2019 ANNUAL REPORT ii 

© Commonwealth of Australia 2020

ISSN: 0814–4508

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This publication is printed on an uncoated Australian made 30% recycled, FSC© certified carbon neutral paper. security Electoral Electoral preparedness Complexity Review 01 –Commissioner’s Section transmittal of Letter readers Tools to assist report this About Contents Administering registrations and financial disclosure political party Supporting electoral redistributions public awareness activities Undertaking events electoral successful Conducting management roll electoral Active – 04 Section performance Other six direction statement–agency Performance five direction statement–agency Performance four direction statement–agency Performance three direction statement–agency Performance two direction statement–agency Performance statement—agencyPerformance direction one Electoral Commissioner by the Statement statements performance Annual – 03 Section Chart Organisation AEC Organisational structure Role and function – 02 Section future The participation Indigenous electoral during pandemic By-election

Overview of the AEC the of Overview AEC Functions Performance Report

1

3 viii 43 36 34 45 38 22 29 26 20 31 24 15 13 13 vii vii 3 1 7 1 3 8 4 4 2 5 9 8 5 iii

Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20 Section 05 – Management and Accountability 47 Corporate governance – principles and objectives 48 External scrutiny 50 Our workforce 52 Assets management 56 Purchasing 57

Section 06 – Financial Statements 59 Financial performance summary 60 iv List of financial statements 62 Certification 63

66 Primary Financial Statements 

Overview 72 Notes to the Financial Statements 77 Departmental Financial Position and Managing Uncertainties 82 People and relationships 90 Other information 94 Items administered on Behalf of Government 96

Section 07 – Appendices 99 Appendix A: Resources 100 Appendix B: Governance 102 Accountable authority 102 Audit committee details 102 Business planning documents 104 AEC management committees 105 Appendix C: Commonwealth electoral roll information 107 Enrolment rate and enrolled population 107 Commonwealth Electoral roll extracts and recipients 108 Appendix D: Electoral events data 112 Appendix E: Public awareness data 113 Advertising and market research 113 Appendix F: Electoral redistribution data 114 Appendix G: Political party registrations and financial disclosure data 115 Annual financial disclosure returns 2019–20 115 Election funding payments in 2019–20 115 Appendix H: Workforce statistics 116 Appendix I: Electoral communications complaints 126

Section 08 – Reader Guides 127 Abbreviations and acronyms 128 Glossary 130 Index to list of annual report requirements 133 General Index 138 Table 8: Table 7: Table 6: Table 5: Table 4: Table 3: Table 2: Table 1: TABLES 3: Figure 2: Figure 1:Figure FIGURES Table 26: Table 25: Table 24: Table 23: Table 22: Table 21: Table 20: Table 19: Table 18: Table 17: Table 16: Table 15: Table 14: Table 13: Table 12: Table 11: Table 10: Table 9:

Number and expenditure on new and ongoing consultants, Business planning documents Business (2019–20) period report current (2019–20) period report current 2020 June 30 holders), office statutory (excluding BudgetPortfolio Statements against mapped agency directions (2019–20) period report current status part–time and full–time (2018–19) period report previous employees (2018–19) period report (2019–20) period report current (2019–20) period report 2019–2020 purposes, financial for identity verifying 2019–20 extracts, roll electoral 2019–20 extracts roll electoral 2019–2020 extracts roll electoral New claims for injuries and compensable non-compensable Details of accountable authority during during authority accountable of Details 2017–18levels staffing Average to 2019–20 1 Outcome for resources and Expenses (2019–20) summary statement resource Agency classification and type by employment workforce APS AEC framework performance regulator the against performance AEC 2020 June 2004–30 9October trend, rate Enrolment 2020 June 30 at as 151Australia’s divisions electoral AEC the from criteria Performance Australian Public Service Act employees by employees Act Service Public Australian non–ongoing Act Service Public Australian previous employees ongoing Act Service Public Australian employees non–ongoing Act Service Public Australian current employees ongoing Act Service Public Australian (2018–19) period report previous employees non–ongoing All (2018–19) period report previous employees ongoing All (2019–20) period report current employees non–ongoing All (2019–20) period report current employees ongoing All $14,000 more or payments, placement media and Advertising to organisations information roll electoral of Provision with provided researchers electoral and Medical with provided agencies and departments Government with provided parties political Registered 2019–2020 extracts roll electoral of Recipients committees management AEC committee Audit

100 109 108 105 104 102 102 120 107 101 101 110 116 116 119 119 118 118 113 117 117 111 111 44 55 58 52 31 14 v

Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20 Table 27: Australian Public Service Act Employees by full–time and part–time status previous report period (2018–19) 120 Table 28: Australian Public Service Act Employment type by location, current report period (2019–20) 121 Table 29: Australian Public Service Act Employment type by location, previous report period (2018–19) 121 Table 30: Australian Public Service Act Indigenous Employment Current Report Period (2019–20) 121 Table 31: Australian Public Service Act Indigenous Employment Previous Report Period (2018–19) 121 vi Table 32: Australian Public Service Act Employment arrangements current report period (2019–20) 122 

Table 33: Australian Public Service Act employment salary ranges by classification level (minimum/maximum) current report period (2019–20) 122 Table 34: Statutory appointments under the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 as of 30 June 2020 123 Table 35: Information about remuneration for key management personnel 124 Table 36: Information about remuneration for Senior Executives (SES) 125 Table 37: Electoral communications complaints investigated by the 126 AEC during the 2019 federal election Public and Governance, Performance Act 2013 Accountability and the the of requirements the meets report The theending 30 June financial year 2020. Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) for of the performance the outlines report This report this About 8. 7. 6. 5. 4. 3. 2. 1. There are eight sections: Accountability Rule for reports. annual

Appendices audited financial statements for 2019–20performance including statements Financial of AEC the accountability information on the management and and accountability Management year the of deliver the AEC’s purpose and highlights AEC functions Budget StatementsPortfolio 2019–2023 the in directions against the and agency purpose report Performance functions and organisational structure AEC the of Overview Commissioner reflects on the year Commissioner’s review general index general a and requirements report of annual to index list the glossary, acronyms, guides Reader Public Governance, Performance Performance Governance, Public Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 Electoral Commonwealth with reference to the reference with —additional information —the functions which —abbreviations and AEC Corporate Plan Plan AEC Corporate —performance —performance —the AEC’s role, —financial , and the the , and —the Electoral

, — „ publicationThis has: Tools readers to assist transparency.gov.au at online available is report This See „ „ „ „ „ „ available at available „ „ „ „ „ „ „ a table of contents a table a glossary an abbreviations and acronyms section references cross of requirements a list index alphabetical an tables and oflists figures page ii

aec.gov.au/2020 for services. accessible . A PDF version is also also is . APDF version . vii Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20

Letter of transmittal

viii

LETTER TRANSMITTAL OF

Tom Rogers, reflects ontheyear

The ElectoralCommissioner, Review

Commissioner’s Commissioner’s 1

Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20 Commissioner’s Review

2

As this report is being prepared, there are extraordinary measures in place in Australia, and globally, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. COMMISSIONER’S REVIEW COMMISSIONER’S

The measures required to respond to eligible Australians interact with us during an the pandemic have had an impact on all incredibly intense, politically charged, short Australians, and the AEC is proud of its period. Electoral complexity is subject to— part in supporting the broader public sector and masked by—the electoral administrator’s during this difficult time. Additionally, the conundrum: the better and more efficient AEC has adapted its service delivery model the election, the simpler the event appears to deliver trusted and high-quality electoral to voters, candidates and political parties services during this difficult period. (most of whom only interact with the voting process episodically, and even then for just The pandemic followed an already sombre a few brief minutes). However, there are a start to the 2020 calendar year in Australia, large number of logistically complicated and with bushfires having a catastrophic impact legislatively complex steps required to deliver on many parts of our country. With many elections successfully; including satisfying Australians losing their homes, the bushfires rapidly evolving community expectations also required the AEC to change the way and a range of environmental factors that we do business to enable those affected by are, frankly, nearly impossible to predict. the fires to enrol, or update their enrolment details, simply and easily. The severe Our internal and external environments bushfires and the pandemic also affected remain complex and, in some cases, our own staff, and we enacted measures extremely volatile. In addition to increased to support the more than 700 people we cost and complexity surrounding the election have in 86 locations across the country delivery logistical framework, Australia is to ensure their safety and wellbeing. subject to the same global meta-trends of cyber security, misinformation, disinformation and data integrity that are Complexity complicating electoral integrity in other I have previously stated that federal elections democracies. As a result, complexity are Australia’s largest and most complex, will unequivocally continue to be a non-crisis related, peacetime events. It is theme for federal elections in Australia. one of the very few national events where all trusted elections to Australian voters. and safe system, deliver and electoral Australia’s to secure well-placed we to are ensure bodies, electoral agencies), like-minded and international andintelligence Australian security with agencies (including our partner extensively worked has and issues, these with to deal placed well is AEC The current and future agency decisions. moreand processes broadly—to help inform environmental impact on electoral systems future potential and 2030—and current the Voterconsider to year financial this during Senior Executive group Leadership met entire at point. that Our service trusted and avalued delivering we still are ensure to take to needs AEC the steps the and future the in delivered be might elections expectations. ‘Voter 2030’ imagines how voter including future, like the in look will This includes considering what elections the AEC beyond the electoral next cycle. of direction future at the deeply more look to andstarted Disclosureand scheme implemented new legislation for the Funding this During ouralso financial agency year event. electoral next the to deliver ready we to systems are and ensure processes lessons, then and mobilising our staff, in responseimplementing to change those capturing lessons from electoral events, readiness roadmap which encompasses election established an has AEC The Electoral preparedness unknown factors. However, one certainty 2030—therein too many simply are administered be will how elections exactly it’s to course, predict Of not possible processes and deliver trusted outcomes. trusted deliver and processes funded to guard Australia’s democratic we appropriately to are and ensure othersand to our model funding consider of Finance Department the with closely systems. working IT We also are electoral aged, very main, two of our replacement the on stakeholders relevant with work to we continue regard, this In funding. available of our out to best the get agency an as evolving to continue we need To reality, this within goals our achieve „ „ „ „ „ modernisation journey include: to factor into need we our will However, some realities which systems. of our security the to ensure to more do need undeniable an also is there facilitate timely election results. Clearly, to and processes enrolment regarding for need clear more automation, particularly a is there shows analysis our expectations, To process. atrusted these and result, meet swift incredibly easily, an tiny queues, very vote the to access ability the environment, asafe voters expect Australian evolve and to continue expectations citizen that is „ „ „ „ „ disinformation and cyber security of ever-increasingthe threat our external environment legislation of technology cost and availability the our funding 3

Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20 “Our internal and external environments remain complex and extremely volatile. As a result, complexity will unequivocally continue to be a theme for federal elections in Australia.”

4 Electoral security Electoral security remains an area of In recognition of the importance

comprehensive focus for the AEC. We have of this critical democratic marker, continued to monitor, assess and refine the AEC has also appointed an electoral our systems and processes to enhance interference coordinator to manage the our physical, cyber and information AEC’s efforts to counter and respond security. As a result, we are maintaining to interference in Australia’s federal compliance with the Australian Signals election systems and processes. Directorate’s ‘Essential Eight’ strategies COMMISSIONER’S REVIEW COMMISSIONER’S to mitigate cyber security incidents. By-election during pandemic In major democracies around the world, When the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic online disinformation has been identified broke out in Australia, we established a as a major threat to democratic processes. ‘tiger team’ to identify risks in response to The AEC has taken proactive steps to the pandemic and the associated restrictions increase awareness of how to counter and requirements, as well as the operational disinformation. In that regard, the Electoral strategies available to mitigate these. Integrity Assurance Taskforce has helped The AEC was required to build on this the AEC reduce the risk of disinformation work and to deliver a by-election in the during federal elections and by-elections, division of Eden-Monaro, with the polling and we have worked with our state- day on 4 July 2020. Successful delivery based counterparts to put the Taskforce of this highly complex event required in place for state and territory electoral substantial, pandemic-related stakeholder events. While each Australian jurisdiction engagement with a large range of federal, runs its own electoral systems, failure of state and local government authorities. any individual system—for any election— We adapted our delivery model, followed would rightly be seen as a failure that guidance from relevant health and law impacts on all levels of government and enforcement agencies, and planned all electoral management bodies. the event to ensure voters were able to This added assurance will continue participate safely, and permanent and to be in place at federal elections and temporary staff were also protected. by-elections, and will support our state counterparts, when requested, to further reduce risks to democracy. to be on the roll, and less likely to likely vote less to roll, the and on be likely less estimated, are, is it Australians many stakeholders. external Indigenous AEC, the for afocus and system remains engagement with Australia’s electoral rightly, ofQuite Indigenous issue broad the participation electoral Indigenous stakeholders to redress this key this area. to redress stakeholders our with partnering are and challenge the of We conscious are Australia. in not just around bodies management the world, communities is a challenge for electoral However, remote in people enrolling slowly. increasing rates are enrolment estimated that to report pleased I am footprint into remote communities. AEC’s the and reach extending digital and relationships, existing to leverage sustained engagement with local partners Australia’s electoral system. This includes to with engagement increase Indigenous area requires a multi-faceted approach results.sustained challenging extremely This produce rarely and issue one only with touted deal drives’ ‘enrolment often and communities. There are no simple solutions, remote in of disadvantage issues broader ways, the situation reflection is a further of many In complex. highly are roll the on Australians ofrepresentation Indigenous under- the behind reasons The average. national the than lower are estimated enrolment rates Indigenous of Australia, Western parts Territory and Northern the particularly areas, some In than other of members the community. has grappled with issues such as bushfires bushfires as such issues with grappled has AEC, The likeAustralians, all difficult. and challenging been has year financial past The future The electoral system into future. the electoral Australia’s securing and on enhancing alonger-term with steps view preparatory immediate those to balance continue will component of this planning. However, we critical aparticularly be will review funding of our outcome maythat be. The the federal next electoral event, whenever to the more detailed planning required for turn cycle, AEC’s the necessarily will focus electoral into current the move deeper we As to Australians. all services electoral trusted to deliver continue we can ensure to and ready to election be of need the environment, difficult weare conscious COVID-19 the and that Despite pandemic. 5

Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20 6

COMMISSIONER’S REVIEW COMMISSIONER’S

organisational structure

The role, functionand Electoral Commission

of theAustralian

of the AEC the of

OVERVIEW OVERVIEW

7

Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20 Overview of the AEC

8 Role and function Organisational structure he AEC is an independent statutory The Electoral Commissioner, Tom Rogers, is

authority established by the Australian appointed under the Commonwealth Electoral T Parliament. It is funded to deliver one Act 1918 (Electoral Act) and is responsible for purpose and one outcome: managing and operating the AEC. Maintain an impartial and independent At 30 June 2020, the AEC’s Executive electoral system for eligible voters through Leadership Team was: active electoral roll management, efficient OVERVIEW OF THE AEC

„„ Tom Rogers, Electoral Commissioner delivery of polling services, and targeted education and public awareness programs. „„ Jeff Pope APM, Deputy Electoral Commissioner The AEC has one program: „„ Tim Courtney, First Assistant 1.1 To deliver electoral events. Commissioner „„ Lynn White, First Assistant Commissioner Its functions are: (acting) „„ conducting successful electoral events, including federal elections, An organisational chart that includes our by-elections and referendums, and senior executive and their responsibilities as of industrial elections and ballots 30 June 2020 is on page 9. „„ ensuring confidence in the electoral roll The AEC has a three-tier structure with: „„ administering political party „„ a national office in Canberra registrations and financial disclosure „„ state and territory offices „„ supporting electoral redistributions „„ divisional offices „„ undertaking public awareness activities Section 6 of the Electoral Act establishes The AEC must also provide a range a three-person Commission which has of electoral information and education exclusive powers, particularly in relation programs both in Australia and in support to electoral redistributions, political party of Australia’s national interests. registration, and funding and disclosure. At 30 June the Commission members were: More information on the AEC’s functions is in section 4. „„ Chairperson: Hon. Dennis Cowdroy AO QC „„ Electoral Commissioner: Mr Tom Rogers Our vision is: „„ Non-judicial member: Dr David Gruen We are a leader in refining and delivering best practice in election management. AEC Organisation Chart AEC Organisation ChartJune 2020

Electoral Commissioner Tom Rogers

Deputy Electoral Commissioner Jeff Pope

Legal and National International Doctrine Network and Election Operations Division Capability Division Procurement Training and Services and Lessons Lynn White Tim Courtney Branch Education Unit Management A/g First Assistant Commissioner and National Election Manager (NEM) First Assistant Commissioner Andrew Johnson A/g Chief Legal Offi cer

Legal Services Australian Industrial Elections Branch Operations Roll Management Corporate Disclosure, Information, Electoral Offi cer/ Elections and Branch and Community Services Branch Assurance and Communication Commercial Law Nye Coffey State Manager Ballots Engagement Engagement and Technology and Procurement A/g Assistant Michael Lynch Matthew Commissioner A/g Assistant Branch McMahon Branch Electoral New South Wales Gina Dario David Lang Commissioner Assistant Authorisations and Australian National Program Election Design Gina Dario Joanne Reid Assistant Manager Commissioner Commissioner Capital Territory and Planning Operations Assistant A/g Assistant Commissioner Commissioner Warwick Austin Capability and Chief People Offi cer Engineering, and People and State Manager Voter Services Coordination Roll Program Risk and Assurance Infrastructure and and Community Culture Operations Supply Chain and Victoria Systems Delivery Engagement Parliamentary and Events Management Chief Finance and Modernisation Party Registration Information Security, Steve Kennedy Offi cer and Financial National Enrolment Governance and State Manager Management Business Services Compliance and Assurance Intelligence, Disclosure Queensland and Resource Research and Redistributions Architecture and Northern Territory Management Electoral Integrity Communications Modernisation Thomas Ryan Property and IT Solutions State Manager Security Information Western Australia People Support Management Fleur Hill and Digital State Manager Communications

South Australia ICT Programs Nye Coffey A/g State Manager

Tasmania David Molnar Australian Electoral Commission (the Commission) State Manager Chairperson: Hon. Dennis Cowdroy AO QC Non-judicial member: Dr David Gruen Electoral Commissioner: Mr Tom Rogers 20-1364 081020

Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20 9 10

OVERVIEW OF THE AEC

AEC CorporatePlan2019–2023 Performance againsttheagency with reference tothePortfolio purpose anddirections inthe

Budget Statements Report

PERFORMANCE PERFORMANCE

11 Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20

Performance Report

12 The AEC’s performance is measured against the agency

purpose, the six agency directions in the AEC Corporate Plan 2019–2023 and the performance criteria in the Portfolio Budget Statements (PBS).

he agency directions and PBS The AEC manages two performance cycles, performance criteria are aligned, and the:

PERFORMANCE REPORT PERFORMANCE work towards the purpose as shown T „„ four-year, Public Governance, in Figure 1. Performance and Accountability Act The AEC’s six agency directions are medium 2013 performance cycle to long-term objectives: „„ three-year federal electoral cycle Internally, we are focused on a three-year 1 Deliver high quality electoral services electoral cycle encompassing the three Continue to improve and modernise phases of election readiness used in our 2 the delivery model for electoral events election readiness framework. The three phases of election readiness are: Govern the organisation for quality 3 1. lessons and assurance 2. implement change 4 Professionalise our workforce 3. mobilisation

5 Uphold the reputation of the AEC The AEC comprehensively prepares for federal elections—while balancing other Build an agile and responsive agency priorities—through the Election 6 organisation Ready Road Map. Each phase directs the activities to be undertaken and provides The agency directions guide our activities a path towards delivering the next federal and priorities, and promote continuous election. These phases synchronise election improvement. The directions enable the AEC preparation across the agency to meet to effectively deliver its purpose. The AEC’s a Directed Level of Election Readiness. performance is measured against intended The framework gives the Electoral results. Since the 2018–19 annual report, Commissioner assurance that the AEC our performance criteria and measurement is at an appropriate ‘level of readiness’ to have been further refined to ensure we conduct a federal election when required. are focused on achieving our outcomes. federal election and then into ‘implementing May 2019 the following phase ‘lessons’ 2019–20In the through moved AEC the our stakeholders. and to public the services electoral deliver to ready agility, are and organisational event planning. we ensures This maintain AEC’s the inform will event the future pandemic.from identified Lessons delivering COVID-19 the during event electoral first 2020—the 4July on Eden-Monaro AEC’s in aby-election to deliver prepared AEC legislation. To conclude the year, the electoral integrity and compliance with maintaining while operations services and adjust and to balance continues AEC the Within a operating changing environment, managed. was workforce AEC how the to and events delivered, were and services made significant changes to howelectoral broader government response, the AEC the with events. line In electoral deliver required an agile response to successfully internationally, COVID-19, in particular and Events Australia in administration. complexity toadded further electoral year over past the we have experienced operating changing rapidly The environment federal election. next at the to delivered be changes’ 28 September 2020 Electoral Commissioner Rogers Tom comply with subsection 39(2) of the Act. entity, of the and performance the reflect on properly maintained records, accurately based are statements performance annual Accountability Act 2013 the 39(1)(a) paragraph under required as of of the Australian Electoral Commission statements 2019–20 performance annual Australian Electoral Commission, present the of the Authority I, Accountable the as Commissioner Electoral by the Statement are by signed off the Accountable Authority. 2019–20 for statements performance The ‘not or met’ met’—and‘partly explanation. an per criterion—either ‘met/on track to be met’, six agency directions. They include a result of the each against AEC’sthe performance detail statements performance annual The statements performance Annual Public Governance, Performance and and Performance Governance, Public

. In my opinion, these

13 Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20

Figure 1: Performance criteria from the AEC Portfolio Budget Statements mapped against agency directions

Portfolio Budget Statements (PBS) Corporate plan

Maintain an impartial and independent electoral system for eligible voters through active electoral roll management, efficient delivery of polling services, and targeted education and public awareness programs

Outcome in the PBS Purpose in our corporate plan

One program: 1.1 To deliver electoral events Six agency directions

14 Performance criteria 1 2 3 4 5 6

Elections, by-elections and referendums 1 2 3 4 5 6 • Federal electoral events are successfully delivered • Maintain ability to conduct a federal electoral event within a timeframe • Timely conduct of redistribution activities • Industrial elections, protected action ballots, and Torres Strait Regional Authority elections are delivered in accordance with the relevant PERFORMANCE REPORT PERFORMANCE legislation and rules Electoral roll management 1 2 3 4 5 6 • High level of confidence in the electoral roll Party registrations and financial disclosure 1 2 3 4 5 • Party registration processed in accordance with the Electoral Act • Financial disclosures obtained and placed on the public record in accordance with the Electoral Act Public awareness 1 2 5 6 • Deliver communication, education and public awareness activities to inform all Australians of electoral matters „ „ state: intended Our Deliver electoral high services quality statement—agencyPerformance one direction 2 1 *Source: AECCorporatePlan2019–2023,p.11. Result key

withstands scrutiny with integrity and Election result delivered specified in thewrit timeframe the within Election writs returned electoral events deliver federal 1.1 Successfully AEC corporateplan* performance criteriain Intended result and of enrolment processing and accuracy Timeliness electors and updates for eligible Accessible enrolment of the electoral roll accuracy and integrity Completeness, electoral roll confidence in the of level 1.2 High „ „ Including theMay2019 federalelectionandeventsinthetwolargest states,NewSouthW Based onafederalelection beingheldeverythr effective communication and targeted education engagement and activities community through voting obligations and matters of electoral awareness public we maintain including enrolment, election delivery, registration, political party and funding and disclosure services, electoral possible best the with stakeholders our and public the we provide

Met 1

On track to be met to be track On services of polling Efficientdelivery Link topurpose redistributions electoral Support management electoral roll Active ee years.TheAECalso supportsreferendums, plebiscites andby-electionsasrequired.

Partly met Result

Explanation ofresult larger number of electoral events held in 2018–19. in held events electoral of number larger the 49.4% from 2018–19. reflects down in decline This system, enrolment AEC’s the online using processed were transactions 38.6% enrolment of Approximately respectively. 90% 95% of and target the above remained metrics both 92% however and 96% divisional and individual address level—declined slightly at The accuracy and integrity of the electoral roll—at the 95%. of rate enrolment target AEC’s the to exceed We continue Federation. since roll has the largest number of eligible electors on the electoral now to vote, Australia enrolled Australians 16.6over million 96.5%. at With rate—was recorded enrolment the through At 30 June 2020, electoral roll completeness—measured Chisholm. and Kooyong of divisions the in Federal rejected Court bids to overturn the election results the 2019–20 when in resolved were election federal 2019 the from petitions Returns Disputed of Two Court before the specifieddate. 2020, 21 on July writ election the returned AEC The AEC. the from expect could stakeholders and public the services the detailing published was plan service event An measures. COVID-19 safety to include reviewed were delivery event Existing policies, procedures and tools to electoral support 2020. 4July on Eden-Monaro of division the in held to be aby-election for issued was writ election an 28 May On the 99.5% target. 99.5%the target. of short just fields, essential in error without processed were 2020, transactions of 99.2% 2019 January and November year. the Between during introduced was processing enrolment assuring quality for program A new 2019 federal election. the following August and July in processed transactions enrolment of volume large the by 99.5%, influenced and 95% of targets the below was This days. 30 and days five within 81.6% processed 84.4% and enrolments for was rate processing enrolment five-day 2019–20In the

Not met ales andVictoria. 2 15 Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20

Intended result and performance criteria in AEC corporate plan* Link to purpose Result Explanation of result 1.3 Support electoral Targeted The AEC maintained accessible communication channels participation and education (website and social media) for the public and stakeholders voting formality and public to communicate important messages in line with our through targeted awareness public information strategy. education and programs After the public information and education campaign for public awareness the 2019 federal election, further research was undertaken activities that inform on its effectiveness. all Australians of 16 electoral matters An expanded voter communication campaign was developed and delivered for the Eden-Monaro by-election. Accessible public It included important changes to our communication with

information and voters during COVID-19. Established electoral participation communication that messages were paired with health protection messages is benchmarked3 under a 'plan your vote' theme. and measured for effectiveness From November 2019 the AEC’s electoral education activities and services to schools, teachers and school Accessible and children were increasingly affected by bushfires and appropriate electoral COVID-19. This included the National Electoral Education education services and Centre and professional development initiatives PERFORMANCE REPORT PERFORMANCE

materials for teachers. Support electoral The AEC delivers targeted engagement activities with participation of priority groups—youth, Indigenous Australians, people Australians within with disability, people from culturally and linguistically identified communities diverse backgrounds, people experiencing homelessness using data and evidence and prisoners. In line with the AEC’s targeted engagement approach, work continued to: • decentralise delivery of activities • work with partners • increase access to a range of digital information and products In 2019–20 COVID-19 affected some face-to- face engagement activities, particularly within Indigenous communities.

*Source: AEC Corporate Plan 2019–2023, p.11.

3 Benchmarking follows federal elections only, however benchmarking and research was undertaken for the Eden-Monaro by-election, as standard campaign messaging was updated to reflect the changing external environment.

