2024 Media statements

Queenslanders thanked for their patience during local government elections

18 March 2024

The Electoral Commission of Queensland has acknowledged the wait times experienced by some Queensland electors and thanked them for their patience, following a busy election day.

With around 3.5 million Queenslanders eligible to vote in these elections, the ECQ had expected queues in some places across the state on election day, following the close of early voting at 6pm on Friday 15 March.

In preparation for this, the ECQ confirms that resourcing was bolstered in a number of areas across the state, ahead of election day.

Electoral Commissioner of Queensland Pat Vidgen said while election day queues aren’t uncommon, a number of factors, including a lower than expected early voting turnout, contributed to the longer queues seen on Saturday.

“Local government elections are very complex to deliver, and the requirement for electors to vote in their local government area presents particular operational challenges.

“With absentee voting not available, we understand that the high volume of Queenslanders presenting at polling booths outside of their council areas or divisions, compounded wait times.

“We acknowledge that there were long queues in some places as a result of this, which was regrettable,” he said.

Over 45 per cent of electors who voted chose election day to cast their vote, with more than 1.2 million votes taken on election day itself, across 1,000 polling booths state-wide.

“Our election staff team of around 7,000 worked diligently to get people through as quickly as possible and we are very appreciative of their work, and very thankful for Queenslanders who treated our staff with patience and courtesy.

“The evaluation we do following an election event is comprehensive and we’ll certainly be looking at the data and areas such as resourcing as part of our evaluation of this event.

“The cost per elector to deliver these elections is almost half that for other jurisdictions, so any increases in resourcing will impact on these costs as well, which is all something that will need to be considered moving forward, particularly as local government elections are conducted on a cost recovery basis.”

We will be using the data available to us, including the observations provided by the independent election auditors that have been working across the state, and analysing the trends we are seeing like changing voter behaviour to help us prepare for the State general election in October.

“While many electors took advantage of the five-week window to apply for a postal vote and to vote early, before election day, in these elections it appears there was a shift back toward election day voting, and further analysis will be conducted to see if that trend is relevant to planning for the state election.”

Mr Vidgen said that the ECQ made every effort to ensure electors who presented at a polling place before 6pm and wanted to cast a vote was able to cast their vote.

“Where ballot papers were depleted in some locations, these were replenished by the ECQ’s team of Returning Officers as quickly as possible.

“This does happen from time to time in elections and anyone who remained in those polling places which were being re-supplied, received their ballot papers and were able to cast their votes.

The ECQ is focussed on completing the counting of the votes for the 578 mayoral and councillor contests across the state and declaring those positions over the coming days and weeks.

You can view the results which are being progressively updated, on the ECQ website.

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Torres Strait residents get extra time to vote

15 March 2024

The Electoral Commission of Queensland has moved to ensure residents living in the outer islands of the Torres Strait can have a say on who will represent them in council, after poor weather conditions hampered mobile polling.

Electoral Commissioner of Queensland, Pat Vidgen said the time to vote will be extended by a week.

“With severe weather conditions making mobile polling difficult in the Torres Strait Island Regional Council area, we have made the call to continue to take votes until Saturday, 23 March,” he said.

“Mobile polling schedules are a finely tuned operation with staff flying into the islands, and often 3 or 4 islands are visited per day for a few hours during the election period.”

This year, the mobile polling for residents living in the Torres Strait Island Regional Council (TSIRC) area has been challenging due to poor weather, making flights in and out impossible.

“It is important that all Queenslanders can vote — it’s their democratic right.

“We also want to remind Torres Strait residents who have chosen to postal vote to return their vote as soon as possible. However, they will now be able to complete their votes up until 6pm on Saturday, 23 March, and return them to the ECQ by close of business on Tuesday, 2 April 2024,” he said.

Telephone voting will only be available until this Saturday, 16 March, with registrations for this service closing at noon and voting until 6pm.

Impacted islands that will have rescheduled mobile polling are:

• Iama (Yam)
• Poruma (Coconut)
• Masig (Yorke)
• Ugar (Stephen)
• Mer (Murray)

Keep checking our website for new mobile polling dates and visiting hours.

The ECQ will continue to work in partnership with the Torres Strait Island Regional Council to keep electors informed about additional mobile polling in their communities.

Visit the ECQ website to stay up-to-date with the local government elections and to learn more about how local elections work.

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Last days to vote early before election day

14 March 2024

More than one million Queenslanders have already chosen to vote early in the local government elections, with two days to go until election day on Saturday 16 March.

Electoral Commissioner Pat Vidgen says the turnout reflects Queenslanders’ increasing preference for voting early, and when it is convenient for them.

