in polling places on by-election night provide indicative results only. As counting continues in the weeks following by-election night, updates are made to the Tally Room as re-checked results and “fresh” results from declaration votes (e.g. postal votes) become available.
Candidates have the right to appoint scrutineers as personal representatives to observe both the voting and the counting of votes on their behalf at every polling place and counting centre. Scrutineers in an election must not wear or display any badge or emblem of a candidate or political party in a polling place on by-election day. Scrutineers must not actively seek to interfere with or attempt to influence a voter or communicate with any person in the polling place except so far as is necessary in the discharge of the scrutineer’s functions. A Scrutineers Handbook is available to support the role of scrutineers.
The Electoral Act prescribes how a federal election, including a by-election, is to be conducted. All policies, processes, and procedures implemented by the AEC during the by-election are designed to operate within the prescribed boundaries of the Electoral Act.
The AEC is committed to delivering processes that uphold electoral integrity, engender voter and stakeholder trust in the result, and ensure the security and sanctity of the ballot paper at all times.
The AEC has clear and established safeguards in place for the handling of ballot papers by AEC staff, temporary election staff and contractors, which will be demonstrated at the by-election. AEC staff, official visitors and scrutineers are required to wear badges and/or vests at polling places and counting centres so they can be easily identified.
The AEC is committed to treating complaints seriously, promptly, and in line with the AEC’s Complaints Management Policy. Complaints can be lodged using the AEC’s online enquiry form or by calling the AEC’s national telephone number 13 23 26. Complaints received during the by-election period will be managed according to the principles and processes set out in the policy. Complaints about possible electoral fraud will be managed according to the AEC’s fraud control policy and procedures. Information on how to report any suspected fraud is available on the AEC website.
The AEC is determined to combat disinformation. The AEC’s active and, at times, forthright approach to social media engagement is a key part of combatting electoral mis and disinformation online. The AEC will also have a disinformation register for the Dunkley by-election that will list prominent pieces of disinformation regarding the by-election process. The AEC encourages voters to stop and consider when they encounter electoral communication, and to think about whether the information is reliable, current, and safe.
The health and safety of voters, staff and visitors is important to us. The AEC understands its obligations in complying with legal requirements, including the Workplace Health and Safety Act. As is standard for federal electoral events, the AEC supports general good hygiene measures.
For the Dunkley by-election, voters, staff and visitors should practise good personal hygiene, including:
To support work health and safety measures:
For more information on the Dunkley by-election visit the AEC website or call 13 23 26.
The AEC acknowledges the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters, culture and community. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.