Result key Met On track to be met Partly met Not met *Source: AECCorporatePlan2019–2023,p.11. Result key and rules and with relevant legislation annually and compliance events supported and commercial election Number of industrial and published obligations completed entities with disclosure and parties political of Compliance reviews Electoral Act accordance with the political in parties list of current registered Maintain and publish a obligations responsibilities and their legislative when out carrying stakeholders toand services information timely and accurate 1.4 available Make AEC corporateplan* performance criteriain Intended result and

Met

On track to be met to be track On elections commercial industrial and Conduct services of polling Efficientdelivery disclosure and financial registrations party political Administer Link topurpose

Partly met Result

Explanation ofresult the performance target of 2% or less. 2% of or target performance the met This management. AEC further required events of was consistently monitored, and 0.88% (less than 1%) during the year. Compliance with legislation and rules The AEC conducted 908 industrial elections and ballots diverted to election funding support claims. COVID-19 of resources impact and to the due schedule in progress. The compliance program is currently behind remained eight and approved were reviews 23 compliance 2020, In progress. in remained seven and published, and disclosure obligations. Fifteen reviews were completed 22 compliance reviews of political and parties entities with In 2019 the AEC Compliance Review Committee approved timeframes. were published by the AEC in accordance with legislated The 2019 election disclosure returns and annual returns review. or application registration party every after updated was register The Act. Electoral available Register of Political Parties consistent with the During the year, the AEC maintained a current, publicly

Not met 17 Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20

What we did in 2019–20 The enrolment rate is down from Developmental research was undertaken the 97.1 per cent recorded at June following the AEC’s public information 2019. Following the 2019 election, the campaign at the 2019 federal election, AEC conducted a large bulk objection and planned for the Eden-Monaro round—a routine activity to maintain by-election. This research provides the integrity of the roll—which resulted insights into target audiences, and in a decrease in the enrolment rate to informs the AEC’s public information 96.3 per cent. Roll management activities, strategy for future electoral events. which help recover the enrolment rate— 18 Targeted electoral education was such as Federal Direct Enrolment and provided to schools, teachers and

Update events—were significantly disrupted school children, with service delivery by bushfires and COVID-19. Despite impacted by bushfires and COVID-19. this, the enrolment rate recovered 0.2 percentage points at 30 June 2020. The National Electoral Education Centre (NEEC) in Canberra—usually operating Enrolment processing targets over five at full-capacity—closed on 20 March and 30 days were not met. This result is in-line with COVID-19 public health

PERFORMANCE REPORT PERFORMANCE distorted primarily by a large volume of advice. More than 480 schools (34,000 enrolment transactions that were processed students) cancelled their visits between in July and August from declaration November 2019 and March 2020. Despite envelopes received at the 2019 federal this, more than 1,700 education sessions election. This is not unusual following a were delivered to approximately 61,000 federal election, and processing timeliness visitors during the year, and 94 per cent is normally restored over the following six of visitors were satisfied, exceeding the months. From October 2019 the AEC met 90 per cent target. The number of visitors its five-day processing target of 95 per cent to the AEC Schools website exceeded and achieved 97.5 per cent over 30 days. expectations with more than 215,000 The AEC supports accessible enrolment unique visits, only slightly down from services for all eligible electors, and 240,000 in 2018–19 (a federal election year). encourages voters to use the AEC’s online Professional learning opportunities were enrolment system. Online enrolments reduce delivered to almost 700 pre and in-service paper transactions, errors and processing teachers at nine universities, and to 60 costs. This year the AEC introduced participants at three conferences. As face- webforms for most special circumstances, to-face opportunities were paused due to including silent electors, overseas electors, COVID-19, teachers were also being directed general postal voters, Antarctic electors online to the AEC’s professional learning tool. and prisoners. These electors can now apply for registrations or enrolments Uncertainty around the easing of online. In 2020–21 webforms are restrictions—and the unknown, ongoing expected to be available for all remaining impact on NEEC attendance—means a special categories of enrolment. new baseline will be established for visitors and professional learning in 2020–21. „ „ to: providers service other and agencies organisations,community government groups throughpriority national and regional to out reach partnerships Our activities. increased digital presence, and targeted on engagement through partnerships, an focuses approach this by evidence, Informed in participating elections—continues.fully community—who may in face challenges approach engagement community Our targeted with a disability and CALD groups. CALD and adisability with relevant for Indigenous Australians, people in-language presentations with information to videos, distribute podcasts and short digital presence—including media— social its extending is AEC the Consequently withparticularly Indigenous communities. engagement activitiescommunity in 2020, COVID-19 face-to-face some limited activities through AEC state offices. in place to deliver engagement community federal election. Policies, tools and plans are engagement strategies through to the next to targeted develop learnings other and 2019 federal election used enrolment data activities leading up to and during the Pilot they begin. before data enrolment of by analysis informed are activities of engagement cent per 80 than More „ „ „ „ the AEC’s election workforce temporary linguistically diverse Australians joining increase the of number and Indigenous turnout formality and todesigned increase enrolment, educationaland resources through AEC information awareness electoral broader raise deliverelectoral specific education for priority groups in the Australian Australian the in groups priority for „ „ regulatory obligations. included: This enable them to fulfil their legislativeand toservices our stakeholders We and information provided largely consistent with the previous year. was of events delivered number the ordered, being ballots fewer protectedin action resulting towards of year the pause end the Despite COVID-19 to forcing services nationally consistent election delivery. was to and re-designed modern support industrial elections and ballots function Act 2009 Organisations) Work Act 2009 ballots and We elections also conducted industrial „ „ „ „ making returns available on the process electoral the in individuals and candidatesparties, and other entities, political of dealings financial the about public the inform and transparency Act—to 20 of Electoral the Part support disclosureand scheme—detailed under regulating the Commonwealth funding returns lodged with the AEC the with lodged returns examine a sample of disclosure that reviews of compliance a regular program undertaking AEC’s Transparency Register under the provisions of the provisions the under and the the and Fair Work (Registered WorkFair (Registered . In 2019–20. In the that that Fair Fair 19 Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20

Performance statement–agency direction two

Continue to improve and modernise the delivery model for electoral events Our intended state: „„ the model for delivering electoral events and services is robust, nationally consistent and built for continual evolution through all phases of the electoral cycle–maintaining the electoral roll, election planning, readiness and delivery

20 „„ we are always driving efforts to improve our enrolment and election management systems. This is designed to ensure we are planning for, and delivering, modern and

safe enrolment and polling services into the future

Intended result and performance criteria in AEC corporate plan* Link to purpose Result Explanation of result 2.1 Maintain a cycle of Enabling In September 2019, lessons identified from delivering the continual improvement May 2019 federal election were released. Four lessons through the election were identified through an agency-wide process of staff PERFORMANCE REPORT PERFORMANCE

readiness framework observations, workshops and insight reporting. Lessons and actions These lessons are supported by actions and areas of from 2018–19 election focus so learnings can be applied at the next federal delivery are identified, election. At June 2020 all areas of focus were on track resourced and or completed. There will be continuing work in 2020–21 implemented to embed lessons management capability across the agency. 2.2 Continued Enabling Developed a second pass business case for the Election investment and Systems Modernisation Program focused on modernising momentum in the ageing election and enrolment systems in line with the modernisation agenda AEC’s ICT Strategic Plan. This is being progressed for Government’s consideration. Progress modernisation of election and In November 2019 a new outcomes-based Election Ready enrolment systems Road Map (the planning pathway to the next federal election) was released. Monthly updates and reviews Further mature our ensure the roadmap accurately reflects the election Election Ready Road readiness work program. Map and associated planning and assurance A new centrally led election forecasting process is being processes developed for the next federal election. This assists polling place management, staffing and materials estimates and planning.

*Source: AEC Corporate Plan 2019–2023, p.12.

Result key Met On track to be met Partly met Not met delivery of the next federal election. election. federal of next the delivery and planning the into 2020–21 to support election will continue to be implemented 2019 the 2019–20. from actions and Lessons into non-election activities were limited in lessonsembed management capability to continuous improvement. to Efforts involvedbeing empowered and to contribute lessons management relies on AEC staff consistency of election delivery. Successful and towe improve reliability the continue approach.management ensures This 2019 federal election through our lessons We lessons identified important 2019–20 in we did What to age and are costly to maintain. costly are to and age AEC’s the as continue systems existing delivery: to election critical are systems systems. Resilient, and secure modern ourmodernise core election and enrolment to work baseline undertook and case business pass asecond We developed continued. events electoral for model delivery our modernising on focus Our from the the from election preparation across the agency roadmap was released. synchronises This 2019–20 In outcomes-based anew of large and complex federal elections. complexities underpinning the delivery legislative, planning and logistical to votersservices disguise can the polling focusOur efficient on delivering capabilities. planning election and Map We Road Ready our Election matured collected at the Eden-Monaro by-election. also was data place polling measures, of COVID-19 introduction the safety 2019the To election. federal understand metrics and other data collected from place by polling informed was approach new This commenced. process forecasting Commissioner. A new centrally led election by Electoral the determined Readiness of Levels Election Directed to the meet

21 Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20

Performance statement–agency direction three

Govern the organisation for quality and assurance Our intended state: „„ effective, efficient and mature agency-wide governance arrangements are in place with assurance processes „„ we are strategically focused and organisationally aligned to deliver our expected outcomes

22 Intended result and performance criteria in

AEC corporate plan* Link to purpose Result Explanation of result 3.1 The governance Enabling The AEC uses Commonwealth maturity frameworks to framework is effective guide and support governance focusing on: in supporting business • privacy outcomes • risk management Achievement of agency • protective security performance criteria for • information management the relevant reporting PERFORMANCE REPORT PERFORMANCE period The AEC increased or maintained maturity against the framework in all four areas during the year. Increased maturity of agency approaches At June 2020 more than 73% of corporate plan intended to governance and results were rated as met. assurance

*Source: AEC Corporate Plan 2019–2023, p.13.

Result key Met On track to be met Partly met Not met

What we did in 2019–20 The effective operation of key AEC maturity level of ‘developing’ to ‘defined’ in governance committees is a priority, accordance with the Office of the Australian ensuring we remain focused on the Information Commissioner’s guidelines. agency’s vision and strategic direction. Our identified action plans targeted An annual survey of committee members further maturity of privacy management was undertaken at the end of the financial principles, practices and activities, year to inform upcoming priorities. ensuring progress against each target We maintained our focus on privacy was regularly monitored and reviewed. management, including managing the Our risk management maturity is personal information of 16.6 million Australian assessed through the Comcover Risk electors. The AEC’s Privacy Management Management Benchmarking Program. Plan, in place since 2018, documents our In 2019—the most recent survey—the privacy management approach in-line with AEC’s risk maturity continued to improve the Australian Privacy Principles. In 2019–20 in key areas. The next survey is due in the AEC met all mandatory requirements 2021. A new risk management system was under legislation, policy and applicable launched and risk training was delivered to rules, and advanced from an overall senior management and executive level staff. of Australia’s Digital Continuity 2020 annually against the National Archives continued to improve. Our information maturity management August. in due is 2020The survey corporate awareness. and messaging culture is promoted being security through astronger and updated was Guidance PolicySecurity Framework (PSPF). Protective the with line in assets and helps protect our people, information This tolerances. risk and environment were progressed capability security our of assessment AEC’s the 2019 from annual Actions „ „ „ for electoral management. This included: making, to and build a strong base evidence capability We intelligence our business increased electronic records system. management anew to We embed continued policies. of government digital transformation whole with we aligned to are data ensure and information to manage framework year,the strategic anew we released policy, using Check-up PLUS. During „ „ „ decision-making to evidence-based support dashboards area business AEC and of management arange developing establishing data governance Pocketbook 2019 the and election federal Electoral into 2019 the inquiry Matters Electoral the Joint Standing Committee on to statistics key and data providing to effective decision- support based on our risk risk our on based This is assessed is This assessed of on a Finance review funding to consider Department the with working is AEC The AEC’s 2019–20. for loss operating the approved has Minister Finance The over funding usual multiple financial years. as ongoingand pressure on business election, federal the for funding external of of amisalignment because is This 2019–20. in loss operating an reported have but Statements, Budget Portfolio the target ASL We our met cross agency financial management. cross agency financial with assist and agency the across system to improvevisibility financial introduced a new financial management 2020April we In sustainability. financial future resourcing levels long-term and mandated in 23 Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20

Performance statement–agency direction four

Professionalise our workforce Our intended state: „„ we further professionalise electoral management and delivery. We do this through attracting, developing and retaining a professional and agile workforce „„ our approach to training is centrally led and nationally consistent. Staff at all levels have clear learning pathways 24 „„ we engage with our temporary staff through the electoral cycle, continually improving and optimising recruitment and training for the temporary election workforce

Intended result and performance criteria in AEC corporate plan* Link to purpose Result Explanation of result 4.1 Staff are role Enabling The AEC workforce is central to achieving our purpose capable and have a and advancing our agency directions. clear understanding A new AEC Learning and Professional Development of expectations and

PERFORMANCE REPORT PERFORMANCE Strategy was released in June, which guides our approach accountabilities to learning and development, future investment, workforce Effective lifecycle capability, and agility (see Developing People, section 5). management of the AEC An AEC People Strategy is being finalised for release in workforce is embedded 2020–21, along with associated action plans. in human resource systems and guided by Approximately 99% of identified AEC APS staff completed strategy mandatory corporate learning in 2019–20. Training and A further 99% of the AEC’s temporary election workforce development activities who were required to undertake election-specific evaluated and training for the Eden-Monaro by-election, completed this lessons from the 2019 successfully. federal election are New flagship AEC learning programs were developed for implemented delivery in 2020–21. A capability framework A capability framework will be released in 2020–21 to defines learning encourage continuous staff learning and development, pathways for AEC staff and to build capabilities for success. at all levels

*Source: AEC Corporate Plan 2019–2023, p.13.

Result key Met On track to be met Partly met Not met We developing continued our new working from home through COVID-19. and offices AEC between transitioned they as of staff ‘pulse’by surveys regular informed were changes These to electors. continuing to services deliver high quality safe, while public the and to staff keep safety,and practices adopted new and to health work approach We our updated significant changes to our environment.work by characterised was year The entities. and alongside other Commonwealth with both operational and workforce agility, COVID-19 and to bushfires We responded 2019–20 in we did What „ „ „ we: year the During „ „ its implementation. This includes: strategy people „ „ „ „ „ our early intervention initiatives initiatives intervention early our which from July 2020 will complement service, coaching health mental based NewAccess program—an evidence- planned the implementation of the RecruitAbility andMeasure talent using Affirmative new to attract Recruitment Graduate Government in Australian participated frompeople diverse backgrounds increase workplace representation of to program access job the delivered platform recruitment andenhanced onboarding page, and careers AEC a refreshed capabilities, at the right time and people right the has AEC the to ensure plan workforce a strategic and activities to support

„ 2020–21: early in delivery for planned were followingThe new flagship programslearning 2020–2025. Professional Development Strategy including the AEC’s and Learning for employees development and Learning activities cycle—was also released. as required through the electoral election specific training requirements— and of mandatory the a calendar develop, and To learn employees help cycle. electoral recent most the from program and incorporates evaluation insights of AEC’s the training success the election 2020–21. in on delivered be builds This also will Program Leaders Operational An evaluated for continuous improvement. be will and virtually, face-to-face and be delivered principles, can learning programsThese use practice best „ „ „ which guides the performance and thewhich guides performance AEC National Induction Program— modernisation environmentdynamic of and change knowledge required for work within a capability,leadership and the and skills Senior Executive to staff build Leveland Executive all supports Senior Program—which Leaders employees professional development of new were also implemented,

25 Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20

Performance statement–agency direction five

Uphold the reputation of the AEC Our intended state: „„ we have productive and valued relationships with our stakeholders. They understand our role and our values, and uphold our reputation as an electoral management body „„ our relationships with Parliament, and key agencies help us shape expectations and increase understanding of our operating environment—both our opportunities and risks

26 Intended result and performance criteria in

AEC corporate plan* Link to purpose Result Explanation of result 5.1 Timely, accurate Enabling During the year we maintained productive working information and relationships with portfolio ministers, parliamentary advice on electoral committees and federal government agencies. administration that This included: supports the direction • contributing to four parliamentary inquiries undertaken of the AEC. by three committees, making eight public submissions Assessment of and attending one public hearing of the Joint Standing PERFORMANCE REPORT PERFORMANCE timeliness and quality Committee on Electoral Matters of information and • providing portfolio ministers with 23 submissions and advice provided to 101 items of ministerial correspondence relevant Ministers, • preparing 33 Question Time Briefs, attending two Secretaries, Senate Senate Estimates hearings and responding to 26 Estimates, the Joint Senate Estimates Questions on Notice Standing Committee • responding to requests for information made by various on Electoral Matters, federal government agencies, including contributions other Parliamentary to portfolio and policy activities led by the Department committees and key of Finance agencies The AEC’s parliamentary service delivery met quality Engage and coordinate standards, with no adverse feedback. with relevant agencies In response to changes in the operating environment, and and stakeholders to in line with the Commonwealth’s Protective Security Policy monitor and mitigate Framework (PSPF), we: threats to electoral • have been monitoring, assessing, and refining systems integrity and processes to protect the security of our people, Maintain and increase and physical, cyber and information assets engagement with other • are maintaining compliance with the Australian Signals electoral management Directorate’s ‘Essential Eight’ strategies to mitigate bodies cyber security incidents The AEC administered the authorisation of electoral communications under the Electoral Act, including managing complaints (see Customer Scrutiny and appendix I). The AEC maintained engagement with Australian and international electoral management bodies to collaborate on a range of electoral issues, and to share expertise and best-practice on: • electoral integrity and security • procedures to incorporate health and safety guidance to deliver electoral events during COVID-19

*Source: AEC Corporate Plan 2019–2023, p.15.

Result key Met On track to be met Partly met Not met „ „ „ „ through significantengagement with: electoral administration and practice forthe and challenges opportunities of awareness We increased also of to stakeholders. arange operations on electoral administration and accurate information and advice timely, we provided year the During 2019–20 in we did What „ „ „ including the: inquiries three parliamentary to afurther provided were Submissions notice. on to questions responded and hearing, at apublic and at meetings private bysupported senior AEC representatives overarching submission which was acomprehensive provided AEC The conduct of the 2019 federal election. into the inquiry Matters Electoral the Joint on Committee Standing inquiries, parliamentary We to submissions provided „ „ „ „ „ „ „ and Other Measures) Bill 2020 Bill Measures) Other and (DonationAmendment Reform Commonwealth Electoral Bill 2019Disclosure Threshold) (LoweringAmendment the Donation Commonwealth Electoral through Social Media intoInquiry Foreign Interference state and territory electoral commissions other Commonwealth agencies of Finance Department Matters Electoral on the Joint Committee Standing including including

„ Other engagement included: delivery. service and operations into election incorporating safety and health directives 2020 COVID-19 on on information to share meetings in Maytwo extraordinary June and meetings throughout the year. included This New Zealand Council and ofthe Australia Electoral We through engagement maintained throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Regular contact has maintained been practicebest in electoral administration. to security—and promote cyber as such challenges— shared to year discuss second every meets conference The UK. London, in the event at the Australian High Commission 2019 July In Zealand. New hosted Australia Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada and Conference We in the Four participated Countries „ „ „ „ „ Deputy ElectoralDeputy Commissioner – – – groups working chairing on the: Cabinet and Minister of Prime the by Department the chaired Security and Integrity Electoral on Group Working participating in the Inter-jurisdictional commissions electoral between opportunities standardaccessibility and secondment developing a national polling place on afocus to included ECANZ. This involvement in a sub-group reporting – – – Group Indigenous Electoral Participation of practice) (nowGroup acommunity Working Staffing Election Temporary National Enrolment Forum , along with counterparts from from counterparts with , along (ECANZ) attended and four 27 Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20

We worked with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to connect with democracies and developing nations in our region, and to engage them on electoral administration cooperation. The AEC’s international assistance and engagement concentrates 28 on providing technical assistance and training, and capacity building programs.

This includes engagement through: „„ DFAT schedules of support with the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Tokelau, the Kingdom of Tonga and the Republic of Vanuatu PERFORMANCE REPORT PERFORMANCE „„ the Pacific Islands, Australia and New Zealand Electoral Administrators (PIANZEA) Network „„ Building Resources in Governance, Democracy and Elections (BRIDGE) „„ support for international delegations and study tours from 33 nations The AEC’s international services were impacted by COVID-19. Travel restrictions caused many activities to be rescheduled or delivered remotely. Despite this, the AEC and DFAT continued to deliver support and activities appropriate to local contexts and consistent with agreed schedules. „ „ state: intended Our Build an agile and responsive organisation statement–agencyPerformance direction six *Source: AECCorporatePlan2019–2023,p.16 Result key Ready Road Map Road Ready against the Election Assessment of progress Commissioner by the Electoral (DLER) determined Election Readiness of Level Directed federal election event readiness to conduct a appropriate level of 6.1 Maintain an AEC corporateplan* performance criteriain Intended result and capability increase organisational to data and technology approaches, new to leverage Continue modernisation structure that supports organisational Maintain an organisational capability increase that strategies deliver and in Invest 6.2 „ „ election delivery and systems and delivery election cycle and stakeholder expectations, and community while continuing to improve our electoral the in to to systems changes and respond processes we have people, the our organisation adapts quickly and responds with and flexibility agility

Met

On track to be met to be track On Enabling services of polling Efficientdelivery Link topurpose Enabling Enabling

Partly met Result

Explanation ofresult processes, for the next election. This includes: includes: This election. next the for processes, election or delivery service to our improvements deliver and capability to increase initiatives to pursue Continued deferred. A future structure for the AEC’s divisional has offices been • • AEC: 2019–20In the and cost. balancing election planning and readiness alongside risk agency the with appropriate, as assessed was Map Road Ready Election the against progress 2020 At June change’. ‘implementing now is and readiness The AEC moved through the ‘lessons’ phase of election federal election). next to the pathway planning (the Map Road Ready through the AEC’s election planning tool, the Election DLER dates were used to establish operational planning environmental factors. were established for this cycle following consideration of Directed Level of Election Readiness (DLER) targets new 2019–20 and in commenced cycle electoral A new • • • •

workforce recruitment and onboarding our election temporary polling place metrics increased use of electronic lists certified supply chain management - - by: informed planned for a realignment of the AEC’s National Office, and ballots elections industrial delivering established and implemented a new design for - -

Not met operating environment. AEC’s the current and efforts modernisation lessons from the 2019 federal election 29 Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20

What we did in 2019–20 During the year we entered a new cycle We focussed on leveraging technology of election planning through the Election and data to deliver greater organisational Readiness Framework. This allows the AEC capability by: to comprehensively prepare for an election „„ continuing to improve the processes through three designated preparation and operation of polling places—and phases: 30 the positioning of staff and materials— „„ Lessons from metrics and data obtained at the

„„ Implement change 2019 federal election. „„ Mobilisation „„ increasing efficiencies in the distribution planning and delivery of election We continued to evolve the AEC’s materials to polling places, through our organisational structure, including: centrally led supply chain management „„ implementing a new design for the capability. The quantity of most AEC’s Industrial Elections and Ballots materials is now being determined PERFORMANCE REPORT PERFORMANCE program to undertake non-Parliamentary using formulas that are integrated elections and ballots on behalf of the with the AEC’s broader election Commonwealth forecasting activities „„ planning to improve alignment „„ maintaining—and being ready to build of functions within our National on—the number of Electronic Certified Office to better achieve the AEC’s Lists (ECLs) used at the next federal vision and strategic direction. election. Over 4500 ECL devices were Realignment supports: deployed at the 2019 federal election. ––continuing efforts to modernise and These improve polling place operations transform the agency and meet voters’ expectations of more efficient polling place services. ECLs ––a service orientation focused on the enable polling officials to more efficiently design and delivery of our services search the list of eligible electors and to over 16.6 million electors and other record electronically that an elector key stakeholders has been handed a ballot paper, in ––grouping our important regulatory accordance with the Electoral Act functions to further professionalise „„ using the AEC operational-level data, this capability metrics and analysis from our systems, help desk and a survey of temporary election workforce staff to improve the end-to-end planning and process for recruiting and onboarding our temporary election workforce for the next federal election Table 1: section. this in earlier reported directions agency the with cross-referenced 1. 2019–20 for table in are AEC’s The outlined is Results Government. performance by set Australian the indicators key performance mandatory six against reports AEC The framework. performance regulator the against measured is AEC’s performance and inefficient regulation on individuals,and organisations, business community the In line with the Australian Government’s commitment to reducing the cost of unnecessary and services. voting enrolment efficient more through electors for burden regulatory the to aims reduce AEC the body aregulatory As The framework regulator performance performance Other Result key frameworks regulatory of improvement contribute to the continuous Regulators actively with regulated entities transparent in their dealings and open are Regulators and coordinated approaches are streamlined Compliance and monitoring managed being risk regulatory to the regulators are proportionate by undertaken Actions effective and clear, targeted is entities Communication with regulated entities operationefficient of regulated impede theunnecessarily Regulators do not frameworkperformance indicators under the regulator keyMandatory performance AEC against performance the regulator framework performance

Met

On track to be met to be track On organisational capability increase that strategies deliver and in Invest through the election readiness framework improvement continual of acycle Maintain AEC the of direction on electoral administration that the supports advice and information accurate and Timely supporting business outcomes in effective is framework governance The conduct a federal election event to readiness of level appropriate an Maintain responsibilities and obligations out theirwhen carrying legislative to stakeholders services and information accurate and timely available Make all Australians of electoral matters and public awareness activities that inform formality through communication, education electoralSupport participation and voting are met indicators performance to ensure does AEC the criteria—what performance AEC

Partly met

Not met Result agency direction 6 See under performance agency direction 2 See under performance agency direction 5 See under performance agency direction 3 See under performance agency direction 6 See under performance agency direction 1 See under performance agency direction 1 See under performance 31 Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20

32

PERFORMANCE REPORT PERFORMANCE

purpose, withhighlights and datafrom theyear The functionswhich

deliver theAEC’s

Functions

AEC AEC

33 Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20

AEC Functions

34 The functions we perform to deliver our purpose are:

• ensuring confidence in the electoral roll • conducting successful electoral events, including federal elections, by-elections and referendums AEC FUNCTIONS AEC • administering political party registrations and financial disclosure • supporting electoral redistributions • undertaking public awareness activities The AEC also provides a range of electoral information and education programs overseas in support of Australia’s national interests.