“We understand that life is busy and that remembering to vote can be difficult for people, particularly if they are working on election day.

“Early voting offers flexibility for electors and helps reduce the numbers we have seen in the past on election day, ensuring electors can get in and out more quickly and can get on with their weekends.

“We have around 160 early voting centres operating state-wide, so if you’re keen to vote before Saturday, you can head to our website, enter your address into our ‘find my polling booth’ feature and find the nearest location to you.

“Another great way to ensure you’re getting in and out more quickly is to bring along the maroon Voter Information card you received from us in the mail, or the electronic version you received if you have added your email address to the electoral roll.”

Mr Vidgen reminded Queenslanders that voting in these elections is compulsory and that the penalty of failing to vote is $154.80, which is the value of one penalty unit, as at 1 July 2023.

“We’d much rather be handing you a ballot paper than a fine, so I encourage all Queensland electors to plan now for when they’ll cast their vote – whether that’s today or perhaps tomorrow after work or on Saturday itself.”

Early voting will be open until 5pm today, Thursday 14 March and from 9am until 6pm on Friday 15 March.

Electors need to vote in their local government area at these elections and are urged to visit the ECQ website to find their nearest polling booth.

Brisbane City Hall is the exception and will offer voting services for electors in Brisbane City Council, Ipswich City Council, Logan City Council, Gold Coast City Council, Sunshine Coast Regional Council, Moreton Bay City Council and Redland City Council during the early voting period and on election day.

Election day voting will be available from 8am to 6pm at more than 1,000 booths state-wide.

Queensland electors will also receive an SMS reminder to vote by 6pm this year, and this will go out to anyone who has added their mobile number to the electoral roll.

Visit the ECQ website to stay up-to-date with the local government elections and learn more about how local elections work.

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Early voting centres open today for millions of Queenslanders

4 March 2024

Doors opened at 9am this morning at early voting centres across Queensland, as voting got underway for the 2024 local government elections.

About 45 per cent of Queenslanders are expected to vote early at around 170 early voting centres state-wide.

Early voting is available to all electors and will run through to Friday, 15 March.

Electoral Commissioner Pat Vidgen says ECQ staff have been working throughout the past few weeks, including over the weekend to make the final arrangements.

“Our team of Returning Officers right across Queensland have done a great job of making sure we’re ready to go,” Mr Vidgen said.

“Over the past couple of weeks, around 7 million ballot papers have been printed and despatched to all corners of the state and teams have been busy testing equipment, assembling voting screens and ballot boxes and preparing to welcome electors through the doors.

“We know that early voting continues to be a popular option for Queensland electors, with almost half of electors choosing this option during the last local government elections in 2020.

“A great way to ensure you’re in and out of the polling booth quickly is to bring along the Voter Information Card that you have either already received or will receive this week in the mail, when you come to vote.

“That’s the big maroon card that is unique to you – simply bring it in, show it to our staff when you arrive and you’ll be marked off the electoral roll quickly.

“If your email address is on the electoral roll, you will also receive an electronic version of this which you can use in the same way.”

“If you forget to bring your card along, that’s ok – you can still vote without it.”

Early voting times and dates will vary between council areas, so the ECQ encourages Queenslanders to check these details on the ECQ website before they head out to vote.

“Remember, you must vote in your local government area in these elections. For voters in councils with divisions or wards, that means you can vote at any early voting centre or polling booth on election day even if it’s outside your division, just as long as it’s within your council area.”

Visit the ECQ website to stay up-to-date with the local government elections and to learn more about how local elections work.

ENDS

Media enquiries: email media@ecq.qld.gov.au or phone 0438 120 699

Last days to apply to the ECQ for a postal vote

1 March 2024

Postal vote applications for the 2024 local government elections will close at 7pm on Monday 4 March.

Already, more than 290,000 Queenslanders have lodged postal vote applications and with time running out, electors who are considering applying should do so directly, via the ECQ website.

Electoral Commissioner Pat Vidgen says applying directly is the best way to ensure voting materials will arrive on time.

“This is the most secure and direct way to apply as you’re not relying on any third parties to get your application to us and you’re reducing the risk that it will be delayed.

“Applying for a postal vote is quick and easy to do on our website and while you are there, you’ll find useful information about postal voting and how it works, including a short video.

“Postal voting materials were printed following the close of nominations on 13 February and after the ballot paper order draw for each local government area had been conducted on 14 February.

“Since then, we’ve been progressively lodging materials with Australia Post for distribution as applications are processed, so if you’ve already applied for a postal vote, you should be receiving your materials in the mail.

“As soon as you receive your materials you can complete your vote and we encourage you to get it into the post back to us as quickly as you can.”

