❓ Question regarding conflicting information given to new citizens about their eligibility to vote in recent local government elections after the electoral roll closure. The Minister denies instructing officials to advise new citizens they could vote and points to Australian Government guidance.
AnsweredQoN 913Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
In the recent Western Australian local government elections, the electoral rolls closed at 5pm on Friday 22 August. In the weeks following this date, newly sworn Australian citizens were advised at Citizenship Ceremonies that they were eligible to vote in the recent local government elections. Can the Minister clarify: (a) whether these newly sworn citizens were in fact eligible to vote given that the roll had already closed; (b) whether the Minister instructed mayors or other local government officials to advise new citizens that they could vote; and (c) what measures are in place to ensure that information given at Citizenship Ceremonies accurately reflects the enrolment and eligibility deadlines, and that such advice is free from political influence?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
24 February 2026
Responded by
Minister for Agriculture and Food representing the Minister for Local Government
Response time
11 days
a) No.
b) No.
c) The Australian Citizenship Ceremonies Code issued by the Australian Government provides guidance to citizenship ceremony organisers. An Australian Electoral Commission enrolment form is given out as part of the ceremonies.
b) No.
c) The Australian Citizenship Ceremonies Code issued by the Australian Government provides guidance to citizenship ceremony organisers. An Australian Electoral Commission enrolment form is given out as part of the ceremonies.
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