Active electoral roll management he Commonwealth Electoral Roll— The AEC also supports state, territory and the list of Australians eligible to vote local government elections, by-elections and T at federal elections—is integral to referendums by managing the electoral roll election delivery. The AEC’s key electoral roll through joint roll arrangements. activities are: Information from the roll is provided to „„ encouraging eligible voters to enrol and authorised people and groups in accordance keep their enrolment up to date with the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 „„ targeted enrolment programs (Electoral Act). See appendix C „„ enrolment processing „„ measuring accuracy of the roll Australians enrolled at 30 June 2020. Federation, with more than 16.6 million Commonwealth Electoral Roll since to have largest the continues Australia to grow continues Largest electoral roll year the of Highlights to other businesses. that provide verification identity services electoral roll information to companies providing This includes as specified. departments, and other recipients to registered political government parties, extracts or data roll to electoral provide Act, required is AEC the Electoral the Under Roll extracts and data at annually now published rates are enrolment Indigenous Estimated and TorresAboriginal Strait people. Islander of participation electoral the to increase activities targeted and settings policy evidence-based effective, more enable and IndigenousReliable enrolment rates inform enrolment of Indigenous Australians. the (IEPP) toProgram aims increase AEC’sThe Indigenous Electoral Participation rate enrolment Indigenous The election. afederal following year the in 2020. to is June expected 30 be This 2019 June at 30 to 596,621 at enrolled has increased from 489,294 number of eligible Australians not However, cent. of per 95 estimated the to AEC’s the exceed continues target rate cent of 96.5 per enrolment The www.aec.gov.au is set out in Regulation 8 of the Electoral 8of Electoral the Regulation in out set is receive roll information for identity verification to entitled companies of current the A list „ „ „ For more information go to: at is data roll to electoral access on C. information More appendix in is extracts and of data roll recipients government departments, and other parties, political of registered A list the and functions statutory agency must through access justify its and department Act. Each of Electoral the 90B(4) 4of item subsection under authority’ a‘prescribed they are if information roll electoral to receive entitled also are Government departments and agencies Counter-Terrorismand Act 2006. Financing Act 1988 torelated the information for verification identity processes private sector organisations may receive roll subsection 90B(4) of the Electoral Act, and Referendum Regulation 2016. Under „ „ „ www.aec.gov.au C appendix statementthe performance and the and Financial Transactions Reports Transactions Reports Financial Anti-Money Laundering

www.aec.gov.au Privacy Act 1988

. 35 Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20

Conducting successful electoral events The AEC provides polling services for federal Preparing to deliver a by-election elections, by-elections and referendums. It is in the COVID-19 environment compulsory for all eligible Australian citizens In 2019–20 the AEC prepared for one to enrol and vote in these electoral events. by-election for the House of Representatives The AEC supports this by: for the federal electoral division of „„ providing a range of voting options Eden-Monaro. This by-election was triggered „„ monitoring and responding to by the resignation of a sitting member voter turnout and formality of Parliament. 36 The AEC also conducts Senate special Delivering a by-election in the COVID-19

counts and delivers other elections environment required close consultation and ballots as required or authorised with the Commonwealth Chief Medical by legislation. These include elections Officer and the NSW Department of for the Torres Strait Regional Authority Health. A specific NSW Health Order board and registered organisations, was established to facilitate the event. AEC FUNCTIONS AEC

and protected action ballots. Service plans were revised to include In 2019–20 the AEC prepared for one COVID-19 mitigations, and additional by-election, and moved into the ‘lessons’ resources were made available to manage phase of the electoral cycle, following the increase in postal and early voting. delivery of the 2019 federal election. Election procedures at polling places and Detailed information on the federal the vote counting centre were updated election is available in the 2019 Electoral to facilitate social distancing and other Pocketbook at www.aec.gov.au infection control measures. These included: „„ hygiene officers at each polling place to implement touch point Highlights of the year cleaning during polling Lessons from the 2019 „„ queue monitoring personnel to maintain federal election social distancing outside polling places In 2019–20 the AEC identified focus Dedicated training packages addressing areas and actions following lessons from COVID-19 infection control measures the 2019 election. With no fixed date for were provided to polling centre staff. federal elections, the AEC must always A targeted communication campaign be ready to deliver an electoral event at provided by-election information, including any point in the electoral cycle. We do the COVID-19 safety measures in place. this through effective election planning and balancing the appropriate level of election readiness with risks and cost. Through the lessons management framework, the AEC assesses priorities and preparations for future electoral events. This framework allows the AEC to respond to emerging trends through real-time trending data and post event analysis, and to continue modernising the model for delivering elections. „ following agencies: intelligence the and comprises community TaskforceThe is by supported the national 2019 federal election. of the to relating integrity the matters communication and coordination on effective and efficient It enabled agencies. number of Australian member Government a events with electoral federal for formed Taskforce The is required. as matters Taskforce collaborated on electoral integrity Assurance 2019–20In Integrity Electoral the TaskforceAssurance Integrity Electoral conducting, similar campaigns. to are or run, adesire have indicated and the UK Electoral Commission, commissions, such as Elections Canada Consider’ campaign. Overseas electoral of ‘Stop the and applications and improvements future exploring also is social media organisations. AEC The withundertaken major online and saw marked improvement in engagement Taskforce,the 2019 the election federal of operation of successful the part As policy and electoral integrity. environment, including electoral issues within the Australian electoral of range abroad on expertise and Taskforce provide agencies guidance „ „ „ „ „ „ „ „ „ „ „ „ „ „ „ Australian Signals Directorate Police Federal Australian Affairs of Home Department Attorney-General’s Department and Communications Transport, Development Regional of Infrastructure, Department Cabinetand Minister of Prime the Department Department of Finance (Co-Chair) (Co-Chair) Australian Electoral Commission This includes: This posture. security cyber its to enhance and by-elections, the AEC works consistently election federal at the threats cyber mitigate Taskforce, the as to well taken As steps and security Cyber the integritysupport of Australian elections. to together working government across agencies for Taskforce amodel The is attacks and external interference. to cyber- respond detect, and prevent to ability our enhance and risks, security with to deal capability improve our will management system and infrastructure not modernised. electoral A modernised are systems election AEC core if escalate to continues failure of election risk The case to its modernise core electoral systems. 2019–20In abusiness prepared AEC the system enrolment and AEC’s the Modernising election „ „ „ „ „ „ „ „ „ „ manage cyber risks totechnical capability and people AEC’s the improving continually awareness training security ensuring complete staff mandatory 8 to mitigate cyber intrusions Australian Signals Directorate’s Essential protect the AEC network, including the implementing mitigation strategies to responsecyber providers to theservice AEC’s support workshops for internal and external conducting response incident of systems AEC availability and integrity toexperts assure the confidentiality, activities, using external authorities and testing security regular undertaking 37 Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20

Industrial elections and ballots Undertaking public The AEC conducted 908 industrial awareness activities and commercial elections or ballots To support an Australian community that during the year after implementing a is well informed about electoral matters, new design to deliver these events. the AEC delivers education, community engagement and communication activities. Torres Strait Regional Authority elections All Australian citizens aged 18 years and The AEC conducts elections for the Torres over are required by law to enrol and vote. 38 Strait Regional Authority Board. In 2019–20 Ensuring Australians know and understand the AEC: this right and obligation requires the AEC to

engage with the community, and to provide „„ declared a new member for the information and advice to all eligible voters. Boigu Island ward „„ conducted elections for the Torres Strait The National Training and Education Unit Regional Authority Board (NTEU) leads and coordinates the training AEC FUNCTIONS AEC „„ conducted a by-election for the Ugar and professional development of the Island ward on Saturday 12 October AEC’s workforce, and delivers electoral education to external audiences. Schools On 16 April 2020 the Minister for Indigenous can visit the National Electoral Education Australians, announced Torres Strait Centre (NEEC) in Canberra for electoral Regional Authority elections—due to take education programs. The AEC for Schools place by July 2020—would be postponed website provides free educational resources due to COVID-19.* These elections must now and programs, including materials to run be held no later than 31 March 2021. school elections. Professional learning opportunities are provided to teachers to For more information go to: encourage electoral education in primary „„ the performance statement and secondary schools. „„ appendix D The AEC provides information and advice „„ www.aec.gov.au to voters, including those with diverse needs. Education and communication initiatives are in place to meet the needs of Australians with disability. Community engagement and targeted activities help increase electoral knowledge, enrolment, turnout and vote formality. The Indigenous Electoral Participation Program (IEPP) delivers culturally appropriate services to Indigenous Australians to support Indigenous electoral participation. Under section 7(1) (fa) of the Electoral Act, and in close cooperation with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the AEC also helps international electoral management bodies.

*The Torres Strait Regional Authority (Postponement of Election) Instrument 2020 was made under section 142S of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Act 2005. „ „ „ „ „ „ participation of audiences, including: election, and is the supporting electoral 2019 the for developed initiatives federal resources and engagement community of anumber on building is AEC The engagement Community year the of Highlights Performance statement, under 1.3 under statement, Performance the in available is information More „ „ „ to strategically by: Australians target these Our approach to engagement is community events. at electoral employment AEC for available are who audiences targeted our from of people number to the and build increase enrolment, turnout formality, and to delivered are resources and Initiatives „ „ „ „ „ „ „ „ „ activities using targeted, evidenced-based footprintand reach digital AEC the extending through organisations partner existingharnessing relationships prisoners people experiencing homelessness withpeople disability diverse backgrounds frompeople culturally and linguistically Australians Indigenous young people . developed for the 2019 the for developed election federal of videos library the on built has AEC The meet cultural and regional needs. ways in that services electoral to deliver within partnership other organisations through IEPP. national This initiative works participation for Indigenous people electoral to increase working is AEC The Australians Indigenous Australians at federal, state and local levels. local state and at federal, Australians electoral participation by Indigenous to to improve and collaborate resources, and knowledge to share members allows Participation Working Group. platform This Zealand (ECANZ) Electoral Indigenous New and of Australia Council Electoral the in to participate continues AEC The „ „ „ to: developed being ways also are deliver in messages culturally significant metropolitan locations. resources that Video and remote, in rural peoples of Indigenous aim to encourage the electoral participation social media channels—and on radio. They the online—including AEC its and partners by used are resources These languages. andin Torres Aboriginal Strait Islander „ „ „ to work to in an election, including the opportunity promote of the participating importance voting the process explain event electoral an voting during highlight of the enrolling importance and 39 Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20

People with disability People experiencing homelessness Initiatives to enhance services for people People experiencing homelessness or with with disability are being developed and no fixed address are also supported to implemented. This work—which accords vote. This is achieved through partnerships with the AEC’s Disability Action Plan 2020– with homelessness service providers and 2023—includes increasing accessibility at other relevant organisations to distribute polling places and developing resources to AEC resources that promote enrolment, support electoral participation for all voters. participation, improve formality and provide The AEC also provides accessible materials information on how to get involved in the 40 and has implemented disability training temporary election workforce. to support AEC staff and our temporary

election workforce. Youth The AEC’s Disability Advisory Committee The AEC is committed to supporting young is the primary mechanism to communicate people to exercise their democratic rights with—and understand the issues for— and responsibilities as eligible voters. The AEC is increasing the use of digital AEC FUNCTIONS AEC

people with disability. It is promoting greater accessibility, inclusion and participation in and non-digital channels to promote AEC the electoral process, and seeks feedback electoral participation resources to youth from peak disability organisations on while increasing partnerships with youth AEC programs and services. The AEC led organisations—particularly those with also collaborates with ECANZ to deliver a strong online presence. accessible electoral services across jurisdictions.

Electors from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds The AEC is expanding resources to meet the needs of electors from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Easy read guides explaining how to enrol and how to vote at a federal election have been translated into a number of languages, and short in-language videos are being developed to support electoral participation. „ that: found event the across conducted A formal visitor satisfaction survey overdemonstrations four nights. a variety of election-related activities and included event, the in which participated adult audiences. More than people 500 NEEC’s the to expand todesigned reach program, Enlightening Elections 2020, was pilot This March. early and February lateCanberra’s in Festival Enlighten during to public the NEEC opened The 2020 Enlightening Elections Education mail-outs were suspended in March 2020. March in suspended were mail-outs 38,601 for before students elections to school to run packs schools election The 215,000than year. the during visitors website Schools for AEC professional modules, learning and the uptake ofin AEC’s the teacher online increase aslight was However there campuses—were also affected. conferences and visits to university sessions—includingprofessional learning of COVID-19.because Face-to-face bushfires. InMarch, alsocancelled schools schools their cancelled visits because of the Between November and February, many year. each visitors over 95,000 welcoming capacity at full runs NEEC usually The COVID-19and of impact bushfires The „ „ „ Enlightening Elections to others to likely they were recommend indicated of respondents cent per 80 a further stars five or Enlightening Elections 2020 either four rated of respondents cent per 95 Get Voting Get program distributed 352 had more „ that: found This research. informed by market independent 2019the was which election, federal communication activities used at advertising, public relations and integrated the evaluated AEC The communication election Evaluation 2019 of the federal Communication and to COVID-19.and from stay safe the information they to needed participate, to event voters with provide Eden-Monaro voter communication for campaign the expanded and anew delivered AEC The COVID-19during communication Election 1.3. under statement, Performance the in available is information More the AEC’s suite of election communications. to of afeature be continue will campaign This AEC website material. 100,000 to than more visits and impressions media social 56 million than more delivered campaign it. The seeing after take action the confirming they campaign would five cent) in recognising of those two per (40 campaign was generally well received, with being misled by disinformation—showed the source of electoral communication to avoid the voters to check encouraged which and Consider’ social media campaign— ‘Stop the on research market Independent „ „ „ messages the enrolment and voting participation the advertising campaign—particularly from recall message strong was there awareness during the election period in voter increasing and knowledge the campaign played a significant role 41 Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20

The integrated campaign messaging: A face-to-face representative meeting „„ delivered on the electoral participation scheduled in early 2020 could not be held and integrity requirements due to COVID-19 restrictions, however the AEC continued to engage remotely through „„ addressed the implications of COVID-19 ongoing secretariat services. We also through protective measures messaging provided remote support for, and technical „„ addressed the impact of bushfires on upgrades to, the General Voter Registration the Eden-Monaro community, including System—an important resource for people who were living away from their members to maintain elector registration. usual residential address 42 In 2019–20 the AEC: The AEC’s 'Plan your vote' campaign—a „„ provided technical assistance to Tokelau

mix of advertising, social media and media to help develop an election procedures relations, and stakeholder and community manual for the 2020 national election outreach—communicated electoral participation messages and information on „„ revised the national electoral procedures the health protection measures in place. manual and training package for the AEC FUNCTIONS AEC Solomon Islands Electoral Commission. International services This facilitated a pilot of simultaneous national by-election and provincial The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade level elections (DFAT) funds the AEC to lead a number of bilateral programs—particularly throughout „„ helped the Solomon Islands Electoral the Indo-Pacific region—to deliver Commission train and deploy polling capacity building and support for electoral teams to conduct the country’s first administrators. In 2019–20 these activities dual ballot for the 2019 provincial and were undertaken to support: national by-election „„ the Autonomous Region of Bougainville „„ hosted eight participants from the Electoral Commission of Sri Lanka and „„ Papua New Guinea one from the International Foundation „„ Solomon Islands of Electoral Systems, for a week-long „„ Sri Lanka knowledge exchange program „„ Tokelau „„ provided technical assistance to the „„ the Kingdom of Tonga Tonga Electoral Commission „„ Republic of Vanuatu „„ helped design, print, package and supply ballot materials for the DFAT also funds and supports the AEC’s Autonomous Bougainville 2020 major electoral capacity building program elections. This work was undertaken through the Pacific Islands, Australia and remotely because of COVID-19 New Zealand Electoral Administrators restrictions Network (PIANZEA). The AEC delivers programs and resources through this network to: „„ enhance the capacity of electoral administrators „„ provide a forum of cooperation and communication between members „„ strengthen Pacific electoral management bodies world’s leading electoral professional of of the one maintenance and thesupports continued development and asecretariat provides AEC the Within this longstanding partnership, „ „ „ „ including the: building program for electoral administrators in the BRIDGE partnership—a capacity- participant integral an also is AEC The „ „ „ to: go information For more 5.1 under statement, Performance the in available is information More session. information AEC-led an attended who—for program graduate time— first the DFAT the in by participants international represented were 23 nations Another Timor-Leste Vanuatu. and the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, from Japan, India, Indonesia, New Zealand, intergovernmental visits. Delegations came Council, universities, DFAT, and through from the Australian Political Exchange and technicalsenior staff experts to with meet able were Participants several throughout countries the year. from programs study and partners key hosted international also AEC The development programs. „ „ „ „ „ „ „ the performance statementthe performance Programme (UNDP) United Nations Development (UNEAD) Division United Nations Electoral Assistance Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) International Institute and for Democracy (IFES) Systems International Foundation for Electoral www.aec.gov.au E appendix

. „ when: required is A redistribution electoral division. House of Representatives represents an the in astatefor member territory. or Each division electoral each in are of electors practical—that number as close equal as an the Electoral Act. Redistributions ensure— of IV Part with accordance in undertaken is divisions of electoral A redistribution redistributions electoral Supporting „ „ „ to: go information For more 151 (see figure 2). and the number of remained members at state any territory, in or divisions electoral of 2019–20In redistributions no were there „ „ bodies: by two conducted are Redistributions „ „ „ „ „ „ „ „ „ „ there is a change in the number number the in achange is there www.aec.gov.au a statementthe performance ofboundaries electoral divisions and names final the determines which an Augmented Electoral Commission, redistribution responsible for a making proposed a redistribution committee, which is redistribution last the since have elapsed years seven months two than of more a period 10 for minus or cent by plus per territory enrolmentdivisional of that state or average the from deviates ACT) the in or Territory the Northern (or one division of astate divisions ofthird electoral the one than more in of electors number the territory is entitled Representatives to which a state or of House the in of members ppendix F ppendix 43 Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20

Figure 2: Australia’s 151 electoral divisions as at 30 June 2020

2 44 30 16 A 10 A AEC FUNCTIONS AEC 47 3 38 AC C Australian Electoral 5 151 Divisions A New South Wales Victoria Western Australia Banks Macarthur Aston Holt Brand Hasluck Barton Mackellar Ballarat Hotham Burt Moore Bennelong McMahon Bendigo Indi Canning O’Connor Berowra Macquarie Bruce Isaacs Cowan Pearce Blaxland Mitchell Calwell Jagajaga Curtin Perth Bradfield Newcastle Casey Kooyong Durack Stirling Calare New England Chisholm Lalor Forrest Swan Chifley North Sydney Cooper La Trobe Fremantle Tangney Cook Page Corangamite McEwen Cowper Parkes Corio Macnamara Northern Territory Cunningham Parramatta Deakin Mallee Lingiari Solomon Dobell Paterson Dunkley Maribyrnong Eden-Monaro Reid Flinders Melbourne Queensland Farrer Richmond Fraser Menzies Fowler Riverina Gellibrand Monash Blair Hinkler Gilmore Robertson Gippsland Nicholls Bonner Kennedy Grayndler Shortland Goldstein Scullin Bowman Leichhardt Greenway Sydney Gorton Wannon Brisbane Lilley Hughes Warringah Higgins Wills Capricornia Longman Hume Watson Dawson McPherson Hunter Wentworth South Australia Dickson Maranoa Kingsford Smith Werriwa Fadden Moncrieff Adelaide Kingston Fairfax Moreton Lindsay Whitlam Barker Makin Lyne Fisher Oxley Boothby Mayo Flynn Petrie Grey Spence Tasmania Forde Rankin Hindmarsh Sturt Griffith Ryan Bass Franklin Groom Wide Bay Braddon Lyons Australian Capital Territory Herbert Wright Clark Bean Fenner Canberra detailed financial information financial detailed about disclosure returns. Returns disclose lodge or annual financial election period requires groups to individuals and disclosure financial and scheme,funding and,Parties under the Commonwealth of Political Register the maintains AEC The registration. politicalthat party support toinformation political parties and services disclosureand scheme, andproviding maintaining the includes This funding the their obligations and responsibilities under out carry stakeholders helps AEC The disclosure financial and registrations party political Administering „ „ „ to: go information For more are available on the AEC website. by-elections. Election funding rates contesting and elections federal candidates and parties political for AECThe administers public funding compliance reviews of disclosure returns. annual undertakes AEC system. The online through the AEC’s eReturns lodged securely be can and campaigns, donations to political and election parties „ „ „ www.aec.gov.au G appendix 1.4 under statement, performance the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 Electoral Commonwealth

. 45 Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20

46

AEC FUNCTIONS AEC managing staff and assets governance, scrutiny and governance, AEC’s managementand

accountability, including

Information onthe

and Accountability and

Management Management

47 Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20

Management and Accountability

48 Corporate governance – principles and objectives

he AEC has the following structures in roessionalism place to implement the principles and T objectives of corporate governance: „„ an executive leadership team which Electoral monitors performance, ensures interit accountability and steers the agency ualit

„„ decision-making management Ailit committees—see Table 9, appendix B for a list as well as their functions and MANAGEMENT AND ACCOUNTABILITY AND MANAGEMENT

membership

Ethical standards The AEC’s ethical standards are implicit in: are operating effectively. The scope, „„ our values of electoral integrity through responsibilities and independence professionalism, agility and quality requirements for audit functions are in the AEC audit charter endorsed by „„ the Australian Public Service ICARE this committee. values of impartiality, committed to service, accountable, respectful and The charter is available on the AEC website ethical at www.aec.gov.au/About_AEC/ „„ our Enterprise Agreement 2016–2019, Publications/audit-committee-charter.htm which reflects the values and ethical Details of Business Assurance Committee standards of the Australian Public members are in appendix B. Service Code of Conduct „„ the AEC’s strategic planning framework and staff conduct policies External audit The AEC participated in two performance audits during the year undertaken by the Internal audit Australian National Audit Office: The Business Assurance Committee and the Internal Audit program oversee the AEC’s „„ Establishment and use of IT-related internal audit arrangements and approach. procurement panels and arrangements The committee provides independent „„ Administration of financial disclosure assurance that the AEC’s risk management, requirements under the Electoral Act governance and internal control processes throughout 2019–20 to mature further our Considerable actions were undertaken AEC’sthe to objectives. its achieve ability managing the that uncertainties may impact of capable is that aworkforce It requires is complex. environment AEC’sThe operating Risk management „ „ „ „ „ „ following governance committees: the through risk its manages AEC the To these corporate support requirements, organisational and priorities objectives. support and culture, risk our shape and enhance to capability, We build continue „ „ „ capability,risk including: „ „ „ „ „ „ „ „ „ National Election Committee Delivery Executive Leadership Team environment pandemic the in processes business resume to and recover resilience disruptions, while building organisational timelyenable responses to significant enhancing business continuity plans to agency the across providing training management risk met being are objectives that assurance provide and risk, on report and toAEC’s manage capability to the build software management implementing enterprise risk Capability Committee Capability Fraud Control Committee Organisational Health Committee AssuranceBusiness Committee Table 11 Table in is committees on information More election and 2020 Eden-Monaro by-election. to related 2019 the complaints federal suspected the fraud during year, including of allegations all examined AEC The AEC fraud controls. B)appendix is responsible for monitoring FraudThe Control Committee (see for both corporate and electoral fraud. to fraud, including prevention strategies to respond strategies prevent, and detect AECThe Fraud Control Plan outlines „ „ „ have: we Act 2013 Accountability and Performance 10by section of the Asour required operations and services. to related is that of fraud low tolerance the AECThe Fraud Control Plan highlights Fraud control years. two every conducted is survey, which Comcover’s benchmarking management risk in by participating maturity risk We assess „ „ „ with fraud appropriately to deal measures reasonable all taken specific needs AEC’s the meet that mechanisms investigation, recording reporting and appropriate fraud prevention, detection, fraud control plans prepared fraud risk assessments and . Public Governance, Table 11 Table , , 49 Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20

Information on reporting suspected fraud is were dismissed, the Federal Court did available: find the corflute signs were misleading „„ to staff through the intranet and or deceptive when: mandatory fraud awareness training „„ placed adjacent to AEC signs „„ for the public at www.aec.gov.au purporting to be a sign of, and convey a message from, the AEC rather than the political party responsible for Internal planning processes the sign The AEC’s corporate planning processes „„ the statement or message on the sign 50 support corporate governance and are stating that putting a particular political undertaken in line with the requirements party first is the ‘correct’ or ‘right’ way

of the Public Governance, Performance to vote implied that the only way to cast and Accountability Act 2013. The corporate a valid vote was to vote for that party plan, available on the AEC website, informs operational planning and performance, The third petition, Staindl v Frydenberg and is reflected in the AEC’s business [2020] 376 ALR 226, related to the eligibility planning documents. Internal reporting of the elected candidate in the division of and mid-term performance assessments Kooyong. This petition alleged that under help track progress against performance the Constitution, the elected candidate was criteria. Information on how the corporate not eligible to sit as a member of the House plan contributes to specified outcomes of Representatives because he was the is in our performance statement. citizen of another country. The AEC was not MANAGEMENT AND ACCOUNTABILITY AND MANAGEMENT a party to this petition as matters relating to Corporate planning documents— the Australian Constitution are administered including internal monitoring and reporting by the Attorney-General’s Department. mechanisms—are listed in Table 10 of This petition was also dismissed by the appendix B. Federal Court sitting as the Court of Disputed Returns. External scrutiny Administrative Appeals Tribunal decisions Judicial decisions There were no decisions of the The 2019 federal election Administrative Appeals Tribunal that had a Three petitions were lodged in the Court significant effect on the operations of the of Disputed Returns in relation to the 2019 AEC during the reporting period. federal election. Australian Information Two petitions, Garbett v Liu [2019] 375 ALR Commissioner decisions 117 and Yates v Frydenberg, were heard There were no matters subject to a decision together by the Federal Court, sitting as the by the Australian Information Commissioner Court of Disputed Returns. These petitions during the reporting period. alleged a breach of section 329(1) of the Electoral Act by similar electoral advertising Australian Privacy displayed in the divisions of Chisholm and Commissioner decisions Kooyong. The electoral advertising were There were no decisions by the Australian corflute signs in the Mandarin language Privacy Commissioner that involved the AEC, that were placed in close proximity to AEC or that had, or might have had, a significant signage in a similar purple colour to that effect on the AEC’s operations during the used by the AEC. While both petitions reporting period. Commission decisions Commission during the reporting period. theduring reporting There were no Auditor-General reports Auditor-General reports by AEC. the resolved was complaint Human Rights Commission. other The by Australian the terminated was complaint period. theduring One current reporting 2018–19 were period reporting finalised the from complaints disability two The period. reporting of the end at the ongoing remained matter One by commission. the terminated were during the period. reporting Three matters Australian Human Rights Commission the with lodged were complaints Four Australian Human Rights *As authorisation data was not fully known and analysed until after the return of the writ for the 2019 federal election, it was not included in the 2018– the in included not was it election, 2019 the federal for writ the of return the after until analysed and known fully not was data *As authorisation „ „ „ 2019–20In AEC: the administration. forchallenges electoral practice and awareness of the and opportunities of to Finance the Department increase Committee on Electoral Matters—and committees—notably the Joint Standing AECThe engages with parliamentary committees Parliamentary 19 annual report. This data was subsequently reported to the Joint Standing Committee of Electoral Matters as part of the AEC’s main submission main AEC’s the of part as Matters Electoral of Committee Standing Joint to the reported subsequently was data This report. 19 annual „ „ „ Questions on Notice to 26 Estimates Senate responded and hearings Estimates Senate two attended attended one public hearing made eight public submissions and inquiries committees forparliamentary four to three services of electoral delivery on electoral management and the provided information and advice

appendix I at appendix is election federal 2019 the by during investigated AEC the A breakdown of the electoral communication actionfurther on 11 matters. took and 78 warnings issued AEC Where breaches were identified, the investigated 528 electoral communications. complaints, and these enquiries and of 544 on advice provided AEC The voting at elections. informed and free authorisation requirements is to promote electoral communication. purpose of The complaints related to improperly authorised www.aec.gov.au/information-access at accessed be can Scheme Publication Disclosure Log Information and 1982 Act of Information Freedom the Under of information Freedom during theOmbudsman period. reporting of by AEC the Commonwealth the operations the on reports no were There investigations Ombudsman Commonwealth electoral communication. 1,072received to related complaints 2019 the AEC the During election federal complaints communication Electoral improve public information and services. trendsAEC to routinely examines enquiry The staff. for available also tools are and Public engagement policies, procedures to receive. expect can public the services the and purpose, and role www.aec.gov.au charter—available AEC’sThe at service Customer scrutiny the AEC’s the of Information Freedom —outlines the agency’s

* Most of these of these Most . 51 Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20

Our workforce The AEC has a regular workforce and A breakdown of the AEC workforce is in engages a temporary election workforce for Table 2 (below). election events. The AEC also has: We develop our people through training „„ a casual APS workforce of 1,110 and development programs, and annual „„ nine statutory office holders performance management promotes and „„ 14 APS employees who identify as drives high performance. Indigenous Australians (11 ongoing and 52 At 30 June 2020 the AEC had a regular three non-ongoing) workforce of 711 APS employees.