Queenslanders who are listed as special postal voters or whose council area is conducting a full postal ballot, will automatically receive a postal vote in the mail.

Inala or Ipswich West electors who apply for a postal vote will automatically receive voting materials for both the by-election and the local government elections.

Visit the ECQ website to stay up-to-date with the local government elections and to learn more about how local elections work.

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Media enquiries: email media@ecq.qld.gov.au or phone 0438 120 699

Electoral expenditure disclosures top $5 million, eclipsing 2020 – see the breakdown for each council

29 February 2024

The ECQ has reached new milestones for electoral expenditure disclosures and donations, eclipsing amounts that had been received in 2020 by the same time in the election period.

More than $5.5 million in disclosed electoral expenditure and $1.5 million in donations have been registered to date.

Electoral Commissioner Pat Vidgen says Queensland’s funding and disclosure regulations are among the most comprehensive nationally and include real-time disclosure obligations for local government election candidates.

“Queenslanders rightly expect their local government candidates to be honest and transparent when it comes to what they’re spending in the lead up to the 16 March poll and the volume of disclosures registered so far reflects this.”

Below is the breakdown of expenditure and donations reported to the ECQ per council area, as at 27 February 2024*.

Mr Vidgen said it should be noted that most of the donations received in the Brisbane City Council will be via registered political parties.

“Under the regulations, political parties are not required to distinguish which donations are local government election-specific donations,” he explained.

New caps on local government electoral spending took effect from 14 August 2023 and the capped expenditure period for the local government elections will apply until 6pm on election day on 16 March 2024.

Electoral expenditure disclosures are publicly available and can be viewed via the ECQ’s Electronic Disclosure System (EDS). For tips on how to navigate the system, head to the ECQ website.

*NOTE: disclosure data is subject to change and is only accurate at the time of the issue of this media release. Disclosure data may include amounts of over-disclosure, such as declarations of self-funding. Council areas not listed have not received any disclosure data.

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Media enquiries: email media@ecq.qld.gov.au or phone 0438 120 699

Early voting open from Monday for millions of Queenslanders

27 February 2024

Most Queensland electors will be able to head to the polls from Monday to cast their votes early for the 2024 local government elections.

Early voting is available to all electors and commences in most local government areas from 9am on Monday and will run through to Friday, 15 March.

Electoral Commissioner Pat Vidgen says there will be early voting centres operating right across Queensland during the elections.

“We know that early voting continues to be a popular option for Queensland electors, with almost half of electors choosing this option during the last local government elections in 2020.

“There is no eligibility criteria for early voting and all electors can vote early if they choose.

“To cater for this preference, the ECQ will open 170 early voting centres from Monday to ensure Queenslanders can vote when it is convenient for them.

“A great way to ensure you’re in and out of the polling booth quickly is to bring along the Voter Information Card that you have either already received or will receive this week in the mail, when you come to vote.

“That’s the big maroon card that is unique to you – simply bring it in, show it to our staff when you arrive and you’ll be marked off the electoral roll quickly.

“If your email address is on the electoral roll, you will also receive an electronic version of this which you can use in the same way.”

“If you forget to bring your card along, that’s ok – you can still vote without it.”

Early voting times and dates will vary between council areas, so the ECQ encourages Queenslanders to check these details on the ECQ website before they head out to vote.

“Remember, you must vote in your local government area in these elections.”

Visit the ECQ website to stay up-to-date with the local government elections and to learn more about how local elections work.

ENDS

Media enquiries: email media@ecq.qld.gov.au or phone 0438 120 699

Notification of a disendorsed candidate

22 February 2024

The Electoral Commission of Queensland was notified of the disendorsement of an LNP candidate for the Brisbane City Council (Deagon ward) on Tuesday afternoon, 20 February 2024.

Notification of the withdrawal of endorsement is a requirement under the Local Government Electoral Act 2011.

The ECQ has advised that, as the disendorsement occurred after the close of nominations for the 2024 local government elections, the candidate’s nomination remains valid.

This means the candidate’s name will still appear on the ballot paper and the candidate’s nomination as an LNP candidate will remain published on the ECQ website, in compliance with the Local Government Electoral Act 2011.

The disendorsement by a registered political party also means that expenditure caps must be recalculated, and the ECQ has advised both the candidate and the party about this.

The notice regarding the withdrawal of endorsement can be viewed on the ECQ website.

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Media enquiries: email media@ecq.qld.gov.au or phone 0438 120 699

No need to vote for 140,000 Moreton Bay City Council electors

21 February 2024

Local government election day in Moreton Bay City Council will look a little different in 2024, with electors in five divisional areas not required to vote.

