Reviews

Following the conduct of each federal election the AEC conducts various internal reviews and external surveys of its administration of the election. The AEC also participates in any parliamentary inquiries established by the Federal Government.

For the 2004 federal election, the AEC is providing a number of submissions to a federal parliamentary committee inquiring into electoral matters; is conducting a number of internal reviews and audits on operational arrangements, public information activities; and undertook post-election surveys among electors and polling staff. These post-election reviews and surveys form the basis for planning future elections and referendums.

Federal Parliamentary inquiry

When a new Parliament meets it establishes parliamentary committees to investigate various matters. In 1987 the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters (JSCEM), was established to scrutinise electoral issues. Its first inquiry was into the conduct of the 1987 federal election and related matters. During the 40th Parliament, in addition to an inquiry into the 2001 federal election the JSCEM also received a reference to inquire into the integrity of the electoral roll, a reference to inquire into the representation of the Territories in the House of Representatives, and a reference to inquire into the 1996 and 1998 Funding and Disclosure Reports previously published by the AEC.

The 41st Parliament has again established the JSCEM, which has convened an inquiry into the conduct of the 2004 federal election. The AEC has made a number of submissions to this inquiry. The submissions discuss issues raised during the election period, review the electoral reform agenda, and make various recommendations for amendments to the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 and electoral procedures to ensure the efficient and effective administration of electoral matters.

Operational reviews

The AEC undertook a number of internal reviews to evaluate its performance on various operational processes and arrangements of the 2004 federal election. These reviews were conducted on a State and Territory basis and also on a national basis. The findings of these reviews will be used in the planning of policies, procedures and services for the conduct of future electoral events.

Public information campaign reviews

Advertising and Post Election Research

An evaluation project based on a national telephone survey was conducted to measure the awareness and impact of the AEC’s election advertising campaign on the voting public. The surveys were undertaken after each phase of the advertising campaign (enrolment, voting services and formality).

The surveys also measured the levels of satisfaction with the election process and AEC services.

The research indicated that television and press advertising encouraging enrolment and showing how to vote, were seen by over 80% of respondents.

Among other findings, the research indicated that among those surveyed:

• over 90% of respondents indicated they felt either quite well informed or very well informed on how to fill out the ballot papers for the election
• the same number of respondents (90%) believed that the AEC would conduct the election fairly and impartially
• of those who expressed an opinion, almost 100% found polling place staff helpful and efficient.

Election 2004 information inquiry service evaluation

An evaluation of the operations of the Election 2004 Information Inquiry Service commenced in November 2004. Recommendations have been developed and the Media and Communication Section at Central Office will continue to investigate options for the next event.

Review of the training of polling staff program

A review of the Training of Polling Staff (TOPS) program is being undertaken to gauge the effectiveness of the program among those who participated in it in 2004. Questionnaires were sent to a random sample of 4 247 polling officials. Divisional staff were also surveyed. Their responses and suggestions will be used to refine the training program for future electoral events.

Internal audit

The AEC conducts an internal audit program that provides an independent assessment of operational performance on AEC programs and procedures. After the 2004 federal election an audit was undertaken to examine and report on the effectiveness of the key controls operating over the payment of temporary office assistants and polling officials in relation to the election.

AECPAY processes employment and pay details for approximately 65,000 temporary office assistants and polling officials over the election period making it essential that key risk areas are addressed in terms of internal controls and to determine whether these controls are being performed in a manner that represents the most efficient use of resources.

The audit concluded that overall, the processes and controls over the payment of AEC temporary assistants and polling officials appear to be operating adequately.

An audit review of the tender evaluation and contract management in Central Office will also be undertaken to assess the effectiveness and appropriateness of contract management procedures in place, with the aim of identifying improvements to the current procedure.

Postal voting inquiry

A record number of almost 760 000 postal votes were issued for the 2004 federal election. A significant administrative issue for the AEC arising out of the election related to the delay in processing some postal vote packages to voters. As soon as problems were identified steps were taken to ensure that electors affected were still able to vote. After the election the AEC contracted Minter Ellison to conduct an inquiry into postal voting at the election. Minter Ellison has made recommendations to the AEC identifying ways to help improve postal voting procedures for the next electoral event.