This included: „„ 678 ongoing APS employees „„ 33 non-ongoing APS employees

Table 2: AEC APS workforce by employment type and classification (excluding statutory office holders), 30 June 2020

Ongoing Non-ongoing SE2 2 – SE1 7 – MANAGEMENT AND ACCOUNTABILITY AND MANAGEMENT

EL2 41 – EL1 111 4 APS6 180 6 APS5 91 6 APS4 75 8 APS3 94 5 APS2 77 4 APS1 – – TOTAL 678 33 Detailed workforce statistics, including statutory appointments are in appendix H.

Terms and conditions of employment The AEC’s regular workforce is engaged a range of non-salary benefits, including under the Public Service Act 1999 and the paid personal (carers) leave. This supports temporary election workforce under section employees with caring responsibilities as 35(1) of the Electoral Act. outlined in the Carer Recognition Act 2010. Employees engaged under the Public With agreement from our employees, Service Act 1999 have their terms and remuneration adjustments can occur conditions of employment governed by the through a section 24(1) Determination made AEC’s Enterprise Agreement 2016–2019 under the Public Service Act, which was published on the AEC website. Under the signed by the Electoral Commissioner on enterprise agreement, our people receive 30 November 2019. The enterpriseThe agreement requires all pay performance and management Performance a in outlined and conditions of employment are 35(1) terms their and Act of Electoral the employees are engaged under section workforce for election events. These AECThe engages a election temporary H, 2020June (see appendix atarrangements 30 flexibility individual under engaged 20 had AEC employees The agreement. of enterprise the terms the of effect the vary can which employees, with to arrangements flexibility individual ElectoralThe Commissioner may agree Australian Electoral Officers. ElectoralDeputy Commissioner, and Commission, Electoral Commissioner, remuneration of the of Chairperson the Tribunal Act 1973 Governor-General under the by the Remuneration Tribunal and the are determined holders statutory office of AEC’s the conditions and terms The „ „ „ executive including: officials, of governanceand arrangements the remuneration, policy, practices to disclose required is AEC The Remuneration H, appendix in is classification by ranges of salary Alist bonuses. performance not provide does AEC The requirements receive advancement. salary the meet who employees Eligible Program. Management AEC’s the in Performance to Act participate Service of Public the employees engaged under section 22(2) „ „ „ for the period reporting of $225,000 amount threshold total remuneration exceeds the other highly paid employees, whose senior executives key management personnel Collective Determination . This includes . includes This Remuneration Remuneration Table 32 Table Table 33 ). ). . . „ „ „ the 24(1) section under made determinations of employees is through established individual Remuneration for the AEC’s senior executive with disability, carers. and their families andpolicies programs that people affect into Australia’s incorporated are Disabilities Convention on the Rights of Persons with the United underpinning principles Nations the to reform. It acts ensure disability for Australia’sis framework overarching 2010–2020 Strategy Disability National The at available are reports These Bulletin. Statistical APS the and report 2010–2020,Strategy State the of Service the throughreported the National Disability are initiatives These Guides. English Easy ofneeds Australians with disability, including and communication initiatives to meet the of education avariety provides AEC The mechanisms reporting Disability H, at appendix Remuneration Tribunal websites, and and both AEC the on published are of executive remuneration Details H, appendix in is by classification ranges of salary A list applicable to each SES classification. band asalary at rates set within generally are SES for employees levels Salary „ „ „ Report produced byReport the APSC Remuneration APS annual the in indicated as agencies APS other an of assessment the relativities with Workplace Bargaining Policy 2018 the Australian Government PolicyManagement the APS Executive Remuneration and released in June each year each June in released and Public Service Act 1999 Service Public Tables 35 Tables Table 33 www.apsc.gov.au

and . with regard to: regard with

36 . 53 Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20

All levels of government will continue to workforce and support the Government’s be held accountable for implementing critical work. The AEC nominated 255 the strategy through progress reporting employees for secondment—32 per cent to the Council of Australian Governments of our workforce—and helped lead the every second year. Progress reports mobilisation effort by creating an employee can be found at dss.gov.au help desk to support secondees.

Workforce planning Work health and safety To improve workforce planning the The AEC takes a proactive approach to 54 AEC increasingly uses business workplace health, safety and rehabilitation. intelligence and data to support As part of its compliance obligations under decision-making and service delivery. the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act During 2019–20 the AEC established better 1988 and the Guidelines for Rehabilitation evidence-based processes to successfully Authorities 2019, the AEC has the source, train and pay the appropriate following systems to monitor, evaluate number of capable temporary employees— and maintain health, safety and welfare: at the right time—to deliver successful elections. Data and metrics were taken from: „„ our Rehabilitation Management System, which meets Comcare’s Guidelines for „„ the operation of our staffing help desk Rehabilitation Authorities 2012 under „„ HR systems section 41 of the Safety, Rehabilitation MANAGEMENT AND ACCOUNTABILITY AND MANAGEMENT „„ temporary election workforce surveys and Compensation Act 1988 Underpinned by this data, a series of „„ our work health and safety management work packages—which work towards system—AECsafety—which was applying consistent principles across further refined during the year our business-as-usual and temporary „„ the AEC risk management framework election workforce—will be implemented Initiatives to monitor, evaluate and through to the next federal election. maintain health, safety and welfare In addition, the AEC chairs the Electoral across the agency include: Council of Australia and New Zealand „„ engaging workplace rehabilitation Temporary Election Staff Working Group, providers to help injured or ill employees which explores opportunities for greater to make a safe return to work cooperation and harmonisation for „„ promoting: temporary election staff employed across ––free annual influenza federal, state and local elections in Australia. vaccinations for staff Secondments to support ––the AEC’s early intervention APS COVID-19 response program which supports employees injured at work, and helps reduce The AEC responded to the Australian Public injury-related absenteeism Service Commission’s request for a rapid deployment of employees to other APS ––the AEC’s employee agencies, particularly Services Australia. assistance program Individuals in the AEC’s Canberra ‘surge’ ––ergonomic workstation assessments staffing pools were contacted in late March to prevent injury and to ensure pre- to supplement the Services Australia’s existing injuries are not aggravated and made available to employees. to employees. available made and were also implemented services, support external and Program Assistance Employee our webinars, health mental as such through the pandemic. Wellbeing initiatives informed employees and supported Updated and timely communication Australia. aCOVID-safe for Government pandemic with decisions made by the to the response its aligned also AEC The to back workplace. the coming a COVID-safe transition for employees guidance was implemented to ensure Australian Commission Public Service AEC’sthe assessment. COVID risk in reflected were controls safety and health work preventative to ensure ongoing external environment reviews to COVID-19.adjust undertook It also to meetings regular its increased team 2019–20In management incident AEC the Table 3: New claims for injuries and compensable non-compensable „ „ to: year. attributed is previous reduction This 594 the with compared reported, were 2019–20,In 148 incidents safety and health management claim and incident safety and Health TOTAL Early intervention Early Non-compensable Case managementtype Compensable „ „ due todue COVID-19 arrangements home from work 2019 federal election and by-elections 2018–19 in workforce election the for temporary of a large engagement the 2015–16 NA 55 41 14 2016–17 NA 65 23 42 a dangerous occurrence (see table below). (see table occurrence a dangerous for or illness, or injury serious for incidents notifiable no were there and investigations, illness or injury any not conduct did AEC The „ „ 2019–20. 2020 were: At June there 30 in decreased claims illness and Injury liaison inspections were conducted. Comcare for investigation, and no to reported were incidents Seven „ „ Electoral Act1918Electoral Commonwealth the under employed were who by employees APS submitted compensation for cases new six 28 continuing for cases compensation – – – – – – – – by Comcare accepted were claims four no claims were withdrawn were claims no pending still is claim one and subsequently rejected and re-submitted for reconsideration, by Comcare, rejected was claim one 2017–18 5 12 41 2 5 . Of these: . Of 2018–19 86 58 14 14 2019–20 83 48 32 3 55 Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20

Developing our people The National Training and Education The Senior Leaders Program helps Unit leads and coordinates AEC executive level and senior executive staff training and development to build: to build leadership capability, skills and „„ critical operational and knowledge in our dynamic environment leadership capabilities that of change and modernisation. underpin election readiness „„ a culture of professionalism, Assets management compliance, and electoral integrity 56 In 2019–20 the AEC Learning and Physical assets

Professional Development Strategy The AEC’s physical assets are managed 2020–2025 was launched. This guides the on an end-of-life or end-of-lease schedule. AEC's approach and future investment in These include machines, equipment increasing the AEC workforce’s capability and office fit-outs. Asset management and agility, and contains five priorities: is not a significant aspect of the AEC’s „„ developing a vibrant learning culture strategic business, and service and „„ clarifying accountabilities maintenance agreements are used and responsibilities when they represent value for money. „„ ensuring a capable temporary Information communications and election workforce

MANAGEMENT AND ACCOUNTABILITY AND MANAGEMENT technology–responding to COVID-19 „„ establishing a learning infrastructure The AEC responded quickly to COVID-19 „„ building organisational capability and established home-based operations for In addition to eLearning courses on core employees. We used agile processes and APS skills and legislative requirements, the AEC’s scalable ICT infrastructure to: training through the Election Planning „„ prepare and deploy approximately and Learning Program began in April 200 laptops across our 2020 to help state and divisional staff national and state offices develop their election operation plans. „„ introduce digital mail delivery In 2019–20 a significant focus was „„ boost telephony and remote-access designing and developing the National capacity to support the increased Induction Program and the Senior Leaders demand of network activity Program for delivery in 2020–21. „„ provide teleconferencing to support a 50 per cent increase in use The National Induction program: „„ support 760 staff to work from „„ sets the foundations of the home through the AEC network AEC's working environment „„ articulates the agency’s values „„ sets clear expectations about the roles and responsibilities of staff and the agency „ „ „ environmental impact, including: and that measures minimise performance environmental on reports AEC the Act 1999, Conservation Biodiversity of the 516A section with accordance In development sustainable and Environmental performance arrangements in response to COVID-19. response in arrangements result of from working increased home a as hours office todue reduced year, previous the on decrease cent a4.41 represents This person. per per AEC premises was 13,404.56 megajoules 2019–20, all For across used energy „ „ „ „ „ „ environment. include: These on the operations of office effect the minimise and efficiency energy to improve place in are practices Standards, programs andinnovative commitment is on the AEC website. Our full environment management „ „ „ „ „ „ „ „ „ and upgraded accommodation of layout new and design the in considering environmental impacts policy of Finance Department with in vehicles selecting and accordance promoting E10 petrol for AEC vehicles, waterconserving where possible using recyclable products default printer settings double-sided applying aluminium and glass toner cartridges recycling paper, cardboard, plastics, of ethanol use for fleet monitoring guidelines Government Operations policy in Energy’s Efficiency and Energy the of Department Environment No.47 Report Audit of 1998–99 National Audit Office’s Performance recommendations of the Australian Environment Protection and

„ the: with consistent is services and AEC’sThe approach to procuring goods Purchasing 11th the for business ACTSmart year. an as accredited was Canberra in NationalThe Electoral Education Centre Audit Office access provisions. access Audit Office 2019–20 without the Australian National in not execute did AEC contracts any The to acontractor’s access premises. General standard clause to provide Auditor– All AEC contract templates include a clauses access Office Audit National Australian „ „ „ „ Tenders for: evaluated are arrangements. contracting framework, including panel and procurement its to manage expertise centralised has AEC The value-for-money and outcomes. to improve efficiency processes and skills by continuing to develop procurement operationalsupporting guidelines, and its accountable authority instructions, AECThe applies these through rules „ „ „ „ „ „ „ „ „ and Accountability Act 2013 Accountability and Performance Governance Public end-of-life disposal arrangements disposal end-of-life consumption unnecessary energy and consumption demand money for value Procurement Guide Energy’sand Sustainable ofDepartment the Environment Commonwealth Procurement Rules 57 Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20

Small business Consultants The AEC supports small business Consultants are engaged to provide participation in Commonwealth Government specialist expertise, independent research, procurement. Small and medium enterprises or to review or assess particular elements and small enterprise participation statistics of electoral events. These decisions are are on the Department of Finance made in accordance with section 35(2) website at www.finance.gov.au of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918, the PGPA Act and related Regulations The AEC recognises the importance (including the Commonwealth Procurement of ensuring small businesses are paid Rules), and relevant internal policies. 58 on time. The results of the Survey of Australian Government Payments to Small Business are available on Treasury’s website at www.treasury.gov.au

Publication of contracts on AusTender Information on the value of AEC contracts and consultancies—as well as expected procurements—is available on the Austender website at www.tenders.gov.au MANAGEMENT AND ACCOUNTABILITY AND MANAGEMENT In 2019–20: „„ no contracts or standing offers greater than $10,000 (including GST) were exempt from publication on AusTender on the basis that they would disclose exempt information under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 „„ the AEC did not administer any discretionary grant programs „„ seven open-tender requests were published

Table 4: Number and expenditure on new and ongoing consultants, current report period (2019–20)

Total Number of new contracts engaging consultants entered into during the period 8 Total actual expenditure during the period on new contracts (inc GST) $1,085,852.50 Number of ongoing contracts engaging consultants that were entered into during a 1 previous period Total actual expenditure during the period on ongoing contracts (inc GST) $ 462,000.00

Further information on consultancy expenditure is in the financial statements. 2019–20 includingaudited Financial performancefor

financial statements

Statements

Financial Financial

59 Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20

Financial Statements

60 The AEC’s 2019–20 financial results were influenced by

expenditure on the 2019 federal election and the impacts of implementing the ‘leases standard’ (Australian Accounting Standards Board, standard 16 Leases). The Australian National Audit Office has issued an unqualified audit opinion for the AEC’s 2019–20 financial statements. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The AEC’s financial reporting consists of a Financial performance financial performance summary, together summary with the financial statements and supporting notes. The financial performance summary The AEC’s 2019–20 financial results highlight is a snapshot of the AEC’s deficit, surplus, the ongoing challenge of our funding model, balance sheet and net asset information. as an operating loss has been incurred at year end. The AEC’s operating loss was The financial statements include the: $21.3 million ($8.0 million net of depreciation and AASB16 adjustments) compared to an „„ auditor’s report operating loss of $19.5 million ($7.1 million „„ Electoral Commissioner and Chief net of depreciation) in 2018–19. The 2019–20 Finance Officer statement result was influenced by the 2019 federal „„ various financial statements and election held in May 2019, which resulted in administered schedules the costs of the event occurring across two Further information on the financial financial years (2018–19 and 2019–20) while performance of the AEC is the AEC only received funding for 2018–19. provided in the notes section. The statement of financial position at 30 June 2020 shows total assets of $206.3 million and total liabilities of $104.9 million for a net asset position of $101.4 million. Total assets have not changed significantly overall, however there has been a significant reduction in financial assets (appropriations receivable) that was offset by a large increase in non- financial assets (leasehold improvements). Appropriations receivable have decreased as the previous year’s appropriations were used to pay the large volume of election related suppliers due at 30 June 2019. growth in the size of the electoral roll. of size the electoral the in growth elections/by-elections and the ongoing ofthe federal complexity increasing risks in significant managing poses presents ongoing an challenge. It AEC’sThe current model funding 25(section to 29 of PGPA the Act). activity and other serious breaches of the PGPA Act), significantfraudulent accountable authorities (section 15 to 19 of duties the with to comply failure inFinance 2019–20. any included This for to Minister the reported law were in relationnon-compliance to finance statements. No significant issues of AEC’s the for 2019–20 financial has an unqualified issued audit opinion AustralianThe National Audit Office 16 AASB leases. implementing from increase in interest liabilities bearing year,to by previous the asignificant offset volume of election related suppliers relating to payments alarge made AEC the as a substantial reduction in total payables significantly,however was there changed 16 TotalAASB lease. have not liabilities significantlybecause of the impact of improvementsLeasehold increased expected to be completed in 2020–21. in to completed be expected overarching review, funding is which an on of Finance Department the with to work continues AEC innovation. The election system sustainability or ongoing AEC’s to long-term provide ability for ongoing operations—restrict the elections between received funding funding—combined with the inadequate loss. phasing The of the AEC’s election environment to minimise its operating within itsconcessions standard operating operational substantial made and reserves election expenditure from its cash federal 2019–20In supported AEC the 61 Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20

List of financial statements

CONTENTS Certification

Primary Financial Statements Statement of Comprehensive Income Statement of Financial Position Statement of Changes in Equity 62 Cash Flow Statement Administered Schedule of Comprehensive Income Administered Schedule of Assets and Liabilities

Administered Reconciliation Schedule Administered Cash Flow Statement

Overview

Notes to the Financial Statements 1. Funding 1.1 Revenue from Government 1.2 Own-Source Revenue and Gains FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.3 Special Accounts 1.4 Net Cash Appropriation Arrangements 2. Departmental Financial Position and Managing Uncertainties 2.1 Financial Instruments 2.2 Other Financial Assets 2.3 Non-Financial Assets 2.4 Other Payables and Provisions 2.5 Interest Bearing Liabilities 2.6 Contingent Assets and Liabilities 3. People and Relationships 3.1 Employee Benefits 3.2 Employee Provisions 3.3 Key Management Personnel Remuneration 3.4 Related Party Disclosures 4. Other Information 4.1 Expenses 5. Items Administered on Behalf of Government 5.1 Administered - Expenses 5.2 Administered - Income 5.3 Administered - Assets and Liabilities 5.4 Administered - Financial Instruments 5.5 Administered - Contingent Assets and Liabilities 5.6 Administered - Assets Held in Trust 6. Aggregate Information 6.1 Aggregate Assets and Liabilities

Australian Electoral Commission Certification T In my opinion, the financial statementsCommission of Electoral the Australian Opinion a : 2020 30 June the To AUDITOR’S REPORT INDEPENDENT • the year then ended: • • • • • • • Requirements annual financialstatements that complywith Governance, Performance andAccountability Act 2013 Accountable Autho audit evidence I have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis formy opinion. 1997 Act General • • In preparing the financial statements, Commissioner the Electoral error. or fraud to due whether misstatement, material from free are that control as the Electoral As the Accountable A (including Independence Standards) APES 110Code of Board’s Ethics for Standards ProfessionalEthical and Professional Accountants Accounting the Auditor of in t in incorporate the Australian Auditing Standards. My responsibilities under thosestandards are further described I conducted my audit in accordance with the Australian National Audit Office Auditing Standards, which o for Basis Entity he financial statements of of statements financial he the the he he Statement by the Electoral Commissioner and Chief Finance Officer; Officer; Finance Chief and Commissioner Electoral the by Statement Statement of Comprehensive Income; Income; Comprehensive of Statement Comprehensive Income; Comprehensive of Schedule Administered Statement; Flow Cash Statement of Changes in Equity; Position; Financial of Statement Administered Schedule of Assets and Liabilities; and Assets of Schedule Administered Administered Reconciliation Schedule; Reconciliation Administered expla other and Policies Accounting Significant of Summary a of comprising statements, financial the to Notes and Statement; Flow Cash Administered flows for the year then ended. then year the for flows present fairly the financial position of the Entity Governance, Performance and Accountability (Financial Reporting) Rule 2015 comply with Australian Accounting Standards –

section of my report. I am independent independent am I Auditor’s Responsibilities report. formy the Audit the of Financial of Statements section to continue as a going concern, taking into concern, account going as a continue whetherto the E Entity ter for Finance, Minis CharitiesAssistant and Electoral Matters natory informationnatory -

pinion General and his delegates his and General in accordancewith the relevant ethical requirements for financialstatement audits conducted by

and the rules made under the . I have also fulfilled my other responsibilities in accordance with the Code. I believe that the

rity’s rity’s Commissioner uthority

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Auditor the with conflict they are in the that to extent not Code) (the

, which I have audited, determines is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements statements financial of preparation the enable to necessary is determines . These. includethe relevant independencerequirements of the

Electoral Commissioner Electoral The Act. ,

t he he

Australian Accounting Standards Electoral Commissioner Electoral

as at 30Juneas at 2020

inancial inancial

(the Act) Reduced Disclosure Requirements

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tatements is responsiblefor assessing the Phone (02) 6203 7300 Fax (02) 6203 7777 6203 (02) Fax 7300 6203 (02) Phone 38 Sydney Avenue GPO 707 2601 Box ACT CANBERRA the preparation and

2020 30 June at as following the

and its financial performance and cash ntity’s operations will cease as a result result a as will cease operations ntity’s

is also responsible forsuch internal

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(the Entity) ; and FORREST

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Reduced Disclosure Disclosure Reduced fair presentation of of presentation fair

for the year ended ended year the for

ACT and the P ability of the the of ability 2603 and for for and ublic ublic -

63 Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20

of an administrative restructure or for any other reason. The Electoral Commissioner is also responsible for disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the assessment indicates that it is not appropriate. Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements My objective is to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes my opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with the Australian National Audit Office Auditing Standards will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the 64 aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of the financial statements. As part of an audit in accordance with the Australian National Audit Office Auditing Standards, I exercise

professional judgement and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. I also: • identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for my opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control; • obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Entity’s internal control; FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

• evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures made by the Accountable Authority; • conclude on the appropriateness of the Accountable Authority’s use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. If I conclude that a material uncertainty exists, I am required to draw attention in my auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the financial statements or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify my opinion. My conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of my auditor’s report. However, future events or conditions may cause the Entity to cease to continue as a going concern; and • evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial statements, including the disclosures, and whether the financial statements represent the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation. I communicate with the Accountable Authority regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that I identify during my audit.

Australian National Audit Office

Sean Benfield Executive Director Delegate of the Auditor-General

Canberra 28 August 2020 65 Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20

Primary Financial Statements

STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME for the period ended 30 June 2020 Original 2020 2019 Budget Notes $'000 $'000 $'000 NET COST OF SERVICES Expenses Employee benefits 3.1 83,070 177,821 78,787 Suppliers 4.1A 70,892 245,267 75,708 66 Depreciation and amortisation 2.3A 25,238 12,367 9,527 Impairment loss allowance on financial instruments 4.1B 12 17 - Finance costs 4.1C 740 - 85

Losses from asset disposals 2.3A 1,339 233 - Total expenses 181,291 435,705 164,107

Own-Source Income

Own-source revenue Rendering of services 1.2A 12,027 12,291 11,038 Other revenue 1.2B 281 249 - Total own-source revenue 12,308 12,540 11,038 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Gains Other gains 1.2C 40 79 85 Total gains 40 79 85 Total own-source income 12,348 12,619 11,123 Net (cost of) services (168,943) (423,086) (152,984)

Revenue from Government Revenue from Government 1.1A 144,468 402,511 143,457 (Deficit) on continuing operations (24,475) (20,575) (9,527)

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Items not subject to subsequent reclassification to net cost of services Changes in asset revaluation surplus 3,144 1,089 - Total other comprehensive income 3,144 1,089 -

Total comprehensive (loss) 1.4 (21,331) (19,486) (9,527) The above statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. 1. The Original Budget references 2019-20 Portfolio Budget Statements compiled in April 2019.

Budget Variances Commentary Statement of Comprehensive Income The AEC's expenses were higher than anticipated due to the timing of the 2019 Federal Election and the changes to Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB) standard 16 Leases. The 2019 Federal Election was held in May 2019 resulting in expenditure occurring across two financial years, 2018-19 and 2019-20, while the AEC was only funded for the election in 2018-19. The Original Budget estimates compiled in April 2019 for Portfolio Budget Statements did not account for the changes resulting from the application of AASB 16. Budget estimate changes occurred in subsequent budget rounds. The AEC is a nationally dispersed organisation with leasehold properties across all States and Territories and as a result of the application of AASB16 Leases, depreciation and amortisation expenses are significantly higher than budget. These two factors have resulted in the AEC incurring a higher than expected operating loss, which has received approval from the Finance Minister.

Australian Electoral Commission Australian Electoral CommissionAustralian Electoral as at 30June 2020 Other receivables STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION 2. The Original Budget references 2019-20 Portfolio Budget Statements compiled in April 2019. Assets Improvements Leasehold the in included are assets Right-of-use 1. notes. accompanying the with conjunction in read be should statement above The equity Contributed EQUITY assets Net Cash and cash equivalents assets Financial ASSETS Total equity Total earnings Retained surplus revaluation Asset Leasehold Improvements Leasehold assets Non-financial assets financial Total Computer software Computer Inventories Leases liabilities bearing Interest payables Total Suppliers Payables LIABILITIES assets Total assets non-financial Total Other non-financial assets Total liabilities Total provisions Other payables Other Plantequipment and Appropriations receivable Intellectual property Intellectual Employee provisions Provisions liabilities bearing interest Total Other provisions Receivables for services Theadoption of AASB16 resultedin the inclusion of $75.412m of lease liabilitiesat 1July 2019. 16. Budget estimatechanges occurred in subsequentbudget rounds. AASB of application the from resulting changes the for account not did Statements Budget Portfolio for 2019 AccountingStandards Board (AASB) standard Leases.16 TheOriginal Budget estimatescompiled in April Australian of impacts to the mainly due expected than higher significantly are liabilities and assets Total Position of Financial Statement Budget Variances Commentary 2.1A 2.2B 2.1A Notes 2.3A 2.3A 2.3B 2.5 2.1A 2.3B 2.4A 2.3A 2.2A 2.3A 3.2 2.4B (32,878) 104,745 104,745 107,179 107,179 101,386 101,386 101,386 108,523 108,523 206,273 206,273 104,887 104,887 27,085 27,085 11,649 11,649 97,750 25,979 25,979 71,577 71,577 13,543 13,543 67,259 67,259 67,259 67,259 22,505 22,505 1,490 1,408 1,408 7,020 7,020 1,289 1,289 5,278 5,278 2,314 2,007 3,474 3,474 6,371 $’000 2020 880 880

159,027 109,438 109,438 171,458 211,029 101,591 (10,818) 96,315 23,941 74,787 39,571 26,804 71,254 17,865 21,029 2,402 8,446 5,675 1,600 3,533 3,898 1,699 5,775 8,834 1,583 $’000 2019 - - 121,525 107,179 121,525 121,138 159,358 119,423 Original 22,852 13,650 38,220 24,183 37,833 10,476 15,660 22,403 (8,506) 1,715 Budget 9,150 3,174 2,773 5,104 1,780 5,533 $’000 - - - - -

67 Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY for the period ended 30 June 2020 Original 2020 2019 Budget $’000 $’000 $’000 CONTRIBUTED EQUITY Opening balance Balance carried forward from previous period 96,315 82,743 96,315 Adjusted opening balance 96,315 82,743 96,315 68 Transactions with owners Contributions by owners Departmental Capital Budget 10,864 13,572 10,864 Total transactions with owners 10,864 13,572 10,864

Closing balance as at 30 June 107,179 96,315 107,179

RETAINED EARNINGS Opening balance Balance carried forward from previous period (10,818) 9,757 1,021 Adjustment on initial application of AASB 16 2,415 - - Adjusted opening balance (8,403) 9,757 1,021

Comprehensive income (Deficit) / surplus for the period (24,475) (20,575) (9,527) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Total comprehensive income (24,475) (20,575) (9,527) Closing balance as at 30 June (32,878) (10,818) (8,506) ASSET REVALUATION RESERVE Opening balance Balance carried forward from previous period 23,941 22,852 22,852 Adjusted opening balance 23,941 22,852 22,852 Comprehensive income Other comprehensive income 3,144 1,089 - Total comprehensive income 3,144 1,089 - Closing balance as at 30 June 27,085 23,941 22,852

TOTAL EQUITY Opening balance Balance carried forward from previous period 109,438 115,352 120,188 Adjustment to opening balance 2,415 - - Adjusted opening balance 111,853 115,352 120,188

Comprehensive income (Deficit) / surplus for the period (24,475) (20,575) (9,527) Other comprehensive income 3,144 1,089 - Total comprehensive income (21,331) (19,486) (9,527) Transactions with owners Contributions by owners Departmental Capital Budget 10,864 13,572 10,864 Total transactions with owners 10,864 13,572 10,864 Closing balance as at 30 June 101,386 109,438 121,525 The above statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. 1. The Original Budget references 2019-20 Portfolio Budget Statements compiled in April 2019.