At the close of nominations on 13 February, the council’s mayor was unopposed, along with councillors in divisions 1, 4, 7, 9 and 11.

State-wide, a total of 15 mayoral positions and 46 councillor positions were uncontested, with the Moreton Bay City Council the most populous locality impacted.

Electoral Commissioner Pat Vidgen said as a result, electors in those divisional areas of Moreton Bay City Council along with some divisions in Banana Shire Council and Isaac Regional Council, will not be required to vote at all in these elections.

“There are a significant number of Moreton Bay City Council electors who won’t need to vote for mayor or councillor,” Mr Vidgen said.

“Of the Council’s 345,350 electors, there will be just under 140,000 who won’t need to vote – that’s 40.5% of the total number of electors.

“Our priority at the moment is making sure electors in Moreton Bay understand the situation ahead of the voting period kicking off on 4 March.

“It’s important for those electors in the remaining divisions of Moreton Bay City Council to be aware that they still need to vote for their councillor, and that voting is compulsory in local government elections.

“If electors don’t know which divisional area they are in, now’s the time for them to head to our website to look this up so they know whether they need to vote in these elections.”

Mr Vidgen said the situation has created a number of flow-on effects for Moreton Bay City which is Queensland’s third largest council.

“Firstly, we won’t need to open polling booths in those five divisional areas, so have made the decision to close 25 booths that would have catered to electors in those divisions, along with one early voting centre at Bongaree.

“Unfortunately, it also means that we don’t require as many temporary election staff and have had to undertake the difficult task of informing around 148 people who had been already hired for this event about this.

“Over the next week or so we will be looking at how we can re-deploy those staff in other areas.”

The ECQ will be undertaking a range of awareness activities in the lead-up to election day to communicate information to electors about the changes, including via the website and through email, SMS, local advertising and engagement activities.

The local government elections will be held on Saturday 16 March 2024. Head to the ECQ website to stay up-to-date.

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Media enquiries: email media@ecq.qld.gov.au or phone 0438 120 699

1,422 candidates to contest the 2024 local government elections

15 February 2024

1,422 Queenslanders across the state have nominated for the 2024 local government elections to run for mayor or councillor positions in their local communities.

The ballot paper order draws were undertaken following the close of nominations at noon on Tuesday, 13 February.

15 mayoral positions and 46 councillor positions across the state were uncontested.

Electoral Commissioner Pat Vidgen said as a result, electors in some divisional areas of Moreton Bay City Council, Banana Shire Council and Isaac Regional Council, will not be required to vote in these elections.

“Now that the nominations have closed, we have identified those divisions where electors won’t be required to vote for mayor or councillor.”

“All of the candidates in ballot paper order are now published on the ECQ website, so if you’re interested in seeing who is running in your area or whether your councillor or mayor will be returned unopposed, you can head to our website to take a look.”

Mr Vidgen said the number of Queenslanders who have put up their hands to represent their local communities was a strong reflection of the strength of democracy at the local government level.

“Councils make important decisions that affect the everyday lives of Queenslanders, so it is pleasing to see so many people wanting to participate at this level.

“There will be around 3.65 million electors heading to the polls to vote local in 77 local government areas, starting from 4 March when early voting kicks off, through to election day on 16 March.

“With more than 150 Returning Officers and Assistant Returning Officers recruited, trained and ready to deliver a positive voting experience for electors right across the State, we’re looking forward to a seamless event next month.

“We’ve also employed Returning Officers for the Inala and Ipswich West by-elections.

“Local government elections are logistically quite complex for us to deliver, and the ECQ team is continuing to work hard behind the scenes ahead of the opening of early voting.

“It’s a great time to plan ahead now for how you will cast your vote in the elections, remembering that you must vote in your local government area,” Mr Vidgen said.

“Electors can head to the ECQ website to find information about polling booth locations, including early voting centres and also check early voting times as these will vary across different local government areas.”

The local government elections will be held on Saturday 16 March 2024. Head to the ECQ website to stay up-to-date.

