The local government election process will be reviewed as part of a
state government plan to boost voter turnout and reduce complaints.
Local Government Minister Jeanette Powell announced the statewide review after
last October’s elections were plagued by low participation rates,
confusion about voting methods and complaints about candidate conduct.
In Cambridge Ward, 68 per cent of enrolled residents voted,
compared with 71 per cent in 2008. The turnout was also lower in Coburn
(from 72 per cent to 66 per cent) and Watts (from 73 per cent to 71 per
cent).
A total of 72 candidates stood for seven seats on council.
Melton’s acting chief executive Maurie Heaney said the council looked forward to contributing to the review.
“Council welcomes the review into the local government electoral
system, particularly any improvements that can be made to increasing
public understanding and awareness of elections and candidates and ways
to increase participation,” he said.
Ms Powell said the review, which will be completed by April, would return integrity to council elections.