Accounting Policy Contributions by owners Amounts appropriated which are designated as ‘equity injections’ for a year (less any formal reductions) and Departmental Capital Budgets (DCBs) are recognised directly in contributed equity in that year. Budget Variances Commentary Statement of Changes in Equity The AEC's equity position has reduced as a result of incurring operating losses over the previous two years, 2018-19 and 2019-20 for which the AEC has obtained approval from the Finance Minister. The AEC has considered its ability to continue as a going concern and determined that there are no events or conditions that cast significant doubt on the AEC's ability to continue as a going concern. In making this decision consideration has been given to the estimated cost of electoral events in the COVID-19 environment and given that the Federal Government provides the AEC with ongoing support to deliver federal elections and there has been no decision to wind up the AEC, there is no material uncertainty for the AEC.

Australian Electoral Commission Australian Electoral CommissionAustralian Electoral for the period ended 30 June 2020 June 30 ended period the for 1. The Original Budget references 2019-20 Portfolio Budget Statements compiled in April 2019. notes. accompanying the with conjunction in read be should statement above The Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the reporting period Cash cash and equivalents at the beginning the of reporting period Net (decrease) / increase in cash held Net cash (used by) financing activities used cash Total Principal payments lease of liabilities Cash used Total cash received Budget Capital Departmental equity Contributed Cash received FINANCING ACTIVITIES Net cash (used by) investing activities used cash Total equipment and plant property, of Purchase Cash used INVESTING ACTIVITIES Net cash from operating activities used cash Total Section 74receipts transferred to the OPA liabilities lease on payments Interest Suppliers Employees Cash used Total cash received Net GST received Rendering of services Appropriations Cash received OPERATING ACTIVITIES CASH FLOW STATEMENT resulting from the application of AASB 16. 16. AASB of application the from resulting changes the for account not did Statements Budget Portfolio for 2019 April in compiled estimates Budget Original AustralianAccounting Standards Board (AASB) Leases.16 Thishas an equal reduction in cashused for suppliers.The of application the to due expected than higher significantly was liabilities lease of payments principal for used Cash lower than expected as ongoing capital works were delayed due to the COVID the to due delayed were works capital ongoing as expected than lower both are Budget Capital Departmental from received cash and equipment and plant property, purchase to used Cash decrease in Suppliers balancethe Payable Statementon Financialof Position. the by supported is This invoices. of receipt/payment associated the and Election Federal 2019 the of timing the Totalcashreceived and used for operating activities during thefinancial year was higherthananticipated as aresultof Statement Flow Cash Budget Variances Commentary Notes 2.1A - 19 environment.19 230,644 230,644 109,035 241,813 203,063 (5,403) (6,678) 11,953 11,953 11,953 11,169 39,356 81,466 19,463 19,287 1,490 1,490 2,402 2,402 6,550 6,550 6,678 6,678 (912) $’000 2020 787 787 - 178,873 381,281 181,855 384,213 360,001 (16,864) 20,553 10,956 13,256 14,619 14,619 14,619 16,864 16,864 2,932 2,402 1,715 $’000 2019 687 - - - - 154,495 154,495 143,457 (10,864) Original 78,787 11,038 75,623 10,864 10,864 10,864 10,864 10,864 Budget 1,715 1,715 $’000 85 ------

69 Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20

ADMINISTERED SCHEDULES Original Administered Schedule of Comprehensive Income 2020 2019 Budget for the period ended 30 June 2020 Notes $’000 $’000 $’000 NET COST OF SERVICES EXPENSES Other expenses 5.1A - 79,502 - Total expenses - 79,502 -

70 INCOME Revenue

Non-taxation revenue Electoral fines/penalties 5.2A 2,847 1,026 66 Political Party funding 5.2A 9,017 - Other 5.2A 5 27 - Total non-taxation revenue 11,869 1,053 66 Total revenue 11,869 1,053 66 Net contribution by services 11,869 (78,449) 66 (Deficit) / Surplus 11,869 (78,449) 66 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS This schedule should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

Budget Variances Commentary Schedule of Comprehensive Income

Administered Revenue is higher than anticipated due to the timing of the 2019 Federal Election. As the election was in May 2019 electoral fines for non-voters has occured during the 2019-20 financial year. Other revenue represents a change in accounting estimate related to the accrual of political party payments in 2018-19.

Original Administered Schedule of Assets and Liabilities 2020 2019 Budget as at 30 June 2020 Notes $’000 $’000 $’000 ASSETS Financial assets Cash and cash equivalents 5.3A - 2 1,328 Total financial assets - 2 1,328

Total assets administered on behalf of Government - 2 1,328

LIABILITIES Payables Suppliers 5.3B - 24,706 - Total payables - 24,706 -

Total liabilities administered on behalf of Government - 24,706 -

Net assets / (liabilities) - (24,704) 1,328

The above schedule should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. Budget Variances Commentary Schedule of Assets and Liabilities

Administered assets are lower than anticipated as all administered cash has been retu ned to the Official Public Account in a timely manner and no cash was required to be held to make payments related to the 2019 Federal Election. r

Australian Electoral Commission Australian Electoral CommissionAustralian Electoral for the period ended 30 June 2020 June 30 ended period the for This schedule should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. accompanying the with conjunction in read be should schedule This Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the reporting period Cash cash and equivalents at the beginning the of reporting period account public official to cash Total Appropriations Account Public Official to Cash account public official from cash Total Appropriations Account Public Official from Cash Net cash flows (used by) / from operating activities used cash Total Refund of Electoral fines/penalties Political Parties/Candidates Cash used Total cash received Other fines/penalties Electoral Cash received OPERATING ACTIVITIES Administered Cash Flow Statement notes. accompanying the with conjunction in read be should schedule This June 30 at as liabilities less assets Closing to OPA transfers Appropriation Appropriation transfers from Official Public Account Transfers (to)/from the Australian Government: Expenses Income services: by) of/(contribution cost Net July 1 at as liabilities less assets Opening Administered Reconciliation Schedule (continued) SCHEDULES ADMINISTERED administered flowscashadministered inthe and reconciliation schedule. of schedule the in as such reported and Government the of behalf on entity by the held cash administered the to adjustments are OPA the from and to transfers These Government. of behalf on appropriation Parliamentary under payments make to OPA the from drawn is cash Conversely, Finance. of Department the by maintained (OPA) Account Public Official the to transferred are Collections revenue. administered is AEC the than rather Government by the use for the AEC by collected Revenue Account Public Official the from and to Transfers Cash Administered Policy Accounting Special appropriations (limited) Interest payments on lease liabilities lease on payments Interest toTransfers OPA Notes Notes 5.3A (12,837) (24,704) (3,149) (3,149) 15,984 15,984 15,984 15,689 15,689 (3,149) 15,984 15,984 11,869 2,852 2,852 2,847 $’000 $’000 2020 2020 2 2 5 - - - - - (53,743) (79,502) (24,704) 55,077 55,077 54,796 (1,332) (1,332) (1,332) 54,787 55,077 1,053 1,026 $’000 $’000 1,053 2019 2019 27 9 2 - - - 71 Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20

Overview

Overview Objectives of the Australian Electoral Commission

The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) is an Australian Government controlled entity. It is a not-for- profit entity. The objective of the AEC is to maintain an impartial and independent electoral system for eligible voters through active electoral roll management, efficient delivery of polling services and targeted education and public awareness programs.

72 The Basis of Preparation

The financial statements are general purpose financial statements and are required by section 42 of the

Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with: (a) Public Governance, Performance and Accountability (Financial Reporting) Rule 2015 (FRR); and (b) Australian Accounting Standards and Interpretations – Reduced Disclosure Requirements issued by the Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB) that apply for the reporting period.

The financial statements have been prepared on an accrual basis and in accordance with the historical cost convention, except for certain assets at fair value. Except where stated, no allowance is made for the effect of changing prices on the results or the financial position. The financial statements are presented in

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Australian dollars and values are rounded to the nearest thousand dollars unless otherwise specified.

AASB Leases 16 Entities Not-For-Profit and AASB 1058Income of Entities Not-for-Profit for Guidance Implementation Australian – Standards Accounting Australian to AASB 2016-8 Amendments / Customers with Contracts AAS Standard/ Interpretation AEC: the by adopted were standards new following .The statements financial AEC’s the on effect material a have not did period reporting current the to applicable are All standards interpretations new/revised/amending and/or that issued were prior to the sign-off and date Standards Accounting New Revenue from B from 15Revenue value. AASB 16 substantially carries forward the lessor accounting in AASB 117, 117, AASB in accounting lessor the forward carries substantially 16 AASB value. low of is asset underlying the where or less, or months 12 is term lease the where leases exclude to options with together leases, all for liabilities and assets single a provides lesseeAASB 16 accounting model, requiring the recognition of Lease. a of Form Legal the Involving Transactions Leases—Incentivesand Interpretation Evaluating127 the Substance of whether an Arrangement contains a Lease, Interpretation 115Operating This new standard has replaced AASB 117Leases, Interpretation 4Determining AASB 16became effective on 1July 2019. statements. financial the to notes relevant the in and below disclosed are adjustments The details the of changes inaccounting policies, transitional provisions and received are services volunteer where and objectives, its further to entity the enable to principally value fair than less significantly is asset an acquire to consideration the where transactions to applies and Contributions 1058 replaces most of the not-for-profit (NFP) provisions of AASB 1004 AASB 1058is relevant in circumstances where AASB 15does not apply. AASB entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. the which to consideration the reflects that amount an in customers to services or goods promised of transfer the depict to revenue recognises entity an that is InterpretationLoyalty 13Customer Programmes guidance, including Revenue, AASB 118 much when is and revenue recognised. It replaces existing recognition revenue how whether, determining for framework comprehensive a establishes 15 AASB AASB 15, AASB 2016-8 and AASB 1058became effective 1July 2019. to f statements. financial the to notes relevant the in and below disclosed are adjustments The details the of changes inaccounting policies, transitional provisions and with the distinction between leases operating leases finance being retained. and Nature ofc inancial hange s tatements in accountingp olicy, t Construction Contracts AASB 111Construction ransitional p . The core principle of AASB 15 rovisions, anda . djustm and ent 73 Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20

Application of AASB 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers / AASB 1058 Income of Not-For-Profit Entities The AEC adopted AASB 15 and AASB 1058 using the modified retrospective approach, under which the cumulative effect of initial application is recognised in retained earnings at 1 July 2019. Accordingly, the comparative information presented for 2019 is not restated, that is, it is presented as previously reported under the various applicable AASBs and related interpretations. No opening balance adjustments have been made as a result of the application of AASB 15 as no material difference was identified in the prior year.

Under the new income recognition model the AEC shall first determine whether an enforceable agreement exists and whether the promises to transfer goods or services to the customer are ‘sufficiently specific’. If an 74 enforceable agreement exists and the promises are ‘sufficiently specific’ (to a transaction or part of a transaction), the AEC applies the general AASB 15 principles to determine the appropriate revenue recognition. If these criteria are not met, the AEC shall consider whether AASB 1058 applies.

In relation to AASB 15, the AEC elected to apply the new standard to all new and uncompleted contracts from the date of initial application. The AEC is required to aggregate the effect of all of the contract modifications that occur before the date of initial application. No opening balance adjustments have been made as a result of the application of AASB 15.

In terms of AASB 1058, the AEC is required to recognise volunteer services at fair value if those services would have been purchased if not provided voluntarily, and the fair value of those services can be measured reliably. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

On transition the amounts prepared under AASB 15 and AASB 1058 are materially similar had AASB 15 and AASB 1058 not been adopted and as a consequence no transitional adjustment has been made.

Set out below are the amounts by which each financial statement line item is affected as at and for the year ended 30 June 2020 as a result of the adoption of AASB 15 and AASB 1058. The first column shows amounts prepared under AASB 15 and AASB 1058 and the second column shows what the amounts would have been had AASB 15 and AASB 1058 not been adopted:

Transitional disclosure AASB 15 / AASB 1058 Previous AAS Increase / (decrease) $’000 $’000 $’000

Revenue Rendering of services - 4,033 (4,033) Total Revenue - 4,033 (4,033)

Net (cost of)/contribution by services - 4,033 (4,033)

Liabilities Other liabilities 4,033 - 4,033 Total Liabilities 4,033 - 4,033

Retained earnings (4,033) - (4,033)

The reason for the significant changes identified above is due to the timing differences in recording of revenue received from Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade under AASB 15 compared to previous AAS. Under AASB 15 a performance obligation must be completed before the recording of contract revenue. No opening balance adjustments have been made as a result of the application of AASB 15 as no material difference was identified in the prior year. Retained earnings Retained Lease liabilities equipment and plant property, - assets Right-of-use Departmental recognising earnings. inretained the The difference impact ontransition is summarised below: On transition to AASB the 16, AEC recognised additional right-of-use assets additional lease liabilities, and transition on Impact follows: as measured were assets right-of-use The conditions. The weighted-average rate applied was which similar a borrowing could creditor from obtained be under independent comparable an terms and at rate the is rate borrowing incremental AEC’s The 2019. July 1 at as rate borrowing incremental AEC’s the using discounted payments, lease remaining the of value present the at measured were liabilities lease The leases. operating as classified been previously had which automobiles, and equipment heavy space, office AASB the 16, On of adoption AEC recognised right-of-use assets lease liabilities and inrelation to leases of less. or months 12 of term lease a with leases short-term for or new when asset underlying the of value the on based assets value low of leases some for liabilities lease and assets right-of-use recognise to not elected has AEC the However, leases. most for liabilities lease and assets right-of-use recognises AEC the 16, AASB Under ownership. of rewards and risks the of all substantially transferred lease the whether of assessment its on based leases finance or operating as leases classified previously AEC the lessee, a As leases to 16 AASB applying when expedients practical following the applied AEC The standard. the for certain provides optionalAASB 16 practical expedients, including those related to the initial of adoption contracts entered into or changed on or after 1July 2019. leases under AASB 117were not reassessed. The definition of a lease under AASB 16was applied only to as identified not were that date transition the before into entered Contracts application. initial of date the at lease a contains or is, contract a whether reassess not to expedient practical the apply to elected AEC The 117 and related interpretations. AASB under reported previously as presented is it is, that restated, not is 2019 for presented information initial application is recognised earnings July inretained at 1 Accordingly, 2019. the comparative of effect cumulative the which under approach, retrospective modified the using 16 AASB adopted AEC The Leases 16 AASB of Application months of lease term remaining as of the date of initial application. initial of date the of as remaining term lease of months 12 than less with leases for liabilities and assets right-of-use recognise to not exemption the Applied • impairment Impairment under review AASB 136 assets of as at the initial of date application; and • Reliance on previous assessments on whether leases are onerous as opposed to preparing an date; commencement for leases where the right-of-use asset was determined as if AASB 16had been applied since the application initial of date the at assets right-of-use of measurement the from costs direct initial Exclude • characteristics; similar reasonably with leases of portfolio a to rate discount single a Apply • commencement date of the leases, subject to the practical expedients noted above. above. noted expedients practical the to subject leases, the of date commencement the from applied being 16 AASB from resulted have would that value carrying the leases: other All b) prepaid or accrued lease payments. any of amount the by adjusted liability, lease the to equal amount an at measured space: Office a) 1.1%. 1 July1 2019 $75,412 $75,412 - 75 Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20

The following table reconciles the Departmental minimum lease commitments disclosed in the AEC's 30 June 2019 annual financial statements to the amount of lease liabilities recognised on 1 July 2019: 1 July 2019 Minimum operating lease commitment at 30 June 2019 $36,486 Less: short-term leases not recognised under AASB 16 $4,619 Less: low value leases not recognised 76 under AASB 16 - Plus: effect of extension options reasonable certain to be exercised $79,571

Undiscounted lease payments $111,439 Less: effect of discounting using the incremental borrowing rate as at the date of initial application (1.1%) $36,027 Lease liabilities recognised at 1 July 2019 $75,412

Taxation The AEC is exempt from all forms of taxation except Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) and the Goods and Services FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Tax (GST).

Reporting of Administered activities Administered revenues, expenses, assets, liabilities and cash flows are disclosed in the administered schedules and related notes.

Except where otherwise stated, administered items are accounted for on the same basis and using the same policies as for departmental items, including the application of Australian Accounting Standards. The implementation of AASB 16 has had no impact on administered activities. Events After the Reporting Period

Departmental There are no events after the reporting date that will materially affect the financial statements.

Administered There are no events after the reporting date that will materially affect the financial statements. Funding Notes to the Financial Statements DEL DEL ## 2. An amount of $4.000m is held in quarantine from the Departmental Appropriation Act (No. 1) - Operating. - Operating. 1) (No. Act Appropriation Departmental from the in quarantine is held of $4.000m amount An 2. appropriation. incurred in 2018-19 but the associated drawdowns occurred early in the 2019-20 financial year from remaining 2018-19 of invoices. were Expenses receipt/payment associated and election federal of the timing the to relates variance The 1. Variance appropriationTotal applied capitalTotal appropriation applied Capital Appropriation applied operatingTotal appropriation Operating appropriationAnnual Appropriations nominal amounts. their at recognised receivable are Appropriations earned. been has it when only is recognised revenue case in which in nature, reciprocal are that activities to relate that amounts certain for except appropriation, of the control gains AEC the when from Government Revenue as recognised are reductions) and additions formal any for (adjusted year the for appropriations departmental for appropriated Amounts Total Revenue from Government Revenue Total Revenue from Government Government from Revenue 1.1B: Annual Appropriations ("recoverable GST exclusive") GST ("recoverable Appropriations Annual 1.1B: Total services annual Ordinary Government Revenue From 1.1A: Accounting Policy 1.1 Government Revenue from Funding This Departmental Capital Budget Capital Departmental Operating Budget Capital receipts 74 Section Operating Departmental appropriation - operating Departmental Special Appropriations section identifies the AEC's funding structure and the funds available to the AEC. the to available funds the and structure funding AEC's the identifies section 1,2 1 Notes 1.1D 1.1B (248,803) (242,253) (69,182) 179,621 179,621 129,568 129,568 129,568 387,611 387,611 129,568 168,757 408,164 408,164 168,757 144,468 144,468 (6,550) (6,550) 14,900 14,900 39,189 20,553 20,553 10,864 39,189 $’000 2020 (380,273) (365,654) 421,736 (14,619) 387,611 (14,619) 402,511 41,463 14,900 13,572 $’000 2019 77 Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20

1.1C: Unspent Annual Appropriations ('Recoverable GST exclusive') 2020 2019 $’000 $’000 Departmental Cash and cash equivalents Appropriation Act 1 - 2019-20 - Cash 1,490 - Appropriation Act 1 - 2018-19 - Cash - 2,402 Total Cash and cash equivalents 1,490 2,402 Appropriations Receivable 78 Appropriation Act 1 - 2019-20 2,552 - Appropriation Act 3 - 2019-20 1,719 - Appropriation Act 1 - 2019-20 - Departmental Capital Budget 6,337 -

Supply Act 1 - 2019-20 50,782 - Supply Act 1 - 2019-20 - Departmental Capital Budget 4,527 - Special Appropriation - 2019-20 14,900 - Appropriation Act 1 - 2018-19 6,550 133,180 Appropriation Act 3 - 2018-19 - 1,919 Appropriation Act 1 - 2018-19 - Departmental Capital Budget 7,022 13,572 1 Appropriation Act 1 - 2017-18 4,000 4,000 Appropriation Act 3 - 2017-18 - Departmental Capital Budget 6,356 6,356 Total Appropriations Receivable 104,745 159,027

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Total departmental 106,235 161,429

1. Includes $4.000m of appropriations that are quarantined and unavailable for AEC use.

1.1D: Special Appropriations ('Recoverable GST exclusive') Appropriation applied 2020 2019 Authority $'000 $'000 Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 (Departmental) - 14,900 Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 (Administered) 15,984 55,077 Total special appropriations applied 15,984 69,977

No entities spent money from the Consolidated Revenue Fund on behalf of the AEC. Australian Electoral CommissionAustralian Electoral • • • • • • AEC r Resources Received Free of Charge of Received Free Resources in relation to those performance obligations (refer note 2.4A). 2.4A). note (refer obligations performance those to relation in the of performance inadvance obligation received be can being fufilled inwhich liability revenue unearned case an is raised Consideration agreement. the of period the over recognition proportionate with time over or completed been has obligation 1.2A: Rendering of Services 1.2 Own-Source Revenue and Gains Total gains Total Makegood Gains Gains 1.2C: expense. Resources received free of charge are recorded as either revenue or gains depending on their nature. and the services would have been purchased if they had not been donated. Use of those resources is recognised as an Resources received free of charge are recognised as revenue when, and only when, a fair value can be reliably determined Policy Accounting Total other revenue Other Remuneration auditors of Resources received free of charge Other 1.2B: Other Revenue probable. longer no is debt the of collectability when made are Allowances period. reporting the of end the at reviewed is debts of Collectability account. allowance impairment any less due amounts nominal the at recognised are terms, day 30 have which services, and goods for Receivables satisfied: AEC classifies service goods agreements based and as within the when scope AASBall 15 of the following conditions are Policy Accounting 1. Represents revenue received from state governments for the management and provision of the electoral roll. Type ofcustomer: Disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers Total rendering of services Rendering of services - Other Rendering of services Own-Source Revenue Own-Source o The Ap T I The

t Non-government entities Governments Territory and State parties) (related entities Government Australian here is is attern o highly agreement ecognises g bligations o an probable f agreement t ransfer o has oods a f e commercial ach p that 1 f nd s that s ervices c AEC arty u ervices r has will t nder substance; been

an b collect evenue w approved a he e i dentified; the greement c payments. ithin t by all he s an b

parties cope o e i dentified; to f A the agreement; ASB 15 eithera t a p oint i n t ime w hen t he p 10,234 10,234 12,027 12,027 10,234 10,234 12,027 12,027 erformance 1,705 1,705 1,793 1,793 $’000 2020 281 281 100 121 89 89 40 40 40 60 12,291 12,291 9,873 9,873 2,367 2,418 $’000 2019 249 88 98 52 79 79 63 79 Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20

1.3 Special Accounts

2020 2019 $'000 $'000

Services for other Entities and Trust Monies (SOETM)

Balance brought forward from previous period 4,273 1,328 Increases 48 3,483 80 Total increases 48 3,483 Available for payments 4,321 4,811 Decreases Administered 1,408 538 Total Administered 1,408 538 Total decreases 1,408 538 Total balance carried to the next period 2,913 4,273 Balance represented by: Cash held in AEC bank accounts - - Cash held in the Official Public Account 2,913 4,273

1. Appropriation: Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 section 80. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Establishing Instrument: Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997 section 20. Purpose: for the expenditure of monies temporarily held in trust or otherwise for the benefit of a person other than the Commonwealth. For example, candidate deposits. 2. The entity has a services for other entities and trust monies special account. This account was established under section 78 of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act) Determination 2012/04 dated 30 May 2012. For the year ended 30 June 2020 the account has a balance of $2.913m. 3. The closing balance of special account services for other Entities and Trust Monies (SOETM) includes amounts held in trust: $2.913m in 2020, and $4.273m in 2019. See 5.6A Assets Held in Trust for more information.

Australian Electoral Commission Australian Electoral CommissionAustralian Electoral 16. AASB of implementation the of result a as arrangements appropriation in change no is There Leases. 16 AASB of implementation the of result a as impact cash the reflects amount assets repayments-lease principal the and assets leased ROU to related expenses depreciation/amortisation of inclusion The 3. events. electoral of timing the to due loss operating an reports often AEC the result a As event. an of timing the election is conducted solely within not does consider and financial the year a unpredictable nature of funded for the election in 2018-19. The AEC's ongoing annual funding model presumes a federal resulted in expenditure across two financial years, 2018-19 and 2019-20, while the AEC was only 2. The AEC's loss in 2019-20 was a result of the timing of the Federal Election in May 2019which whenperiod cash payment for capital expenditure is required. the in appropriated be to are budgets Capital appropriations. equity through provided budget capital appropriations for depreciation/amortisation expenses ceased. The AEC now receives a separate 1. From 2010-11, the Government introduced net cash appropriation arrangements where revenue Comprehensive Income Total comprehensive (loss) - as the per Statement of Less: principal repayments - operating leases appropriation revenue through funded previously expenses depreciation/amortisation Plus: expenses previously funded through revenue appropriations Total comprehensive (loss) less depreciation/amortisation 1.4 Net Cash Appropriation Arrangements Plus: depreciation right-of-use assets right-of-use depreciation Plus: 2,3 (21,331) (12,814) (12,424) (8,046) 11,953 11,953 $’000 2020 (12,367) (19,486) (7,119) $’000 2019 - -

81 Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20

Departmental Financial Position and Managing Uncertainties

Departmental Financial Position and Managing Uncertainties

This section analyses the AEC's assets used to conduct its operations and the operating liabilities incurred as a result and how the AEC manages financial risks related to these and its operating environment. Employee related information is disclosed in the People and Relationships section. 2.1 Financial Instruments

82 2020 2019 $’000 $’000

2.1A: Categories of Financial Instruments Financial Assets Financial assets at amortised cost Cash and cash equivalents 1,490 2,402 Receivables 880 1,583 Total financial assets at amortised cost 2,370 3,985

Financial Liabilities Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost Supplier payables 6,371 71,254 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Total financial liabilities measured at amortised cost 6,371 71,254

Total financial liabilities 6,371 71,254

Credit terms for goods and services were within 30 days (2019: 30 days). Settlement of suppliers payable is usually made within 30 days.