Uncontested mayoral positions

• Balonne Shire Council
• Banana Shire Council
• Boulia Shire Council
• Burke Shire Council
• Diamantina Shire Council
• Etheridge Shire Council
• Gladstone Regional Council
• Goondiwindi Regional Council
• Hinchinbrook Shire Council
• Isaac Regional Council
• Longreach Regional Council
• Mareeba Shire Council
• Moreton Bay City Council
• Murweh Shire Council
• Richmond Shire Council

Uncontested councillor positions

• Banana Shire Council, Divisions 3, 4 and 5
• Cairns Regional Council, Division 1
• Cassowary Coast Regional Council, Divisions 4, 5 and 6
• Fraser Coast Regional Council, Division 3
• Gold Coast City Council, Division 4
• Isaac Regional Council, Divisions 4, 5, 7 and 8
• Logan City Council, Divisions 6, 8, 9, 10 and 11
• Moreton Bay City Council, Divisions 1, 4, 7, 9 and 11
• North Burnett Regional Council, Division 3
• Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council, Division 3
• Redland City Council, Divisions 1 and 10
• Rockhampton Regional Council, Divisions 1, 3, 5 and 6
• Scenic Rim Regional Council, Division 3
• South Burnett Regional Council, Division 3
• Sunshine Coast Regional Council, Division 6
• Tablelands Regional Council, Divisions 3 and 5
• Torres Strait Island Regional Council, Divisions 2, 4, 11 and 13
• Townsville City Council, Divisions 6 and 7
• Whitsunday Regional Council, Divisions 1, 3, 4 and 5

ENDS

Media enquiries: email media@ecq.qld.gov.au or phone 0438 120 699

Candidates announced for Brisbane City Council Lord Mayor

14 February 2024

Six candidates have nominated to run for Brisbane City Council Lord Mayor at the 2024 local government elections.

The ballot paper order draw was undertaken in the offices of the Electoral Commission of Queensland following the close of nominations at noon on Tuesday, 13 February.

Candidates in ballot paper order are:

• Bruce TANTI – Independent
• Tracey PRICE – Australian Labor Party
• Adrian SCHRINNER – LNP
• Gilbert HOLMES – Independent
• Clive BRAZIER – Legalise Cannabis Qld (Party)
• Jonathan SRIRANGANATHAN – The Greens

Electoral Commissioner Pat Vidgen says that the number of candidates who have nominated reflects the strength of Queensland’s democracy.

“Councils make important decisions that affect the everyday lives of Queenslanders, so it is pleasing to see so many people wanting to put their hand up to run for Lord Mayor.

“There will be 845,749 Brisbane City Council area electors heading to the polls to vote for the Lord Mayor and councillors who will represent them, starting from 4 March when early voting kicks off, through to election day on 16 March.

“It’s a great time to plan ahead now for how you will cast your vote in the elections, remembering that you must vote in your local government area,” Mr Vidgen said.

“If you live in the State electorates of Inala and Ipswich West, you’ll also need to vote in a by-election to choose your new Member of Parliament when you come to vote.

Mr Vidgen reminded all electors that voting is compulsory and failure to vote may incur a fine.

Electors can head to the ECQ website to find information about polling booth locations, including early voting centres and also to check early voting times.

The local government elections and Inala and Ipswich West State by-elections will be held on Saturday, 16 March 2024.

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Media enquiries: email media@ecq.qld.gov.au or phone 0438 120 699

Candidates contesting the Inala and Ipswich West by-elections announced

13 February 2024

Candidates for the Inala and Ipswich West State by-elections have been announced following the ballot paper order draw which was undertaken today, Tuesday 13 February 2024.

The draw was conducted following the close of nominations at noon.

Candidates in ballot paper order for the State electorate of Inala are:

• Linh NGUYEN (Independent)
• Chris SIMPSON (Independent)
• Margie NIGHTINGALE (Australian Labor Party)
• Trang YEN (LNP)
• Nigel David QUINLAN (Legalise Cannabis Qld (Party))
• Nayda HERNANDEZ (Independent)
• Navdeep Singh SIDHU (The Greens)
• Edward CARROLL (Independent)

Candidates in ballot paper order for the State electorate of Ipswich West are:

• Melody LINDSAY (Legalise Cannabis Qld (Party))
• Darren ZANOW (LNP)
• Mark Marston BONE (One Nation)
• Wendy BOURNE (Australian Labor Party)

Electoral Commissioner Pat Vidgen said people in the two electorates will also need to cast their votes for the 2024 local government elections when they come to vote.

“When electors arrive to vote they will receive three ballot papers once they are marked off the roll – one for the Member of Parliament for the Inala or Ipswich West State electorate, and two for their relevant council mayor and councillor.

“It’s important to read the instructions carefully on each ballot paper as these elections will involve different voting systems,” he said.

“If you would like a postal vote, applications close at 7pm on 4 March 2024, noting that if you apply for a postal vote for the Inala or Ipswich West by-election you will also receive a postal vote for the local government elections.

Mr Vidgen reminded voters in the two electorates, that voting is compulsory and failure to vote may incur a fine.

“It’s a great time to plan ahead now for how you will cast your vote in the elections,” Mr Vidgen said.

