2019 Media Statements
For all media enquiries please email media@ecq.qld.gov.au or phone 0438 120 699.
The media information kit PDF (0.82 MB) for the 2020 State general election.
11 November 2019
The Electoral Commission of Queensland (ECQ) is now recruiting more than 10,000 staff to work at the next local government elections in March 2020.
A range of temporary positions are available across the state and people can apply to work for a day, a night or a couple of weeks.
Electoral Commissioner Pat Vidgen encouraged Queenslanders to lodge an application and be part of democracy in action.
“We need people to help us deliver democracy in polling booths from Thursday Island to Goondiwindi and out to Birdsville,” Mr Vidgen said.
“There are a range of temporary positions available and all staff are paid so it is a great way to earn some extra money, whether you work for a day or a week.”
“It is also a really meaningful job that looks good on a resume, so that’s a bonus for students and people who might have limited work experience.”
To work at an election, you must be an Australian citizen, at least 16 years-old and you must be on the electoral roll.
Applicants aged 16 or 17 can be provisionally enrolled as they’re still too young to vote.
“The ECQ normally consists of about 50 staff but come election time we need more than 10,000 people so that’s why we’ve already started recruiting,” Mr Vidgen said.
“I’d encourage anyone who’d like to work with us in March 2020 to head to the ECQ website and apply now.”
A full list of position descriptions, pay rates, eligibility criteria and other details can be found on the ECQ website.
Training and support will be provided to successful applicants.
ENDS
Media contact: 0438 120 699
3 June 2019
The Electoral Commissioner of Queensland, Mr Pat Vidgen, will allow political parties to return those donations ruled unlawful by the High Court of Australia in the case Spence vs State of Queensland, subject to strict conditions.
These conditions act to uphold the State’s electoral laws which ban political donations by property developers and their close associates.
Should any party fail to comply with all conditions, the Electoral Commissioner reserves the right to take further action to recover unlawful donations as a debt to the State.
A full statement of reasons PDF (0.06 MB) for the Electoral Commissioner’s decision in this matter is available.
ENDS
Media contact: Nicole Butler
17 May 2019
The Electoral Commission of Queensland (ECQ) is currently considering the High Court’s reasons for its ruling in the case of Spence v State of Queensland.
The reasons were published this week to explain the High Court’s decision to uphold the Queensland ban on political donations by property developers, while striking out amendments to the Commonwealth Electoral Act that impacted on the State’s ban.
Those amendments had sought to allow Queensland political parties to accept property developer donations that may be used for federal purposes.
Given the complexity of the legal circumstances, the ECQ is obtaining further advice and carefully considering the impact of the ruling on any donations received by political parties that are now regarded as unlawful.
As soon as possible, the ECQ will formally advise all registered political parties of any action that may be required to ensure they comply with the High Court decision.
ENDS
Media contact: Nicole Butler