Impairment allowance for the period has increased to $11,303 (2019: $10,000) has been recognised in relation to loans and receivables and included in the net cost of service. $11,735 (2019: $16,892) has been written off. Accounting Policy Financial assets Financial Assets at Amortised Cost Financial assets included in this category need to meet two criteria: 1. the financial asset is held in order to collect the contractual cash flows; and 2. the cash flows are solely payments of principal and interest (SPPI) on the principal outstanding amount.

Amortised cost is determined using the effective interest method.

Effective Interest Method Income is recognised on an effective interest rate basis for financial assets that are recognised at amortised cost. Impairment of Financial Assets Financial assets are assessed for impairment at the end of each reporting period based on Expected Credit Losses, using the general approach which measures the loss allowance based on an amount equal to lifetime expected credit losses where risk has significantly increased, or an amount equal to 12-month expected credit losses if risk has not increased. The simplified approach for trade, contract and lease receivables is used. This approach always measures the loss allowance as the amount equal to the lifetime expected credit losses. A write - off constitutes a derecognition event where the write-off directly reduces the gross carrying amount of the financial asset.

Financial liabilities Financial liabilities are classified as either financial liabilities 'at fair value through profit or loss' or other financial liabilities. Financial liabilities are recognised and derecognised upon 'trade date'. Financial Liabilities at Fair Value Through Profit or Loss Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss are initially measured at fair value. Subsequent fair value adjustments are recognised in profit or loss. The net gain or loss recognised in profit or loss incorporates any interest paid on the financial liablility.

Financial Liabilities at Amortised Cost Supplier and other payables are recognised at amortised cost. Liabilities are recognised to the extent that the goods or services have been received (and irrespective of having been invoiced). Accounting Judgements and Estimates Financial assets have been assessed for impairment at the end of the reporting period based on Expected Credit Losses. No credit loss has been identified.

2.2 Other Financial Assets

Australian Electoral Commission Australian Electoral Commission identified. been has loss credit No Losses. Credit Expected on based period reporting of the end the at impairment for been assessed have assets Financial been invoiced). of having irrespective (and received been have services or goods the that extent the to Liabilities recognised are cost. amortised at recognised are payables other and Supplier Cost at Amortised Liabilities Financial financial liablility. the on paid any interest incorporates loss or in profit recognised loss or gain net loss.The or profit in recognised are adjustments fair value Subsequent fair value. at initially are measured loss or profit through liabilities fair value Financial at Loss or Profit Through Value at Fair Liabilities Financial date'. 'trade upon derecognised and recognised are liabilities Financial liabilities. financial other or loss' or profit through value fair 'at liabilities financial either as classified are liabilities Financial liabilities Financial financial asset. of the amount carrying gross the reduces directly write-off the where event aderecognition - off constitutes write A losses. credit lifetime expected the to equal amount the as allowance loss the always measures approach This is receivables lease used. and contract trade, for simplified approach The increased. not if has losses risk credit expected 12-month to equal amount an or increased, significantly has risk where losses credit lifetime expected to equal amount an on based allowance loss the measures which approach general the using Losses, Credit Expected on based period reporting of each end the at impairment for assessed are assets Financial Assets Financial of Impairment cost. amortised at recognised are that basis financial for assets rate interest effective an on is recognised Income Effective Interest Method method. interest effective the using is determined cost Amortised amount. outstanding principal the on (SPPI) interest and of principal payments solely are flows cash the 2. 1. the financial asset is held in order to collect the contractual cash flows; and criteria: two meet to need category in this included assets Financial Cost Amortised at Financial Assets assets Financial included in the net cost of service. $11,735 (2019: $16,892) has been written off. receivables and and loans to in relation been recognised has $10,000) (2019: $11,303 to increased has period the for allowance Impairment days. 30 within made is payable usually of suppliers Settlement days). 30 (2019: days 30 within were services and goods for terms Credit Receivables equivalents cash Cash and 2.2 Other Financial Assets Financial Other 2.2 Accounting Judgements and Estimates Accounting Policy financial liabilities Total cost amortised at measured liabilities financial Total cost amortised at measured liabilities Financial Financial Liabilities cost amortised at assets financial Total cost amortised at assets Financial Assets Financial Instruments Financial of Categories 2.1A: Instruments Financial 2.1 Australian Electoral Commission Statutory receivables are amounts owed to the AEC from the Australian Taxation Office in relation to the refund of GST collected. collected. of GST refund the to in Office relation Taxation Australian from the AEC the to owed amounts receivables are Statutory Payments Comcare receivables Statutory 1.1. Note Refer to Appropriation receivables Other Receivables are not past due or impaired. or due past Receivables not are Other Total Appropriation receivable Receivable Appropriation 2.2A: Accounting Policy receivables other Total Receivables Other 2.2B: Accounting Policy Relationships section. manages financial riskstheserelatedoperating its to and environment.Employee related information is disclosedple Peo inthe and as a result incurred liabilities operating the and operations its conduct to used assets AEC's the analyses section This DepartmentalFinancial Position and Managing Uncertainties Supplier payables 104,745 104,745 104,745 104,745 6,371 6,371 1,490 1,490 6,371 6,371 6,371 2,370 1,396 1,396 1,408 1,408 $’000 $’000 2020 2020 ho 880 880 12 12 w the AEC AEC the w

and 159,027 159,027 71,254 71,254 71,254 1,583 2,402 3,985 3,985 8,446 8,383 $’000 $’000 2019 2019 63

83 Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20

2.3 Non-Financial Assets

2.3A: Reconciliation of the Opening and Closing Balances of Property, Plant and Equipment and Intangibles

Leasehold Computer Intellectual Improvements Plant & Equipment Software1 Property Total $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 As at 1 July 2019 Gross book value 9,401 10,594 69,604 2,430 92,029 Accumulated depreciation, amortisation and impairment (567) (4,919) (51,739) (830) (58,055) Total as at 1 July 2019 8,834 5,675 17,865 1,600 33,974 Recognition of right of use asset on initial application of AASB 16 75,315 97 - - 75,412 Adjusted total as at 1 July 2019 84,149 5,772 17,865 1,600 109,386 Additions Purchase 480 269 4,686 1,243 6,678 84 Right-of-use Assets 3,059 - - - 3,059 Revaluations and impairments recognised in other comprehensive income 543 340 - - 883 Impairments recognised in net cost of services - - - - - Depreciation and amortisation (3,622) (4,207) (710) (3,853) (12,392)

Depreciation of Right-of-use Assets (12,814) (32) - - (12,846) Other movements Asset transfers 50 4,878 (7,227) 2,299 - Disposals (268) - (1,071) - (1,339) Total as at 30 June 2020 71,577 7,020 13,543 1,289 93,429 Total Right-of-use Assets as at 30 June 2020 (included in Table above) 65,560 65 - - 65,625

Total as at 30 June 2020 represented by Gross book value 85,272 12,882 65,228 3,673 167,055 Accumulated depreciation, amortisation and impairment (13,695) (5,862) (51,685) (2,384) (73,626) Total as at 30 June 2020 71,577 7,020 13,543 1,289 93,429

1. The carrying amount of computer software included $11.772m of purchased software and $1.770m of internally generated software.

No indicators of impairment were found for property, plant and equipment nor intangibles (2019: nil). FINANCIAL STATEMENTS No property, plant and equipment and intangibles are expected to be sold or disposed of within the next 12 months. Revaluations of non-financial assets All revaluations were conducted in accordance with the revaluation policy stated in this note. On 30 June 2020, an independent valuer conducted the revaluations. A revaluation increment of $0.543m for leasehold improvements (2019: $2.882m increment) and $0.340m for property, plant and equipment (2019: $2.048m increment) was credited to the asset revaluation surplus by asset class and included in the equity section of the statement of financial position. Contractual commitments for the acquisition of property, plant, equipment and intangible assets At 30 June 2020 there were no significant contractual commitments for the acquisition of property, plant, equipment and intangible assets. Fair Value Measurement1,2,3 The following tables provide an analysis of assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value. The remaining assets and liabilities disclosed in the statement of financial position do not apply the fair value

Fair value measurements at the end of the reporting period 2020 2019 $'000 $'000 Non-financial assets Leasehold improvements 6,017 8,834 Plant and equipment 6,955 5,675

1. Fair value measurements occur each financial year. 2. There are no changes in valuation techniques. 3. The remaining assets and liabilities reported by the AEC are not measured at fair value in the Statement of Financial Position.

Australian Electoral Commission Australian Commission Electoral Depreciation Revaluations Lease Right of Use (ROU) Assets Intangibles Derecognition Impairment Asset Recognition Threshold Intangible assetsIntangible the (2019: to 1 AEC's 1to years 10 the years) useful10 and of are lives AEC's the software useful of The lives useful amortised intellectual its life. anticipated are on astraight-line basis over An item of plant and equipment is derecognised upon disposal or when no further future economic benefits are expected from its disposal. expected use from or are benefits economic An plant item future of and upon equipmentdisposal derecognised is no when further or replacement its depreciated be cost. an asset of dependent benefit on not the is the economic asset, asset’s primarily of cash tofuture flows, generate and future use the the deprived AEC asset taken its to is in ability value were if replaced be would less value amount an asset itscosts of fair of disposal the recoverable asset. from of the is The use. higher and its in value cash Value use derived flows to theexpected is in Where present the the be future of value amount. carrying its than less is amount All assets assessed were impairment exist, impairment of atthe 2020. asset’s June 30 Where amount indications for estimated is recoverable and an impairment adjustment the asset’s made if recoverable ROU rates assets for depreciation The based on the commencement are the ROU of the the asset useful end life of of date the the lease end to of the or earlier term. rates asset applying class to each based on the depreciable useful lives: Depreciation following are of appropriate. rates (useful as date periods, lives), and at reporting necessary values reporting each adjustmentsDepreciation residual and methods and future current reviewed or the are current, in recognised are plant estimated and estimated equipment assets their Depreciable to their useful to values lives the residual over AEC, written-off all in are cases, the straight-line method depreciation. of as date accumulatedAny at eliminated is the against revaluation depreciation amount the the gross asset of carrying and the asset restated amount. to the revalued that class. increment for revaluation aprevious reversed decrement the same of asset class decrements aclass Revaluation the surplus/deficit. in to except recognised assets the that the extent for surplus/deficit of in was that previously they directly recognised are adjustmentsRevaluation revaluation to except asset the extent the of aprevious reserve heading under made that reversed are revaluation on it aclass to equity increment credited is basis. revaluation Any movements of thevolatility relevant assets. market values in for amounts to ensure that the materially assets assets’ from independent the carrying of values valuations of depended as frequency upon the not at date. regularity the differ did reporting fair The sufficient with at cost, recognition Following plant initial and less equipment (excluding value ROU assets) atand subsequent accumulated fair accumulated impairment depreciation losses. carried are Valuations conducted are Lease impaired. is ROU assets statements. the AEC's in financial measured recognition to continue be at cost initial after use lease of right any asset for undertaken is impairment that and of an shows impairment an application, loss impairmentFollowing indicators review initial use against lease recognised of is right any asset that AASB the 16 AEC of adoption On has application. adjusted leases onerous initial the initial date the ROU of for immediately recognised assets before the amount provision any by of application at the initial date of assets owned. were they presented be would if Commonwealth These assets by received. accounted for are lessees as separate asset classes assets to corresponding the same in included but outright, owned column underlying the corresponding as where Leased ROU assets at capitalised the are commencement the entering into when lease costs amount, less direct the lease incurred date lease of initial lease the any liability initial and comprise of incentives recognised. good' 'make for provision the AEC’s These costs of the value condition. in toleases included leasehold existsits to there original theare the restore AEC an property obligation improvements where by taken up acorresponding with cost an asset of initial The includes an estimate the cost property dismantling of in relevant to of ‘makegood’ provisions located. is particularly the andis it item removing and This the restoring site on which total). in significant are which items similar of group a of part form they where than (other at plant cost the of statement purchases initially in recognised Purchases costing and acquisition e All assets intangible impairment assessed as of were at 2020. June 30 indications for 0 to are 4 years (2019:property 0to 4 years). losses. impairment AEC's internal use.The and intangibles at intellectual These software assets comprisefor internally developedsoftware, cost purchased less property carried are accumulated amortisation and accumulated IT EquipmentIT Plant and equipment Leasehold improvements ROU assets Lesser of lease term of (includingLesser extension Lesser of lease term/useful life of Lesser options) life useful / 5 to 10 years 3 to years 3 5 2020 Lesser lease of term/useful life 5 to 10 years 3 to3 5years 2019 n /a 85 Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20

2020 2019 $’000 $’000

2.3B: Inventories Inventories held for distribution 2,007 1,699 Total inventories 2,007 1,699

Accounting Policy Inventories held for distribution are valued at cost, adjusted for any loss of service potential. 86

Costs incurred in bringing each item of inventory to its present location and condition are assigned as follows:

(a) raw materials and stores – purchase cost on a first-in-first-out basis; and (b) finished goods and work-in-progress – cost of direct materials and labour plus attributable costs that can be allocated on a reasonable basis.

Inventories acquired at no cost or nominal consideration are initially measured at current replacement cost at the date of acquisition.

2.3C: Other Non-Financial Assets FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Prepayments 2,314 3,898 Total other non-financial assets 2,314 3,898

No indicators of impairment were found for other non-financial assets (2019: nil). Australian Electoral CommissionAustralian Electoral Leases Benefits Employee Scheme Leave Payments Parental Unearned revenue Unearned this obligation. this of value present the reflect to year financial each of end the at provision the revalues AEC The manager. property Government Australian the by provided metre square per costs estimated on based lease, the of clauses relevant the with line in restoration for provision the of value the assesses Office the condition, original their to premises the restore to obligation an has Office the where leases property the For Estimates and Judgements Accounting 2020 June 30 at as Total 2019 July 1 at As Provisions Other 2.4B: Refer to Note 4.1A. Refer to Note 3.2. (2019: $144,133). $82,651 was scheme this under received amount total The (payable). liability a and cash as presented Amounts received under the Parental Leave Payments Scheme by the AEC not yet paid to employees were Refer to Note 1.2A Policy Accounting Total unearned revenue and other payables leases Straight-line Lease incentives Superannuation Salaries and wages Unearned revenue 2.4A: Unearned Revenue and Other Payables 2.4 Other Payables and Provisions Unwinding of discount of Unwinding or change indiscount rate Revaluation ofprovision

Provisionfor restoration 5,278 5,278 1,245 4,033 $’000 2020 - - - (2,261) 3,474 3,474 5,775 1,724 3,533 $’000 $’000 2019 (40) 691 119 999 -

87 Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20

2.5 Interest Bearing Liabilities

2020 2019 $’000 $’000 2.5A: Leases Lease Liabilities 67,259 - Total leases 67,259 - 1. The AEC has applied AASB 16 using the modified retrospective approach and therefore the comparative 88 information has not been restated.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Australian Electoral CommissionAustralian Electoral remote. than greater is settlement when disclosed are liabilities contingent and certain virtually not but probable is settlement when disclosed are assets Contingent measured. reliably be cannot amount the which of respect in liability or asset an represent or asset or liability a of existence the to as uncertainty from arise may They notes. the in reported are but position Contingent liabilities contingent and assets not are recognised inthe statement financial of Policy Accounting The AEC has nosignificant remote nil). contingencies (2019: Contingencies Remote Significant At 30June 2020, the AEC had no unquantifiable contingencies (2019: nil). Contingencies Unquantifiable the JuneAt 2020, AEC 30 had nounquantifiable contingent liabilities nil). (2019: incurred. costs actual on based costs AEC's of estimate an represents amount This costs. legal for claims of At 30June 2020, the AEC had a quantifiable contingent asset of $0.170m (2019: nil) in respect Contingencies Quantifiable assets contingent Net assets contingent Total assets Contingent Assets Contingent Liabilities and Assets 2.6 Contingent New contingent assets recognised assets contingent New damages or costs or damages $’000 2020 Claims for for Claims 170 170 170 170 170 $’000 2019 - - - $’000 2020 170 170 170 170 170 Total $’000 2019 - - -

89 Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20

People and relationships

People and relationships This section describes a range of employment and post employment benefits provided to our people and our relationships with other key people.

3.1 Employee Benefits

2020 2019 $’000 $’000 90 Wages and salaries1 58,176 157,783 Superannuation:

Defined contribution plans 7,079 6,959 Defined benefit plans 7,487 7,359 Leave and other entitlements 9,815 4,998 Separation and redundancies 513 722 Total employee benefits 83,070 177,821 1. The AEC engaged a significant number of additional staff on a temporary basis to deliver the 2019 federal election.

3.2 Employee Provisions FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Leave 22,505 21,029 Total employee provisions 22,505 21,029

Australian Electoral Commission Australian Electoral CommissionAustralian Electoral Superannuation Leave The liability for superannuation recognised June as at represents 30 outstanding contributions. the contributions as they if contributions were contribution to defined plans. for accounts AEC The Government. the to cost current the meet to sufficient be to actuary an by determined rates at scheme superannuation benefit defined employees' the to contributions employer makes AEC The administered schedules and notes. Finance’s of Department the in reported is liability This course. due in Government Australian the by settled The liability benefits is recognised for defined inthe financial statements the of Australian Government is and scheme. contribution The CSS and PSS are defined benefit schemes for the Australian Government. The PSSap is a defined Government. Australian the outside held funds superannuation other or (PSSap), plan accumulation PSS the or (PSS), Scheme Superannuation Sector Public the (CSS), Scheme Superannuation Commonwealth the of members are staff AEC's The inflation. and promotion through increases pay and rates attrition account into takes liability the of value present the of estimate The 2020. June 30 at as method shorthand the to reference by determined been has leave service long for liability The termination. on out paid than rather service during taken be to likely is leave the that extent the to rates contribution superannuation entity's the including taken, is leave the time the at applied be will that rates salary estimated the at remuneration employees' of basis the on calculated are liabilities The liability for employee benefits includes provision for annual leave and long service leave. The leave directly. settled be to are obligations the which of out any) (if assets plan of period reporting the of end the at value fair the minus period reporting the of end the at obligation benefit defined the of value present the of total net as measured are benefits employee long-term Other amounts. nominal their at measured are period reporting of end the of months twelve within expected benefits termination and benefits employee short-term for Liabilities policy Accounting

91 Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20

3.3 Key Management Personnel Remuneration

Key management personnel are those persons having authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the AEC, directly or indirectly, including any director (whether executive or otherwise) of the AEC. The AEC has determined the key management personnel to be the Electoral Commissioner, Deputy Electoral Commissioner and the two First Assistant Commissioners. Key management personnel remuneration is reported in the table below:

92 2020 2019 $’000 $’000

Short-term employee benefits 1,389 1,368 Post-employment benefits 230 216 Other long-term employee benefits 35 32 Termination benefits 280 -

Total key management personnel remuneration expenses1 1,934 1,616

The total number of key management personnel that are included in the above table is 5 (2019: 4).

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1. The above key management personnel remuneration excludes the remuneration and other benefits of the

Portfolio Minister. The Portfolio Minister's remuneration and other benefits are set by the Remuneration Tribunal and are not paid by the AEC.

Australian Electoral Commission disclosed. disclosed. separately be to transactions party related no are there that determined been has it entity, the by period Giving consideration to relationships with related entities, transactions and into entered during the reporting leases. or transfers sales purchases, asset ● payments ● for superannuation; and ● receipts to provide services; ● purchases of goods or services; ● the payments of grants or loans; Significant transactions with related parties include: can note. this in disclosed separately been not have transactions These loans. education higher or rebate Medicare a of receipt taxes, of refund or payment the include transactions Such citizens. ordinary as capacity same the in sector government the with transact may parties related activities, Government of breadth the Given Transactions with related parties: entities. Government Australian other and Executive, and Minister Portfolio the Personnel, Management Key are AEC the to parties Related entity. controlled Government Australian an is AEC The Related party relationships: 3.4 Related Party Disclosures 93 Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20

Other information

Other information This section includes additional financial information that is either required by AAS or the PGPA FRR or is relevant to assist users in understanding the financial statements. 4.1 Expenses

2020 2019 $’000 $’000

94 4.1A: Suppliers Goods and services supplied or rendered Consultants 185 3,367

Contractors 24,291 81,435 Travel 1,699 6,535 IT services 13,214 21,591 Employee Related Expenses 1,699 3,980 Inventory 201 17,949 Furniture and venue hire 1,672 14,329 Property 13,779 11,048 Mail and Freight 8,714 31,005 Office Supplies 265 2,216 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Advertising 3,560 22,212 Printing - 167 Other 1,335 1,471 Total goods and services supplied or rendered 70,614 217,305

Goods supplied 4,097 71,704 Services rendered 66,517 145,601 Total goods and services supplied or rendered 70,614 217,305

Other suppliers Operating lease rentals1 - 26,199 Low value leases 29 - Lease restoration - 233 Workers compensation expenses 249 1,530 Total other suppliers 278 27,962 Total suppliers 70,892 245,267

1. AEC has applied AASB 16 using the modified retrospective approach and therefore the comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under AASB 117.

Accounting Policy Short-term leases and leases of low-value assets AEC has elected not to recognise right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for short-term leases of assets that have a lease term of 12 months or less and leases of low-value assets (less than $10,000). The entity recognises the lease payments associated with these leases as an expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Australian Electoral Commission Australian Electoral CommissionAustralian Electoral information has not restated continues been and to reported under be AASB117. comparative the therefore and approach retrospective modified the using 16 AASB applied has AEC The costs finance Total liabilities lease on Interest costs Finance 4.1C: Total impairment on financial instruments receivables other and trade on Impairment instruments financial on allowance loss Impairment 4.1B: $’000 2020 740 740 740 12 12 12 $’000 2019 17 17 17 - -

95 Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20

Items administered on Behalf of Government

Items Administered on Behalf of Government This section analyses the activities that the AEC does not control but administers on behalf of the Government. Unless otherwise noted, the accounting policies adopted are consistent with those applied for departmental reporting. 5.1 Administered - Expenses

2020 2019 $'000 $'000

96 5.1A: Other Expenses Refunds - electoral fines/penalties - 9 Political Party funding - 79,493

Total other expenses - 79,502

5.2 Administered - Income

Revenue

Non–Taxation Revenue 5.2A: Fees and Fines Electoral fines/penalties 2,847 1,026 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Total fees and fines 2,847 1,026

5.2B Other Party Registration 5 27 Change in accounting estimate - trade creditors and accruals 9,017 - Total other income 9,022 27 Change in accounting estimate [$9.017m in 2020, nil 2019] relates to revision of accounting estimates in current year as the claims of the political party payments are now finalised. The previous trade creditors and accruals balance was based on best availiable information as at 30 June 2019.

Accounting Policy All administered revenues are revenues relating to ordinary activities performed by the AEC on behalf of the Australian Government. As such, administered appropriations are not revenues of the individual entity that oversees distribution or expenditure of the funds as directed.

Fines are charged for non-voters of federal elections, by-elections and referendums. Administered fee revenue is recognised when received.

Each nomination for the Senate and the House of Representatives must be accompanied by a deposit.

5.3 Administered - Assets and Liabilities

2020 2019 $’000 $’000 5.3A: Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents - 2 Total cash and cash equivalents - 2

The closing balance of Cash in special accounts does not include amounts held in trust: [$2,913k in 2020 and $4,273k in 2019]. See note 1.3 Special Accounts and 5.6A Assets Held in Trust for more information.

5.3B: Suppliers Trade creditors and accruals - 24,706 Total suppliers - 24,706

Settlement of suppliers payable is usually made within 30 days.