Electors can head to the ECQ website to find information about polling booth locations and voting times and to learn more about how different types of elections work in Queensland.

The local government elections and Inala and Ipswich West by-elections will be held on Saturday 16 March 2024.

The Inala by-election was triggered by the resignation of former Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and the Ipswich West by-election by the resignation of Jim Madden.

ENDS

Media enquiries: email media@ecq.qld.gov.au or phone 0438 120 699

ECQ urges candidates to finalise nominations

7 February 2024

There’s just one week to go until nominations close for the 2024 local government elections.

While more than 500 people have nominated for the positions of mayor and councillor in each of Queensland’s 77 local government areas, with almost 200 more currently in progress, candidates have been urged to not leave it to the last minute.

Electoral Commissioner Pat Vidgen said now’s the time for candidates to get their nominations in.

“While we are seeing a steady flow of candidate nominations coming through, time is running out for people wanting to put their hand up,” he said.

“We’re publishing candidate details on our website as they are finalised so you’ll be able to see information about the number of candidates in your local area so far.

“We’re seeing plenty of nominations in council areas such as those in the south-east and our bigger regional centres but there are many other regional and remote areas including in western and far north Queensland where we are yet to see substantial nomination numbers coming through.”

“Prospective candidates have until noon on Tuesday 13 February to nominate, and while that date is fast approaching, there is still sufficient time for people to finalise their nominations and complete their mandatory training.

Prospective candidates can call the ECQ on 1300 881 665 if they intend to nominate and head to the ECQ website where they will find details about the tasks they need to complete to nominate for the elections.

The local government elections will be held across Queensland’s 77 local government areas on Saturday 16 March 2024. Head to the ECQ website to stay up-to-date.

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Media enquiries: email media@ecq.qld.gov.au or phone 0438 120 699

ECQ registers donation and electoral expenditure disclosure milestones ahead of 2024 local government elections

6 February 2024

The ECQ has reached new milestones for electoral expenditure disclosures and donations just weeks out from election day on March 16.

More than $3 million in disclosed electoral expenditure and $1 million in donations have been registered to date.

Electoral Commissioner Pat Vidgen says the significant amount of disclosures shows that candidates understand their responsibilities in this space.

“Queenslanders rightly expect their local government candidates to be honest and transparent when it comes to what they’re spending in the lead up to the 16 March poll and the volume of disclosures registered so far reflects this.”

As of 5 February 2024, the highest value electoral expenditure disclosures were in the following council areas*:

• Brisbane - $1,559,407
• Cairns - $170,929
• Logan - $159,487
• Gold Coast - $154,583
• Townsville - $154,140

The highest value of donations (including self-funding, where disclosed) were in the following council areas:

• Townsville - $236,091
• Logan - $196,824
• Sunshine Coast - $114,726
• Gold Coast - $111,323
• Mackay - $97, 961

Mr Vidgen said it should be noted that the donations listed above are exclusive of Brisbane City Council as most of the donations received in this council area will be via registered political parties.

“Under the regulations, political parties are not required to distinguish which donations are local government election-specific donations,” he explained.

Queensland’s funding and disclosure regulations are among the most comprehensive nationally and include real-time disclosure obligations for local government election candidates.

New caps on local government electoral spending took effect from 14 August 2023 and the capped expenditure period for the local government elections will apply until 6pm on election day on 16 March 2024.

Electoral expenditure disclosures are publicly available and can be viewed via the ECQ’s Electronic Disclosure System (EDS). For tips on how to navigate the system, head to the ECQ website.

*NOTE: disclosure data is subject to change and is only accurate at the time of the issue of this media release. Disclosure data may include amounts of over-disclosure, such as declarations of self-funding.

ENDS

Media enquiries: email media@ecq.qld.gov.au or phone 0438 120 699

Still plenty of time to nominate for the 2024 local government elections

2 February 2024

There’s still more than a week for Queenslanders to nominate for the 2024 local government elections.

Already, almost 200 candidates have nominated for the positions of mayor and councillor in each of Queensland’s 77 local government areas, since nominations opened on Monday 29 January.

Electoral Commissioner Pat Vidgen said that it’s pleasing to see so many people interested in representing their local communities and emphasised that there is still plenty of time to nominate.

“We have heard some reports that nominations for the elections have already closed, but this is not correct,” he said.

“Prospective candidates have until noon on Tuesday 13 February to nominate, and while that date is fast approaching, there is sufficient time for people to undertake all the necessary steps.

“However, I encourage anyone interested in standing for election to get their nominations in as soon as possible before the nomination deadline.”

The details of candidates who have nominated are being progressively added to the ECQ website as they are processed and finalised.

