Leader of The Nationals WA and Shadow Minister for Electoral Affairs Shane Love MLA has today given notice of a motion in Parliament requesting that the Cook Labor Government controlled Legislative Assembly take action regarding the future of the Electoral Commissioner.
Mr Love said with both the Electoral Commissioner and Deputy Electoral Commissioner currently on extended leave, the WA Electoral Commission (WAEC) was without the stable leadership needed to implement the findings of the recent Special Inquiry into the planning and delivery of the 2025 State Election.
“The Special Inquiry, tabled in Parliament last week, made 24 recommendations that will require significant work and investment from the WAEC,” Mr Love said.
“These include improving voter education, strengthening recruitment and training of election workers, and ensuring polling places and early voting centres are fit for purpose.
“Delivering these changes will be very challenging without consistent leadership at the top.”
Mr Love said he had received advice confirming the Governor has the authority to remove the Commissioner if both Houses of Parliament support such a course of action.
“I have tabled a motion in Parliament today that will be scheduled for debate in the September sitting,” he said.
“This gives all parties the opportunity to consider their position carefully, and for the Government to take appropriate action if it chooses.
Mr Love said confidence in the WAEC was essential to the integrity of the democratic process.
“WA voters need to know that our Electoral Commission has the leadership and resources to deliver accessible, efficient, and high-quality elections,” he said.
“This motion is about ensuring the WAEC is in the best possible position to rebuild public trust following a State Election marred by frustration – from long waits at polling places to delays in counting, and the controversial outsourcing of election staffing, which the Inquiry itself recommended be reconsidered.”
Mr Love said the motion would provide a constructive pathway forward.
“This is an opportunity to restore stability and public confidence in one of our most important democratic institutions,” he said.