Australian Electoral Commission Australian Electoral Commission Electoral Australian There are nil non-monetary assets held in trust in held assets non-monetary nil are There returned. are funds the met are conditions certain When deposits. candidate and objections, roll the holds account trust The nil). (2019: AEC the for quantifiable, or remote contingencies, no administered are There Credit terms for goods and services were within days 30 days). Settlement 30 (2019: of payable suppliers made within is usually days. 30 days) 30 within (2019: days 30 within to be recovered expected are (net) Receivables Financial assets at amortised cost amortised at assets Financial AssetsFinancial under 9 AASB Instruments of Financal Categories Instruments - Financial Administered 5.4 Non-monetary assets Non-monetary trust in held assets monetary Total June 30 at as Total July 1 at As Deposits Candidate Assets Held Trust in 5.6A: Assets Held Trust in 5.6 5.5 Administered - Contingent Assets and Liabilities Total financial liabilities cost amortised at Total financial liabilities measured cost amortised at measured liabilities Financial Financial Liabilities Total financial assets cost Total financial assets at amortised Payments Receipts accruals and creditors Trade equivalents cash and Cash (1,408) 2,913 2,913 4,273 $’000 $’000 2020 2020 48 ------24,706 24,706 24,706 24,706 24,706 3,483 3,483 4,273 4,273 4,273 4,273 1,328 (538) $’000 $’000 2019 2019 2 2 2

97 Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20

Aggregate information

6.1 Aggregate Assets and Liabilities

6.1A: Aggregate Assets and Liabilities 2020 2019 98 $’000 $’000

Assets expected to be recovered in:

No more than 12 months 110,837 175,173 More than 12 months 95,436 35,856 Total assets 206,273 211,029

Liabilities expected to be settled in: No more than 12 months 32,438 92,991 More than 12 months 72,449 8,600 Total liabilities 104,887 101,591 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

6.1B: Administered - Aggregate Assets and Liabilities 2020 2019 $’000 $’000

Assets expected to be recovered in: No more than 12 months - 2 Total assets - 2

Liabilities expected to be settled in: No more than 12 months - 24,706 Total liabilities - 24,706

Australian Electoral Commission

information Additional Appendices 99 Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20

Appendix A: Resources

This appendix provides details of the AEC’s „„ the Agency Resource Statement, which resources and expenses in 2019–20, as provides information about the various 100 required by the Joint Committee of Public funding sources that the AEC was able Accounts and Audit Requirements for annual to draw on during the year (Table 5) reports for departments, executive agencies „„ expenses and resources by outcome, and other non corporate Commonwealth showing the detail of Budget entities, 25 June 2015. appropriations and total resourcing for The tables in this appendix correspond to Outcome 1 (Table 6) tables in the Portfolio Budget Statements „„ Average staffing levels from 2018–19 to 2019–20 and staff statistics, namely: 2019–20 (Table 7) APPENDIX A: RESOURCES A: APPENDIX

Table 5: Agency resource statement summary (2019–20)

Actual Payments Balance appropriation made for remaining for 2019–20 2019–20 2019–20 $’000 $’000 $’000 Ordinary annual servicesa Prior Year Departmental appropriation 159,027 135,099 23,928 Departmental appropriationb 140,432 74,515 65,917 Section 74 relevant agency receipts 39,189 39,189 – Total ordinary annual servicesc A 338,648 248,803 89,845 Special appropriations Special appropriations limited by criteria/entitlement Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 (Administered) 15,984 15,984 – Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 (Departmental) 14,900 – 14,900 Total special appropriations B 30,884 15,984 14,900 Special accountsd Opening balance 4,273 – Non appropriation receipts to special accounts 48 – Payments made – 1,408 Total special accounts C 4,321 1,408 2,913 Total resourcing (A + B + C ) 373,853 266,195 Total net resourcing for agency 373,853 266,195

a. Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2019–20 and Appropriation Bill (No. 3) 2019–20. This also includes prior year departmental appropriation and section 74 relevant agency receipts b. Includes an amount of $10.864 million in 2019–20 for the Departmental Capital Budget. For accounting purposes this amount has been designated as ‘contributions by owners’. c. The balance remaining includes $4.0 million of appropriations that have been quarantined and are not available to the AEC. d. Includes ‘Special Public Money’ held in accounts like Other Trust Monies (OTM) accounts, Services for other Government and Non agency Bodies accounts (SOG) or Services for Other Entities and Trust Moneys Special accounts (SOETM). Table 6: Table 7: b. a. Total expenses for Outcome 1 Outcome for Total expenses 1.1 Program Total for Departmental expenses Administered expenses Average staffing level (number) level staffing Average 1.1 Program and excludesDepartmentalCapitalBudget. Departmental appropriation combines‘Ordinary annualservices(Appropriation BillNo.1)’and‘Revenuefrom independentsources (section74). Full-year budget,includinganysubsequentadjustmentmadetothe2019–20BudgetatAdditionalEstimates. Expenses not requiringExpenses appropriation in the Budget year Special appropriations appropriation Departmental Special appropriations Average staffing levels 2017–18levels staffing Average to 2019–20 Expenses and resources for Outcome 1 Outcome for resources and Expenses b 2017–18 795 2019–20 193,896 193,896 Budget 168,757 14,900 10,239 $’000

– a

2018–19 788 expenses expenses 2019–20 168,867 181,291 181,291 12,424 Actual Actual $’000

– – 2019–20 Variation 12,605 12,605 14,900 (2,185) $’000 (110) 742

– 101 Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20

Appendix B: Governance

102 Accountable authority

Table 8: Details of accountable authority during current report period (2019–20)

Period as the accountable authority or member Name Position title/position held Date of Date of cessation commencement Mr Tom Rogers Electoral Commissioner 15/12/2014 n/a Australian Electoral Commission APPENDIX B: GOVERNANCE B: APPENDIX Audit committee details

Table 9: Audit committee

Number of meetings Member Qualifications, knowledge, skills or experience attended / Total annual name (include formal and informal as relevant) eligible to attend remuneration Jenny Jennifer Morison FCA, BEc (Sydney University) has 38 years of 5/5 $30 800 Morison broad professional experience across commerce and government. (GST Inclusive) She was a national board member of the Chartered Accountants of Australia and New Zealand for four years, chief financial officer of a public company, and held senior positions in major international accounting firms. She founded Morison Consulting in 1996, specialising in government financial reforms, governance and consulting. She was awarded a Centenary Medal in 2000 for services to women and accounting. Mrs Morison has been an independent member and chair of Commonwealth audit and risk committees, and financial statement sub-committees for large and small government entities for the past 17 years. Mark Mark Ridley is a Fellow of the Chartered Accountants 5/5 $19 800 Ridley Australia and New Zealand (FCA) and a graduate of (GST the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Inclusive) He has Bachelor degrees in commerce and accounting. He has served as an independent member and chair of audit and risk committees for several large and medium-sized Commonwealth agencies since 2011, and helps entities oversee ICT projects. Mr Ridley was formerly a senior partner of PwC Australia and has held leadership roles in risk advisory, internal audit and ICT project assurance. This includes for large companies in manufacturing and financial services, as well as state and federal governments. *Not applicable as not separately remunerated as an audit committee member Gately Andrew Pope Jeff Close Leanne name Member resigned as a member of the audit committee 2020. in February She 2005. in Medal Police Australian the awarded was Close Ms Asiasubsidiary PacificGroup onMoney Laundering. its as well as directorates, Operations Protection and She was responsible for the AFP’s Counter Terrorism Commissioner, National Security. Deputy AFP was APM Close Leanne (include formalandinformalasrelevant) Qualifications, knowledge,skillsorexperience Mr Gately retired from the APS in March 2020. March in APS the from retired Gately Mr and communications, and senior roles. leadership in engineering, program design and delivery, information agencies of arange across worked has and ago 26 years and computing. He joined the Australian Public Service engineering electrical in qualifications has and Canberra, of University and Sydney of University the of agraduate is He delivery. and preparation election of aspects all oversaw and 2016–2020. He chaired the National Election Committee Delivery Network and Election Operations Division at the AEC from Andrew Gately was the First Assistant Commissioner of the 23 years. for enforcement to law contribution his 2013 in for Medal Police Australian an awarded was He executive governance committees and project boards. senior of arange of amember was he where Police, Victoria Mr Pope was previously an Assistant Commissioner with course at Insead International Business School in Singapore. He has also completed a residential executive management Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. a is and Laws of aBachelor Arts, of aBachelor has He 2017. December since held has he at the Australian Electoral Commission, a position PopeJeff is the Electoral Deputy Commissioner

eligible toattend Number of Number of attended / attended / meetings meetings 5/5 3/4 1/3

remuneration Total annual $0* $0* $0 *

103 Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20

Business planning documents

Table 10: Business planning documents

Document Purpose Reviewed AEC Corporate Plan The AEC’s central planning document. Sets the strategic Annually 2020–21 direction for four years through the agency directions and priority activities. Includes analysis of strategic and enterprise risks, agency capability and operating environment Business Planning Supports staff to deliver outcomes in the AEC Annually and Performance corporate plan and manage resources and finances. 104 Reporting Framework Supports requirements of the PGPA Act Business Plans Aligns branch, state and territory activities Annually

(branch/state and with business planning and reporting territory) Election Readiness Sets out and monitors the program of activity Every election Framework required to maintain election readiness cycle Information Sets the AEC’s desired information technology vision to Every four years Technology Strategic 2022 and is supported by the IT Architecture Plan Plan 2018–2022 Fraud Control Plan Prevents, detects and responds to fraud in accordance Every two years

APPENDIX B: GOVERNANCE B: APPENDIX with Commonwealth law, fraud control policies (or if significant

and memorandums of understanding organisational change occurs) Assurance Plan Outlines the assurance framework and the Annually operational application in the AEC context Internal Audit Plan Sets the internal audit program for the financial year Annually Business Improves resilience to enable continuation of identified Annually Continuity Plans time critical business processes during and following a significant disruption to business operations Disability Identifies relevant target outcomes from the Annually Inclusion Strategy National Disability Strategy 2010–2020 Reconciliation Sets activities to recognise and respect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Annually Action Plan Islander peoples in internal and external arrangements and activities Workforce plans Details the continuous process of identifying and mitigating Twice a year (division, branch/state potential workforce risks and planning future workforce strategies and territory) Property plan Provides direction on long-term management of leased property Annually Security plan Outlines strategies to protect staff, visitors, information, equipment Twice a year and premises against harm, loss, interference and compromise Table 11: AEC management committees (BAC) Committee Assurance Business Committee Governance Learning Committee Capability Committee Health Organisational Team Leadership Executive Committee AEC management committees committees management AEC legislation and rules control, and compliance with relevant and management, system of internal reporting responsibilities, risk oversight Commissioner on financialand and assurance to the Electoral Provides advice independent This is the AEC’s Audit Committee. Training and Education Unit. National the guides and models, strategic direction and operating election requirements.particular Sets in development, and to learning governance agency of whole Provides requirements capability future and direction AEC’s strategic Progresses projects to the support Monitors organisational capability. Leadership Team recommendations to the Executive and advice Provides controls. management, compliance and Monitors performance, risk operational management and leadership strategic to deliver Senior management team helping Function • • • • • • • Members* • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Operations FAC Network and Election FAC Capability DEC Manager Operations/National Election FAC Network and Election FAC Capability DEC EC permitted to attend Additional AEC advisers are details membership Table 9for See external). appointed by EC (the majority members more or Three WA and NSW, QLD managers, State AC Elections Operations AC AC Corporate Services Manager Operations/National Election FAC Network and Election DEC WA and QLD managers, State Operations AC AC Elections and Technology AC Information, Communications CFO Operations FAC Network and Elections FAC Capability adviser an as CFO Vic. and SA managers, State and Technology AC Information, Communication Engagement AC Disclosure, Assurance and AC Corporate Services Monthly Weekly frequency Meeting year a times Five 2019 December election—until for the requirements drive to weeks— four Every Monthly 105 Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20

Meeting Committee Function Members* frequency Fraud Control Advises AEC on the appropriateness • AC Operations Branch Quarterly Committee and effectiveness of the AEC’s fraud • AC Roll Management and controls, policies and procedures Community Engagement • AC Information, Communication and Technology Branch • State managers, Tas. and Vic. National Supports the National Election • FAC Network and Elections Regularly; Election Manager to oversee and monitor Operations/National Election monthly, Delivery preparations for—and successful Manager weekly or daily 106 Committee conduct of—federal electoral events • All state managers as required (including by-elections, plebiscites and • ACs (membership expands (i.e. in run-up

referendums). NEM reports regularly on approaching elections to and during behalf of the National Election Delivery an electoral Committee to the Executive Leadership event) Team and the Electoral Commissioner Security Provides strategic oversight of the • FAC Capability Every second Governance AEC’s protective and IT security • AC Corporate Services month, with Committee programs • AC Information, Communication more meetings and Technology as required • State managers, NSW and Vic (i.e. in run-up APPENDIX B: GOVERNANCE B: APPENDIX to and during an electoral event) Work health A consultative forum to address • FAC Capability (Chair) Quarterly, and and safety health and safety at a national and • management representatives out-of-session committees strategic level, with reference to the • employee representatives as required requirements of the Work Health and • advisers from Corporate Safety Act 2011 and the Work Health Services Branch and Safety Regulations 2011 *Key: Electoral Commissioner (EC); Deputy Electoral Commissioner (DEC); First Assistant Commissioner (FAC); Assistant Commissioner (AC) Figure 3: Figure population enrolled and rate Enrolment roll information Commonwealth electoral C: Appendix * This figure was basedon population preliminary estimates. An enrolment rate of 96.8 per cent was published at close of rolls for the 2019 federal election. election. 2019 the federal for rolls of close at published was cent per 96.8 of rate enrolment An NUMBER OF PEOPLE ENROLLED (MILLION) EE EE 2007 Federal election 2020 June 2004–30 9October trend, rate Enrolment

EEAAAEE 2010 Federal election

2013 Federal election

2016 Federal election

AE ACA

2019* Federal election

PROPORTION OF ELIGIBLE AUSTRALIANS ENROLLED 107 Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20

Commonwealth Electoral roll extracts and recipients

Table 12: Recipients of electoral roll extracts 2019–2020*

Name Electorate/state Roll data provided Date provided Hon Linda Burney MP Member for Barton Division of Barton Aug 2019–Feb 2020 Ms Alicia Payne MP Member for Canberra Division of Canberra Aug 2019–Jun 2020 Mr Andrew Wilkie MP Member for Clark Division of Clark Aug 2019–Jun 2020 Hon Michael Sukkar MP Member for Deakin Division of Deakin Aug 2019–Jun 2020 Mr Ken O’Dowd MP Member for Flynn Division of Flynn Aug 2019–Feb 2020 108 Mr Bert Van Manen MP Member for Forde Division of Forde Nov 2019–Jun 2020 Dr Helen Haines MP Member for Indi Division of Indi Aug 2019–Jun 2010

Hon Bob Katter MP Member for Kennedy Division of Kennedy Aug 2019–Jun 2010 Mr Jason Falinski MP Member for Mackellar Division of Mackellar Feb 2020–Jun 2020 Ms Rebekha Sharkie MP Member for Mayo Division of Mayo Nov 2019–Jun 2020 Mr Adam Bandt MP Member for Melbourne Division of Melbourne Aug 2019–Feb 2020 Ms Zali Steggall OAM, MP Member for Warringah Division of Warringah Aug 2019–Jun 2020 Senator Andrew Bragg Senator for New South Wales State of New South Wales May 2020–Jun 2020 Senator Concetta Senator for New South Wales State of New South Wales Aug 2019–Jun 2020 Fierravanti-Wells Senator Hollie Hughes Senator for New South Wales State of New South Wales Sep 2019–Feb 2020 and Jun 2020 Senator the Senator for New South Wales State of New South Wales Feb 2020–Jun 2020 Hon Marise Payne Senator the Senator for Queensland State of Queensland Aug 2019–Feb 2020 Hon Matthew Canavan Senator Pauline Hanson Senator for Queensland State of Queensland Aug 2019–Jun 2020 Senator Paul Scarr Senator for Queensland State of Queensland Aug 2019–Feb 2020 APPENDIX C: COMMONWEALTH ELECTORAL ROLL INFORMATION ROLL ELECTORAL COMMONWEALTH C: APPENDIX Senator Amanda Stoker Senator for Queensland State of Queensland Aug 2019–Feb 2020 and Jun 2020 Senator Larissa Waters Senator for Queensland State of Queensland Aug 2019–Jun 2020 Senator the Senator for South Australia State of South Australia Aug 2019–Jun 2020 Hon Simon Birmingham Senator Stirling Griff Senator for South Australia State of South Australia Aug 2019–Jun 2020 Senator Andrew Senator for South Australia State of South Australia May 2020–Jun 2020 McLachlan CSC Senator Sarah Senator for South Australia State of South Australia Aug 2019–Feb 2020 Hanson-Young Senator Rex Patrick Senator for South Australia State of South Australia Oct 2019–Jun 2020 Senator the Senator for South Australia State of South Australia Aug 2019–Feb 2020 Hon Anne Ruston Senator the Senator for Tasmania State of Tasmania Aug 2019–Jun 2020 Hon Richard Colbeck Senator Jacqui Lambie Senator for Tasmania State of Tasmania Oct 2019–Jun 2020 Senator Nicholas McKim Senator for Tasmania State of Tasmania Aug 2019–Jun 2020 Table 13: *Between 1July2019and30June2020. *Between 1July2019 and 30June2020. Voluntary Euthanasia NSW Party Party Australian Great The Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party ofRepublican Party Australia Pauline Hanson’s One Nation Parenting) (Equal Party Parents Non-Custodial The National of Party Australia – Victoria Inc. (SA) Australia of Party National –NSW Australia of Party National The National Australia of Party Australia Australia of Party Liberal Jacqui Network Lambie Democratic Party Labour Child Protection Party Centre Alliance (ALP) Party Labor Australian Inc. (WA) Greens The Australian Greens Tasmania Branch Queensland Greens Inc. Greens NT Australian Greens Democrats Australian Party Citizens Australian Australian Christians Party Justice Animal Registered politicalparty Senator Dean Smith Hon Linda Reynolds CSC Senator the Senator James Paterson Whish-Wilson Senator Peter Name Registered political parties provided with electoral roll extracts 2019–2020 extracts roll electoral with provided parties political Registered

Senator for Western Australia Senator for Western Australia Senator for Victoria Senator for Tasmania Electorate/state State of New South Wales South New of State Queensland of State Wales South New of State Wales South New of State Queensland of State Wales South New of State State of Victoria Australia South of State Wales South New of State Western Australia Wales, South Australia, Victoria and Australian Capital Territory, New South National State of Tasmania Victoria & Western Australia Queensland, Wales, South New of State Australia South of State Australia South of State National State of Western Australia State of Tasmania Queensland of State TerritoryNorthern National Australia South of State State of Victoria Victoria and Western Australia Queensland, Wales, South New of State Wales South New of State Roll dataprovided State of Western Australia State of Western Australia State of Victoria State of Tasmania Roll dataprovided Sep 2019–Jun 2020 2019–Jun Sep 2020 2019–Jun Sep 2010 2019–Jun Nov 2020 2019–Jun Aug Date provided Aug 2019–Jun 2010 2019–Jun Aug 2020 2019–Feb Aug 2020 2019–Feb Aug 2010 2019–Jun Sep 2010 2019–Jun Aug 2020 2019–May Aug 2020 2019–Jun Oct 2020 2019–Jun Aug 2020 2019–Jun Aug 2020 2019–Jun Aug 2020 2019–Jun Aug 2020 2019–Jun Aug 2020 2019–Feb Aug 2020 2019–Jun Aug 2020 2019–Jun Aug 2020 2019–Jun Aug 2019 2019–Oct Aug 2020 2019–Jun Aug 2010 2019–Jun Aug 2010 2019–Jan Aug 2020 2019–Jun Aug 2020 2019–Feb Aug 2020 2019–Jun Sep 2020 2019–Jun Aug 2020 2019–Feb Aug Date provided 109 Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20

Table 14: Government departments and agencies provided with electoral roll extracts 2019–20 Government departments and agencies are entitled to receive electoral roll information if they are a ‘prescribed authority’ under item 4 of subsection 90B(4) of the Electoral Act. Each department and agency must justify access through its statutory functions and the Privacy Act 1988.

Institution Data provided Aug 2019 Nov 2019 Feb 2020 May 2020 Australia Bureau of Statistics – Yes – – 110 Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Yes Yes Yes Yes Integrity

Australian Competition and Consumer Yes – – – Commission Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission – – Yes Yes Australian Federal Police Yes Yes Yes Yes Australian Financial Security Authority Yes Yes Yes Yes Australian Securities and Investments Yes Yes Yes Yes Commission Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Yes Yes Yes Yes Australia Sports Anti-doping Authority – Yes Yes Yes Australian Taxation Office Yes Yes Yes Yes Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Yes – – – Commonwealth Superannuation Commission Yes Yes Yes Yes Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade- Yes Yes Yes Yes Australian Passport Office Federal Court of Australia – – Yes – Home Affairs Yes Yes Yes Yes Office of the Official Secretary to the Governor – Yes – – APPENDIX C: COMMONWEALTH ELECTORAL ROLL INFORMATION ROLL ELECTORAL COMMONWEALTH C: APPENDIX General Services Australia Yes Yes Yes Yes *Between 1 July 2019 and 30 June 2020. Medical and electoral researchers provided with electoral roll extracts, 2019–20* extracts, roll electoral with provided researchers Table electoral 15: and Medical 1988 and the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism and 1988 Laundering Anti-Money the and Act 2006 Financing related to the processes verification identity for information roll may receive 90B(4) Act, organisations sector private of Electoral the subsection Under purposes, 2019–2020* financial for identity verifying to organisations information roll Table 16: electoral of Provision *Between 1July2019and30June2020. *Between 1July2019and30June2020. Ltd) Solutions and (VedaEquifax Advantage Information Services Institution Incorporated Consortium for Social and Political Research Adam Zammit, Director of Operations, Australian Electoral researcher Sciences, University Deakin and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Professor Nowson, Caryl Institute of Physical Activity Medical researcher Contact, institution illion (Perceptive Communications Ltd) Pty Data provided Aug 2019 Aug Survey of Social Attitudes: Social Inequality’ territory electoral divisions for the study ‘Australian and state federal all across ranges age two-year in women and men of records 5,000 of sample A random salt intake in Victorians’ electoral divisions for phase 2 of the study ‘Monitoring federal Victorian all 18 across 65 and between aged women and men of records 8,000 of sample A random Data provided Yes Yes Nov 2019 Nov Financial Transactions Reports Act Act Transactions Reports Financial Yes Yes Feb 2020 Yes Yes . May 2020 Yes Yes 111 Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20

Appendix D: Electoral events data

112 There were no electoral events in 2019–2020.

For information on the 2019 federal election held in May 2019, see the 2019 electoral pocketbook at

https://www.aec.gov.au/about_aec/Publications/electoral_pocketbook/index.htm APPENDIX ELECTORAL D: EVENTS DATA

threshold otherwise unless specified. 311Asection of the under required as organisations, advertising media and mail direct polling, research, market Table 17 of and $14,000 payments shows agencies (GST to more or inclusive) advertising campaign for the 2020 Eden-Monaro by-election. the new electoral cycle, following the 2019 federal election. We also conducted an advertising for to AEC’s strategy the year the inform during communication undertaken was Research Advertising market and research awareness data Public Appendix E: *Due tothewaypaymentsare reported totheAEC,figures from BMFAdvertising,OrimaResearch andUniversalMcCanninclude invoices belowthe Table 17: threshold. Total placement Advertising Market research development creative Advertising Services Advertising and media placement payments, $14,000 more or payments, placement media and Advertising Agency name McCann* Universal Research Orima Group Consulting Wallis Advertising BMF Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 Electoral Commonwealth * * elections, electoral redistributions, party registrationselections, electoral and redistributions, party election, federal by-elections, industrial and commercial Advertising placement including the 2019 federal surveys Developmental communications market research and and trackingBenchmarking research services Eden-Monaro by-election Creative including advertising materials services for the Details recruitment. . Figures reflect payments above the payments reflect . Figures

$3,145,367.91 $2,399,562.81 Amount (GST Amount (GST $232,911.38 $405,183.14 $107,710.58 inclusive) inclusive) 113 Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20

Appendix F: Electoral redistribution data

114 There were no electoral redistributions commenced or completed in 2019–20.

APPENDIX F: ELECTORAL REDISTRIBUTION DATA REDISTRIBUTION ELECTORAL F: APPENDIX

„ „ „ „ „ disclosure financial returnsAnnual andinamendments received 2019–20 include: 2019–20 returns disclosure financial Annual data disclosure financial and registrations party Appendix G: *The total election funding includes variations made after the initial determinations of claims. $15,960,986.84 funding, election total in the paid Of 2019–20. in paid was $69,049,616.87 and $584,640 payments automatic in includes accepted. claims in Total election funding Register 2019). the June on in received were published are paid of amounts the Details 2019–2017 in claims 2019. (15 funding November 50 election received AEC claims The to 7June from lodged be 2019 the for could claims election funding federal Election electoral expenditure incurred. the out setting AEC the with aclaim lodge must group Senate or candidate party, political of eligible the agent the payment, automatic the than greater To funding election receive $10,080. was amount 2019 the For payment automatic the parties. election, federal political and candidates eligible to made is payment automatic an day and polling day after 20th at the as calculated are on held May18 election 2019. entitlements to federal the applied funding first Election These paid. is funding to way the election changes introduced The Election funding payments in 2019–20 „ „ „ „ „ „ „ „ „ 1,460 election returns from the 2019 federal election 2013–14 the for amendments two year financial one amendment for the 2015–16 financial year one amendment for the 2016–17 financial year 2017–18 the for 20 amendments and return one year financial 713 2018–19 the for 42 and amendments returns year financial 780 disclosure financial annual returnsandamendments Electoral Legislation Amendment (Electoral Funding and Disclosure Reform) Act 2018 Reform) Disclosure and Funding (Electoral Amendment Legislation Electoral as claims are determined. are claims as * paid for the 2019 the for $69,634,256. was paid election amount This federal Political Transparency

115 Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20

Appendix H: Workforce statistics

116 Table 18: All ongoing employees current report period (2019–20)

Male Female Indeterminate Total

Full- Part- Total Full- Part- Total Full- Part- Total time time male time time female time time indeterminate NSW 31 2 33 68 34 102 – – – 135 Qld 16 3 19 52 17 69 – – – 88 SA 9 – 9 16 5 21 – – – 30 Tas 3 – 3 8 2 10 – – – 13 Vic 27 1 28 57 19 76 – – – 104 WA 4 – 4 32 12 44 – – – 48 ACT 106 4 110 127 21 148 – – – 258 APPENDIX H: WORKFORCE STATISTICS

NT 2 – 2 – – – – – – 2 External – – – – – – – – – – territories Overseas – – – – – – – – – – TOTAL 198 10 208 360 110 470 – – – 678

Table 19: All non-ongoing employees current report period (2019–20)

Male Female Indeterminate Total Full- Part- Total Full- Part- Total Full- Part- Total time time male time time female time time indeterminate NSW 2 – 2 2 – 2 – – – 4 Qld 1 1 2 – 4 4 – – – 6 SA 1 – 1 – – – – – – 1 Tas 1 – 1 1 1 – – – 2 Vic 1 – 1 – – – – – – 1 WA – 2 2 – – – 2 ACT 12 – 12 13 1 14 – – – 26 NT 1 – 1 1 1 – – – 2 External – – – – – – – – – – territories Overseas – – – – – – – – – – TOTAL 19 1 20 19 5 24 – – – 44 *Table includes statutory appointments under the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918. Table 20: *Table doesnotincludestatutoryappointments underthe Table 21: TOTAL Overseas territories External NT ACT WA Vic Tas SA Qld NSW TOTAL Overseas territories External NT ACT WA Vic Tas SA Qld NSW All non-ongoing employees previous report period (2018–19) period employeesAll previous non-ongoing report All ongoing employees previous report period (2018–19)All ongoing period employees previous report time time Full- Full- 207 103 30 35 29 20 10 15 2 1 2 1 7 2 1 6 3 – – – – – Male Male Part- Part- time time 11 5 2 2 2 3 1 2 – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Total Total male male 108 218 33 22 37 31 16 10 2 1 4 1 7 2 2 6 3 – – – – – Commonwealth Electoral Act1918 time time Full- Full- 135 411 43 66 65 36 79 19 14 11 3 4 3 2 5 5 7 – – – – – Female Female Part- Part- time time 109 26 34 26 10 19 12 12 2 1 5 6 2 6 – – – – – – – – female female Total Total 520 161 113 69 48 85 25 75 16 10 13 13 15 3 5 2 5 – – – – – .

time time Full- Full- – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Indeterminate Indeterminate Part- Part- time time – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – indeterminate indeterminate Total Total – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Total Total 269 738 150 102 116 54 35 32 97 16 19 15 17 5 6 2 6 1 – – – – 117 Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20

Table 22: Australian Public Service Act ongoing employees current report period (2019–20)

Male Female Indeterminate Total Full- Part- Total Full- Part- Total Full- Part- Total time time male time time female time time indeterminate SES 3 – – – – – – – – – – SES 2 1 – 1 1 – 1 – – – 2 SES 1 5 – 5 2 – 2 – – – 7 EL 2 13 – 13 28 – 28 – – – 41 EL 1 50 1 51 56 4 60 – – – 111 118 APS 6 61 2 63 105 12 117 – – – 180 APS 5 36 3 39 50 2 52 – – – 91

APS 4 12 – 12 51 12 63 – – – 75 APS 3 18 – 18 60 16 76 – – – 94 APS 2 2 4 6 7 64 71 – – – 77 APS 1 – – – – – – – – – – Other – – – – – – – – – – TOTAL 198 10 208 360 110 470 – – – 678

Table 23: Australian Public Service Act non-ongoing employees current report period (2019–20)