Prospective candidates can head to the ECQ website where they will find details about the tasks they need to complete to nominate for the elections. These include:

• completing a mandatory online training course
• ensuring they are enrolled in the division or ward they plan to contest
• they have had at least six people enrolled within the same ward or district sign their nomination form
• paying a nomination deposit of $250 to the ECQ by cash, EFT or bank cheque before nominations close
• letting the ECQ know the details of the bank account they will be using for their campaign
• disclosing things like political memberships or if they have any existing contractual relationships or planning applications before council (this includes their close associates)
• making sure they are disclosing any money they spend on, or receive for,  their election.

Electoral expenditure disclosures are publicly available and can be viewed via the ECQ’s Electronic Disclosure System (EDS). For tips on how to navigate the system, head to the ECQ website.

The local government elections will be held across Queensland’s 77 local government areas on Saturday 16 March 2024. Head to the ECQ website to stay up-to-date.

ENDS

Just a few days left to make sure you’re enrolled to vote

2 February 2024

Queenslanders have only a few days left to check their enrolment is up-to-date or to enrol to vote for the 2024 local government elections and Inala and Ipswich West by-elections.

The electoral roll will close on 5 February 2024.

Electoral Commissioner Pat Vidgen is urging all Queenslanders to make sure they are enrolled to vote for the 16 March elections.

“Queenslanders will head to the polls in March to choose the mayors and councillors they want to represent them in their local communities, so I encourage everyone to make sure they are able to participate.

“If you’re not on the electoral roll, you can’t vote in the elections and you can’t have your say about who your local decision-makers are.

“Voting in our democracy is a right and responsibility for every Queensland citizen over the age of 18 and it’s important to note that you may be fined if you fail to vote in the elections.

Mr Vidgen said there might be a number of reasons why your details need to be updated, so it is good practice to check before an election to make sure your name and address are listed correctly.

“Moving house, leaving home for the first time or turning 18 are all changes and milestones that people experience in their busy lives and sometimes enrolling to vote or updating your details can be overlooked.

“It only takes a couple of minutes to check your details, so head to the AEC website at aec.gov.au before the roll closes on 5 February.”

Visit the ECQ website to stay up-to-date with the local government elections and to learn more about how local elections work.

ENDS

Media enquiries: email media@ecq.qld.gov.au or phone 0438 120 699

Inala and Ipswich West by-elections announced for 16 March 2024

30 January 2024

By-elections to elect a new Member of Parliament for the State electorates of Inala and Ipswich West will be held on Saturday, 16 March 2024, following the issue of the writs today.

These elections will be run concurrently with the local government elections which are being held on the same day.

Electoral Commissioner Pat Vidgen said nominations for the positions were now open and he encouraged anyone wanting to represent the Inala or Ipswich West communities to nominate before noon on Tuesday, 13 February 2024.

“There are several important steps which must be undertaken when nominating, so I urge anyone interested to do this as soon as possible,” Mr Vidgen said.

“The best place to start is to visit the ECQ website to learn more about nomination eligibility and any requirements or rules that apply.

“For around 39,000 electors in both electorates, this by-election also means that they will be voting for a new State MP on the same day they vote for their local mayor and councillor.

“We’ll be supporting electors in Inala and Ipswich West to make sure they’re aware of this requirement and will be communicating important information to the community over the coming weeks.

“If you live in the State electorate of Inala which includes the suburbs of Inala, Ellen Grove, Forest Lake, Doolandella, Durack, Wacol, Richlands and parts of Oxley, now is the time to make sure you’re correctly enrolled to vote.

“Likewise for Ipswich West residents who live in suburbs and towns including Amberley, Karalee, Marburg, Rosewood and northern parts of Ipswich City such as Brassall.

“Voting is compulsory and it only takes a few minutes to enrol, update, or check your enrolment, by visiting aec.gov.au.”

The Inala by-election was triggered by the resignation of former Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and the Ipswich West by-election by the resignation of Jim Madden.

Queenslanders can visit the ECQ website to stay up-to-date with the elections and to learn more about how different types of elections in Queensland work.

“There is a wealth of great resources on our website, including short videos on topics like postal voting and counting the votes which can help you understand more about the process,” Mr Vidgen said.

“I also encourage Inala and Ipswich West electors to like and follow our social media platforms to make sure they are receiving important information and updates as the election period progresses.

2024 Inala and Ipswich West by-elections timetable

• 30 January – Issue of writ
• 13 February – Candidate nominations close
• 13 February – Ballot paper order draw
• 4 March – Postal vote applications close
• 4 March – Early voting commences
• 16 March – Election Day
• 26 March – Close of returns for postal votes

ENDS

Media enquiries: email media@ecq.qld.gov.au or phone 0438 120 699

ECQ launches ‘Vote Local’ campaign

30 January 2024

The Electoral Commission of Queensland has launched the 2024 Queensland local government elections advertising campaign – Vote Local.

Around 3.7 million Queenslanders will head to the polls on Saturday 16 March 2024 to vote for the mayors and councillors who will represent them in 77 local government areas throughout Queensland.

Electoral Commissioner Pat Vidgen said the ECQ’s campaign will run state-wide in the lead up to the elections and is aimed at connecting electors to the things that matter to them in their local communities.

“Voting in a local government election is about more than just wheelie bins and footpaths. It’s about having a say about the mayors and councillors that you want to represent you, in your local community,” he said.

From now until election day, Queenslanders will see the Vote Local campaign on television, radio, outdoor, online and social media channels.

Mr Vidgen also encouraged Queenslanders to engage with the resources available on the ECQ website to make sure they’re ready to vote in the elections.

“In addition to our advertisements, you can also view some of our animated videos which help explain the different ways to vote in Queensland and how things like postal voting and counting works.”

Head to the ECQ website to stay up-to-date with the local government elections. You can also like and follow the ECQ across the Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and X platforms.

ENDS

Media enquiries: email media@ecq.qld.gov.au or phone 0438 120 699

Local government elections period kicks off

29 January 2024

The 2024 local government elections are officially underway, following the publishing of the Notice of Election today.

Around 3.7 million Queenslanders will head to the polls on 16 March to have their say about the mayors and councillors they want to represent them in their local community for the next four years.

Residents in the State electorate of Inala will also vote for a new Member of Parliament during the poll, following the resignation of former Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.

Electoral Commissioner Pat Vidgen said that the start of the election period means that Queenslanders should act now to enrol to vote or nominate to contest the elections.

“Voting in elections is one of the most important rights and responsibilities we share in our democracy, and if you’re not on the roll you can’t vote and if you don’t vote – you can’t have your say.”

“Now’s the time to head to the AEC website at aec.gov.au to check your details are up-to-date or enrol if you haven’t yet or if you’ll be turning 18 before election day.

“The start of the election period also means that nominations for the mayoral and councillor positions in Queensland’s 77 local government areas are now open.”

“If you’re thinking of putting your hand up to represent your local community, the best place to start is by visiting ecq.qld.gov.au you can find out more about what you need to do.

“There are a number of steps you need to complete to nominate, so I encourage you to get started on that early if you intend to run as a candidate.”

Queenslanders can visit ecq.qld.gov.au to stay up to date with the elections and to learn more about how local elections work.

“There is a wealth of great resources on our website, including short videos on topics like postal voting and counting the votes which can help you understand more about the process,” Mr Vidgen said.

“I also encourage Queensland electors to like and follow our social media platforms to make sure they are receiving important information and updates as the election period progresses.

2024 local government elections timetable

• 29 January – Notice of Election
• 5 February – Close of Electoral Roll
• 13 February – Candidate nominations close
• 14 February – Ballot paper order draw
• 4 March – Postal vote applications close
• 4 March – Early voting commences
• 16 March – Election Day
• 26 March – Close of returns for postal votes

ENDS

Media enquiries: email media@ecq.qld.gov.au or phone 0438 120 699

ECQ opens applications for thousands of election jobs

5 January 2024

Applications have opened for more than 10,000 casual election official roles that will be needed to deliver the local government elections in Queensland on March 16.

Election officials play a critical part on the front-line during elections, helping millions of Queenslanders to have their say about who they want to represent them in their local communities.

The thousands of casual roles on offer will cover work before, on, or after election day on 16 March 2024.

Electoral Commissioner Pat Vidgen said applications are welcome from Queenslanders from all backgrounds and in all parts of the state.

“The ECQ’s state-wide team of election officials are everyday Queenslanders from all walks of life,” he said.

“We’re recruiting now for the Council elections on 16 March 2024, so if you’re interested in helping to deliver democracy on the ground and help people in your community to have their say, then one of these roles might be a great fit for you.”

“You’ll be paid for your work with us, have the opportunity to meet new people and learn new skills, all while getting the chance to see democracy in action.”

Mr Vidgen said prospective applicants should visit the ECQ website to read more about what’s involved, including eligibility and political neutrality requirements.

“Electoral integrity is something we take extremely seriously, so it’s important that our election officials reflect our principles of fairness, integrity and transparency.”

Interested Queenslanders can learn more about working at the elections on the ECQ website, which provides a position description and pay rates along with details about how to apply.

Applications will be open throughout the election period.