APPENDIX H: WORKFORCE STATISTICS Male Female Indeterminate Total

Full- Part- Total Full- Part- Total Full- Part- Total time time male time time female time time indeterminate SES 3 – – – – – – – – – – SES 2 – – – – – – – – – – SES 1 – – – – – – – – – – EL 2 – – – – – – – – – – EL 1 1 – 1 3 – 3 – – – 4 APS 6 1 1 2 4 – 4 – – – 6 APS 5 5 – 5 1 – 1 – – – 6 APS 4 1 – 1 6 1 7 – – – 8 APS 3 2 – 2 3 – 3 – – – 5 APS 2 – – – – 4 4 – – – 4 APS 1 – – – – – – – – – – Other – – – – – – – – – – TOTAL 10 1 11 17 5 22 – – – 33 Table 24: Table 25: TOTAL Other 1 APS 2 APS 3 APS 4 APS 5 APS 6 APS 1 EL 2 EL 1 SES 2 SES 3 SES TOTAL Other 1 APS 2 APS 3 APS 4 APS 5 APS 6 APS 1 EL 2 EL 1 SES 2 SES 3 SES Australian Public Service Act ongoing employees previous report period (2018–19) period report previous employees ongoing Act Service Public Australian Australian Public Service Act non-ongoing employees previous report period (2018–19) period report previous employees non-ongoing Act Service Public Australian time time Full- Full- 207 30 85 53 20 10 16 13 14 1 3 3 7 3 3 1 3 2 – – – – – – – – Male Male Part- Part- time time 11 7 1 3 3 3 – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Total Total male male 218 88 33 53 20 16 10 13 15 4 3 3 7 3 3 8 3 2 – – – – – – – – time time Full- Full- 143 411 43 89 36 53 50 26 10 12 5 6 7 2 1 9 5 – – – – – – – – – Female Female Part- Part- time time 109 26 79 25 10 11 5 1 1 3 – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – female female Total Total 520 153 88 36 69 58 92 27 61 37 11 5 5 6 7 2 1 – – – – – – – – –

time time Full- Full- – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Indeterminate Indeterminate Part- Part- time time – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – indeterminate indeterminate Total Total – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Total Total 738 102 241 112 111 96 43 51 41 13 14 17 74 8 2 8 5 3 1 – – – – – – – 119 Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20

Table 26: Australian Public Service Act employees by full-time and part-time status current report period (2019–20)

Ongoing Non-ongoing Total Full-time Part-time Total Full-time Part-time Total non- Total ongoing ongoing SES 3 – – – – – – – SES 2 2 – 2 – – – 2 SES 1 7 – 7 – – – 7 EL 2 41 – 41 – – – 41 120 EL 1 106 5 111 4 – 4 115 APS 6 166 14 180 5 1 6 186

APS 5 86 5 91 6 – 6 97 APS 4 63 12 75 7 1 8 83 APS 3 78 16 94 5 5 99 APS 2 9 68 77 – 4 4 81 APS 1 – – – – – – – Other – – – – – – – TOTAL 558 120 678 27 6 33 711

Table 27: Australian Public Service Act Employees by full-time and part-time status previous APPENDIX H: WORKFORCE STATISTICS report period (2018–19)

Ongoing Non-ongoing Total Full-time Part-time Total Full-time Part-time Total non- Total ongoing ongoing SES 3 – – – – – – – SES 2 2 – 2 – – – 2 SES 1 8 – 8 1 – 1 9 EL 2 42 1 43 3 – 3 46 EL 1 106 5 111 5 – 5 116 APS 6 228 13 241 17 – 17 258 APS 5 50 1 51 13 – 13 64 APS 4 63 11 74 13 1 14 88 APS 3 109 3 112 8 – 8 120 APS 2 10 86 96 13 28 41 137 APS 1 – – – – – – – Other – – – – – – – TOTAL 618 120 738 73 29 102 840 Table 29: Table 28: Table 31: Table 30: TOTAL Non-ongoing TOTAL Overseas territoriesExternal NT ACT WA Vic Tas SA TOTAL Overseas territoriesExternal NT ACT WA Vic Ongoing TOTAL Non-ongoing Ongoing Qld NSW Tas SA Qld NSW Australian Public Service Act Employment type by location, current report period (2019–20) period report current by location, type Employment Act Service Public Australian Australian Public Service Act Employment type by location, previous report period (2018–19) period report previous by location, type Employment Act Service Public Australian Australian Public Service Act Indigenous Employment Previous Report Period (2018–19) Period Report Previous Employment Indigenous Act Service Public Australian Australian Public Service Act Indigenous Employment Current Report Period (2019–20) Period Report Current Employment Indigenous Act Service Public Australian Ongoing Ongoing 738 269 678 258 104 135 150 116 30 88 54 48 35 97 16 13 1 2 – – – – Non-ongoing Non-ongoing 102 33 32 23 19 15 17 1 1 5 3 5 6 2 6 – – – – – – – Total Total Total Total 840 301 281 138 104 165 135 711 114 60 30 48 93 41 18 12 14 14 14 11 3 2 6 3 – – – – 121 Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20

Table 32: Australian Public Service Act Employment arrangements current report period (2019–20)

SES Non–SES Total Enterprise Agreement – 1792 1792 Section 24 9 – 9 Individual Flexibility – 20 20 Arrangement TOTAL 9 1812 1821

Table 33: Australian Public Service Act employment salary ranges by classification level 122 (minimum/maximum) current report period (2019–20)

Minimum salary Maximum salary SES 3 – – SES 2 $252,599.00 $278,668.00 SES 1 $188,977.00 $201,874.00 EL 2 $120,863.00 $218,581.00 EL 1 $102,230.00 $141,913.00 APS 6 $81,860.00 $166,666.00 APS 5 $73,951.00 $88,328.00 APS 4 $66,304.00 $78,685.00 APS 3 $59,488.00 $65,193.00 APPENDIX H: WORKFORCE STATISTICS

APS 2 $ 52,227.0 0 $ 57,918.0 0 APS 1 $46,148.00 $51,006.00 Other – – Minimum/Maximum range $46,148.00 $278,668.00 Table 34: *** ** * Electoral Commission Non-judicial member Australian Commission Chairperson Australian Electoral Australian ElectoralNT Officer Australian Electoral Officer Tas Australian Electoral SA Officer Australian Electoral Officer WA Australian ElectoralQld Officer Australian ElectoralVic Officer Australian Electoral NSW Officer ElectoralDeputy Commissioner Australian Electoral Commission Electoral Commissioner Position

These duties are being performed by Michelle Harper in an acting capacity. acting an in Harper Michelle by performed being are duties These These duties are being performed by Adrian McCabe in an acting capacity. acting an in McCabe Adrian by performed being are duties These These duties are being performed by Nye Coffey in an acting capacity. acting an in Coffey Nye by performed being are duties These Statutory appointments under the the under appointments Statutory Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 Subsection 6(2)(c) of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 Subsection 6(2)(a) of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 Subsection 20(1) of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 Subsection 20(1) of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 Subsection 20(1) of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 Subsection 20(1) of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 Subsection 20(1) of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 Subsection 20(1) of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 Subsection 20(1) of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 Subsection 19(1) of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 Subsection 18(1) of the of role Legislative provision forexistence Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 Fleur Hill Fleur Thomas Ryan Steve Kennedy Austin Warwick APM Pope Jeff Tom Rogers occupant Current Dr David Gruen QC AO Cowdroy Dennis The Hon. Vacant Molnar David Vacant *** **

*

as of 30 June 2020 June 30 of as Five years from from years Five 03/09/2015 from years Five 15/06/2017 from years Five 02/11/2017 from years Five 19/12/2016 from years Five 15/12/2020 from years Five Current term December 2024 Until 23/03/2020 Six months from years seven to exceed not Vacant. Term 8/12/2016 from years Five 23/03/2017

123 Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20

($) Total Total 590,124 187,6 39 459,419 329,205 329,205 368,329 1,934,716 remuneration – – – – ($) benefits 280,316 280,316 Termination Termination – – – – – 124 – Other

long-term long-term benefits ($) benefits 7,630 7,630 3,771 3,771 4,964 6,905 12,152 35,422 35,422 leave ($) Other long-term benefits Long serviceLong

($) Post- 72,606 52,090 25,008 35,653 35,653 45,055 benefits 230,412 employment contributions APPENDIX H: WORKFORCE STATISTICS

Superannuation Superannuation – – – – – – Other benefits and allowances($) – – – 7,000 7,000 3,500 3,500 Bonuses ($) Bonuses Short-term benefits 266,710 315,644 134,986 134,986 158,860 505,366 505,366 1,381,565 Base salary ($) A/g First A/g Assistant Comissioner First AssistantFirst Comissioner AssistantFirst Comissioner Electoral Electoral Commissioner Deputy Electoral Deputy Electoral Commissioner Position Title Position

Lynn White Andrew Gately Tim Courtney TOTAL Tom Rogers Pope Jeff Name Information about remuneration for key management personnel* key about remuneration for Information 35: Table * At 30 June 2020, the AEC did not have any other highly paid staff. Table 36: Information about remuneration for senior executives (SES)*

Post- employment Termination Total Short-term benefits benefits Other long-term benefits benefits remuneration Remuneration Number Average Average Average other Average Average long Average other Average Average total band ($) of senior base salary bonuses ($) benefits and superannuation service leave long-term termination remuneration excutives ($) allowances ($) contributions ($) ($) benefits ($) benefits ($) ($) $0 – 17 105,884 988 – 16,411 2,749 – – 126,033 225,000 $225,001 – 3 193,858 1,167 – 31,707 4,873 – – 231,605 $245,000 $245,001 – – – – – – – – – – $270,000 $270,001 – 1 259,693 – – 20,932 6,294 – – 286,919 $295,000 $295,001 – 2 254,427 – – 38,474 6,113 – – 299,013 $320,000 $320,001 – – – – – – – – – – $345,000

* At 30 June 2020, the AEC did not have any other highly paid staff. 125 Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20

Appendix I: Electoral communications complaints

126 Table 37: Electoral communications complaints investigated by the AEC during the 2019 federal election*

Electoral Act breaches Communication Number investigated No breach of the type by AEC Electoral Act Section 321D Section 329 Social media 109 81 25 3 Signs and print 233 183 47 3 Other 186 175 10 1 communications TOTAL 528 439 82 7

*As authorisation data was not fully known and analysed until after the return of the writ for the 2019 federal election it was not included in the 2018–19 annual report. This data was subsequently reported to the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters as part of the AEC’s main submission to the Committee’s inquiry into the conduct of the 2019 federal election. APPENDIX I: ELECTORAL COMMUNICATIONS COMPLAINTS COMPLAINTS COMMUNICATIONS ELECTORAL I: APPENDIX

Abbreviations andacronyms, glossary, indextothelistof annual report requirements

and ageneralindex

Guides Reader Reader 127 Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20

Reader Guides

Abbreviations and acronyms

128 Term Description Term Description AAS Australian Accounting Standards EPLP Election Planning and Learning Program AAT Administrative Appeals Tribunal ERRM Election Ready Road Map ACSC Australian Cyber Security Centre FDEU Federal Direct Enrolment and Update AEC Australian Electoral Commission

READER GUIDES READER FOI Freedom of Information AEO Australian Electoral Officer FRR Financial Reporting Rule ANAO Australian National Audit Office ICARE APS values—impartial, committed APS Australian Public Service to service, accountable, respectful, ethical APSC Australian Public Service Commission ICT Information and communications technology AHRC Australian Human Rights Commission IEPP Indigenous Electoral Participation Program ARIR Annual Roll Integrity Report IFES International Foundation for Electoral ASL Average Staffing Level Systems BAC Business Assurance Committee International International Institute for Democracy BRIDGE Building Resources in Democracy, IDEA and Electoral Assistance Governance and Elections IPS Information Publication Scheme CALD Culturally and linguistically diverse JSCEM Joint Standing Committee on CSOC Cyber Security Operations Centre Electoral Matters

DAC Disability Advisory Committee NEEC National Electoral Education Centre

DFAT Department of Foreign Affairs and NEDC National Election Delivery Committee Trade NEM National Election Manager DLER Directed Level of Election Readiness NRS National Relay Service EA Enterprise Agreement NTEU National Training and Education Unit ECANZ Electoral Council of Australia and OTM Other Trust Monies accounts New Zealand PBS Portfolio Budget Statements ECL Electronic Certified List PGPA Act Public Governance, Performance EL Executive level and Accountability Act 2013 ELT Executive Leadership Team WHS UNEAD UNDP TSRA SOG SOETM SES PSPF PMP PIANZEA Term Work health and safety and health Work Division United Nations Electoral Assistance Programme United Nations Development Torres Strait Regional Authority Non agency bodies accounts Special accounts Other Entities and Trust Moneys Senior Executive Service Protective Policy Security Framework Plan Management Privacy Zealand Electoral Administrators Pacific Islands, Australiaand New Description 129 Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20

Glossary

130 Term Description Term Description Amortisation Reductions in the value Depreciation A method of allocating the of assets to reflect their cost of a tangible asset reduced worth over time. over its useful life. Ballot A secret vote, normally written. Elector A person whose name appears on an electoral roll. Ballot paper A paper that shows the questions to be put or the Electoral cycle The period from one READER GUIDES READER names of the candidates who federal election to the next, are standing for election and on usually three years. which voters mark their vote. Electoral division The voting area, containing By-election An election held to fill a approximately equal numbers single vacancy in the House of voters, for which one of Representatives. member is elected to the House of Representatives. Candidate A person standing for Australia is divided into election to the House of 150 electoral divisions. Representatives or Senate. Electoral roll The list of people entitled Certified list The official electoral roll used to to vote in an election mark off voters at an election. or referendum. Close of rolls The date the electoral roll Electorate See ‘electoral division’ above. closes for the federal election, which is 8pm local Australian Electronic An electronic list of eligible time on the seventh calendar certified list electors which is accessed day after the writs are issued. through an electronic device to allow polling officials to Compulsory The requirement for Australian efficiently search the list of voting citizens aged 18 years and eligible electors and record over to enrol to vote and that an elector has been to vote at each election. handed a ballot paper. Constitution The document that sets Employee Member of staff that is (Australian) out the structure under ongoing, non-ongoing, which the Australian intermittent or irregular. Government operates. It can only be amended Enrolment form See ‘claims for through a referendum. enrolment’ above. Court of Disputed A court (in Australia, the Federal election A general election for the Returns High Court) that determines House of Representatives disputes about elections. and Senate. Declaration of Formal announcement of Financial A document detailing nominations registered candidates, whose disclosure return information on the receipts and names will appear on a expenditure of participants ballot paper in an election. in the political process. Polling place day Polling Poll deficit Operating Nomination Member Electoral Matters Committee on Joint Standing Inventory balance Representatives of House disclosure Funding and vote formal or Formality Term A location for people to vote. people for A location election. the for fixed day The votes or opinions. of count election—a An revenue. exceeds expenditure Financial status in which House of Representatives. for election to the Senate or Submission for candidacy Representatives. used for the House of Parliament, but commonly to elected person Any and administration. to electoral laws, practices into,inquiries matters relating refers and on, reports that committee The parliamentary and materials. The worth of held goods the House of Representatives. division elects one member of electoral each system, voting formed. Under a preferential is government the which in Parliament of house The parties and others. political by candidates, details financial of certain campaigns and disclosure Public funding of election is called informal. paper incorrectly marked Aballot result. the towards counted is and correctly marked been has paper ballot the where referendum or election an A vote in Description Preferential Preferential vote Postal Term Roll appropriations Revenue political party Registered Returning officer Referendum Redistribution ballot Protected action Pre-poll vote voting A system of voting where where voting of A system back. posted and voter to a sent papers Ballot Description or referendum. or election to an vote in The list of people entitled government programs. specific for year each Federal funds set aside 1918 Act Electoral the of XI Part under AEC the with registered A party territory. or state their in officer for the Senateelection electoral is officer the returning electoral division. An Australian Representatives election in their for conducting the House of returning is officer responsible area.particular A divisional conducting an election in a The person responsible for Constitution. the A vote to change each electoral division. in voters of number same closely as possible) the (as to ensure boundaries A redrawing of electoral proceed in their workplace. industrial action should ballot to determine whether secret and afair in participate whereby employees system voting A workplace day. election before A vote cast numbering their choices. by candidates for preference of order an shows a voter Commonwealth Commonwealth . 131 Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20

132 Term Description Term Description Scrutineer Someone nominated by Vote To choose a representative, a candidate to watch the or indicate a preference, counting or scrutiny of votes. in an election. Scrutiny The counting of votes is also Writ A document commanding known as the scrutiny. an electoral officer to hold an election, containing dates for Senate The house of Parliament READER GUIDES READER

the close of rolls, the close of representing the states. nominations, the election day A total of 76 senators are and the return of the writ. elected—12 from each state and two from each territory—under a proportional representation system. Turnout The percentage of people who voted in the election (formal and informal votes as a percentage of eligible enrolled electors). Index requirements to list of report annual 17AD(c)(i); 16F 17AD(c)(i); 17AD(c) 17AE(2) 17AE(1)(b) 17AE(1)(aa)(iii) 17AE(1)(aa)(ii) 17AE(1)(aa)(i) 17AE(1)(a)(iv) 17AE(1)(a)(iii) 17AE(1)(a)(ii) 17AE(1)(a)(i) 17AD(b) 17AD(a) 17AD(a) 17AJ(g) ) 17AJ(f 17AJ(e) 17AJ(d) 17AJ(c) 17AJ(b) 17AJ(a) 17AD(h) 17AI 17AD(g) Reference PGPA Rule ii ii 133–138 130–132 139–145 iii-vi access to Aids viii Letter of transmittal page number Part ofreport and 12–31 statements performance Annual entity the of performance the on Report N/A N/A 123 123 13, 123 13, 8 8 8 8 entity the of Overview 2–5 Review by authority accountable ii paragraph 39(1)(b) of the Act and section 16F Rule the of section 39(1)(b) and Act the of paragraph Annual performance statement in accordance with Statement estimate or other statement portfolio Statement, Portfolio Additional Estimates by the entity from differ any Portfolio Budget Where the outcomes and programs administered entity the of portfolio the of structure the of outline An Period as the accountable authority Position title of the accountable authority Name of the accountable authority Purposes of the entity as included in corporate plan Outcomes and programmes administered A description of the organisational structure functions and role the of A description entity the of authority accountable by the A review Electronic address of report Website address Details of contact officer List of requirements of abbreviationsGlossary and acronyms index Alphabetical Table of contents by accountable authority dated and signed transmittal of Letter Description Mandatory Requirement Mandatory mandatory If applicable, mandatory departments Portfolio Mandatory Mandatory Mandatory Mandatory Mandatory Mandatory Mandatory Mandatory Mandatory Mandatory Mandatory Mandatory Mandatory Mandatory Mandatory 133 Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20

PGPA Rule Part of report and Reference page number Description Requirement 17AD(c)(ii) Report on financial performance 17AF(1)(a) 60–98 A discussion and analysis of financial performance Mandatory 17AF(1)(b) 100 A table summarising the total Mandatory resources and total payments 17AF(2) 66–70 Any significant changes in the financial results If applicable, during or after the previous or current reporting mandatory. period, information on those changes, including: the cause of any operating loss of the entity; how 134 the entity has responded to the loss and the actions that have been taken in relation to the loss; and any matter or circumstances that it can reasonably

be anticipated will have a significant impact on the entity’s future operation or financial results 17AD(d) Management and accountability Corporate governance READER GUIDES READER 17AG(2)(a) 49–50 Information on compliance with Mandatory section 10 (fraud systems) 17AG(2)(b)(i) 49–50 A certification by accountable authority Mandatory that fraud risk assessments and fraud control plans have been prepared 17AG(2)(b)(ii) 48–50 A certification by accountable authority that Mandatory appropriate mechanisms for preventing, detecting incidents of, investigating or otherwise dealing with, and recording or reporting fraud that meet the specific needs of the entity are in place 17AG(2)(b)(iii) 48–50 A certification by accountable authority Mandatory that all reasonable measures have been taken to deal appropriately with fraud 17AG(2)(c) 48–50 An outline of structures and processes in Mandatory place for the entity to implement principles and objectives of corporate governance 17AG(2)(d) – (e) N/A A statement of significant issues reported to If applicable, Minister under paragraph 19(1)(e) of the Act that mandatory relates to non compliance with Finance law and action taken to remedy non compliance External scrutiny 17AG(3) 50–51 Information on the most significant developments Mandatory in external scrutiny and the entity’s response 17AG(3)(a) 50 Information on judicial decisions and decisions If applicable, of administrative tribunals and by the Australian mandatory Information Commissioner that may have a significant effect on operations 17AG(3)(b) 51 Information on any reports on operations by the If applicable, Auditor General (other than report under section mandatory 43 of the Act), a Parliamentary Committee, or the Commonwealth Ombudsman 17AG(3)(c) N/A Information on any capability reviews released If applicable, mandatory 17AG(6) 17AG(5) 17AG(4)(d)(iv) 17AG(4)(d)(iii) 17AG(4)(d)(ii) 17AG(4)(d)(i) 17AG(4)(c)(iii) 17AG(4)(c)(ii) 17AG(4)(c)(i) 17AG(4)(c) 17AG(4)(b) 17AG(4)(aa) 17AG(4)(a) Reference PGPA Rule 122 –121 116 52–53 –121 116 52–53 52–56 resources human of Management page number Part ofreport and 57 Purchasing N/A Assets management N/A N/A N/A 53) N/A page (see 124 122 122 the Commonwealth Procurement Rules against performance entity of assessment An significant ofpart theentity’s activities a is management asset where management assets of effectiveness of assessment An payments performance of Information on aggregate amount level classification each at payments, such of range and payment, performance of amount average the on Information payperformance at each classification level Information on aggregate amounts of classification levelwho payreceivedperformance Information on the number of employees at each to employees provided benefits salary non of A description employees by classification level APS for available ranges salary The by agreements identified in paragraph 17AG(4)(c) covered employees SES non and SES of number The 24(1) subsection the of under agreements, common law contracts and determinations flexibilityarrangements, Australian workplace individual agreements, enterprise any on Information Indigenous as identify who • employees location • staff • gender employees time • part employees time • full • staffing classification level ongoing and non ongoing basis, including: an on employees APS entity’s the on Statistics location staff (d) (c) gender employees time part (b) employees time (a) full ongoing and non ongoing basis, including: an on employees entity’s the on Statistics and developing employees to achieve entity objectives managing in effectiveness entity’s the of assessment An Description Public Service Act 1999 Act Service Public Mandatory Mandatory Mandatory Requirement Mandatory mandatory If applicable, mandatory If applicable, mandatory If applicable, mandatory If applicable, mandatory If applicable, Mandatory Mandatory Mandatory Mandatory 135 Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20

PGPA Rule Part of report and Reference page number Description Requirement Consultants 17AG(7)(a) 58 A summary statement detailing the number of new Mandatory contracts engaging consultants entered into during the period, the total actual expenditure on all new consultancy contracts entered into during the period; the number of ongoing consultancy contracts that were entered into during a previous reporting period; and the total actual expenditure in the reporting year on the ongoing consultancy contracts 136 17AG(7)(b) 58 New consultancy contracts—statement Mandatory 17AG(7)(c) 58 A summary of the policies and procedures Mandatory

for selecting and engaging consultants and the main categories of purposes for which consultants were selected and engaged 17AG(7)(d) 58 The value of contracts and consultancies is Mandatory available on the AusTender website—statement READER GUIDES READER

Australian National Audit Office Access Clauses 17AG(8) N/A (see page 52) If an entity entered into a contract with a value If applicable, of more than $100 000 and the contract did not mandatory provide the Auditor General with access to the contractor’s premises, the report must include the name of the contractor, purpose and value of the contract, and the reason why a clause allowing access was not included in the contract Exempt contracts 17AG(9) 58 Exempt contracts or standing offer (value greater If applicable, than $10 000 inclusive of GST)—statement mandatory Small business 17AG(10)(a) 58 Supporting small business participation in the Mandatory Commonwealth Government procurement market, and reference to the Department of Finance’s website—statement 17AG(10)(b) 58 An outline of the ways in which the Mandatory procurement practices of the entity support small and medium enterprises 17AG(10)(c) 58 If the entity is considered by the Department If applicable, administered by the Finance Minister as material in mandatory nature, recognition of the importance of ensuring that small businesses are paid on time—statement Financial statements 17AD(e) 60–98 Inclusion of the annual financial statements in Mandatory accordance with subsection 43(4) of the Act Executive remuneration 17AD(da) 116 –125, Information about executive remuneration in accordance Mandatory 52–53 with Subdivision C of Division 3A of Part 2(3) of the Rule 17AH(2) 17AH(1)(e) 17AH(1)(d) 17AH(1)(c) 17AH(1)(b) 17AH(1)(a)(ii) 17AH(1)(a)(i) 17AD(f) Reference PGPA Rule 115 114 112 107–111 102–106 100–101 N/A 51 53–54 N/A N/A 113 information Other mandatory page number Part ofreport and

Information required by other legislation Correction of material errors in previous annual report Act FOI of II to Part pursuant statement Scheme Website reference to the Information Publication including reference to website for information further reporting, disability of mechanisms of Outline Grants awarded—statement effect to that astatement campaigns, advertising conduct not did entity the If website Finance of Department to the reference Advertising campaigns conducted—statement and Description If applicable, Mandatory Mandatory mandatory If applicable, mandatory If applicable, mandatory If applicable, Requirement Mandatory mandatory 137 Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20

General Index

138 A B Aboriginal Australians, see Indigenous Australians Boigu Island, 38 accountability and management, 48–58 Bougainville, 42 Accountable Authority, 102 Building Resources in Democracy, Governance accuracy of electoral roll and enrolment and Elections (BRIDGE), 43 processing, 15 bushfires, 2, 18, 25, 42 GENERAL INDEXGENERAL ACTSmart business accreditation, 57 education activities, affects on, 41 Administrative Appeals Tribunal decisions, 50 Business Assurance Committee, 48, 49, 105 advertising, 113 business continuity plans, 49 2019 federal election campaign, 41; business intelligence capability, 23 judicial decisions, 50 by-elections, 34, 45 Eden-Monaro by-election, 42 2019, 55 advice and information on electoral security, 4, 37 administration, 26–7 Torres Strait Regional Authority, 38 AEC for Schools website, 18, 38, 41 see also Eden-Monaro by-election agency directions, 12, 14–31 agency resource statement, 100 C annual performance statements, 13–31 Canada, 27, 37 assets and assets management, 56–7, 60 Capability Committee, 49, 105 Attorney-General’s Department, 37, 50 capability framework, 24 audit committee, 102–3 carers leave, 52 audits, 48, 57, 61 casual workforce, 52 AusTender, 58 see also temporary election workforce Australian Constitution, 50 Chisholm, 50 Australian Federal Police, 37 citizenship, 50 Australian Government Graduate Recruitment, 25 classification of staff, 52, 118–20, 122 Australian Human Rights Commission decisions, Comcare, 54, 55 51 Comcover, 22 Australian Information Commissioner decisions, Commission members, 8, 53, 123 50 Commissioner, see Electoral Commissioner Australian National Audit Office (Auditor-General), Commonwealth Chief Medical Officer, 36 48, 51, 57, 61 Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918, 8, 27, 58 Australian Privacy Commissioner decisions, 50 electoral advertising, 50 Australian Public Service Commission, 55 electoral communications complaints, 126 Australian Signals Directorate, 37 electoral roll data and extracts, 35 average staffing levels (ASL), 23, 101 complexity, 2–3 49, 51,complaints, 126 compensation claims, 55 111 35, information, roll to receive entitled companies engagement,community 19, 38, 39–40 communication, 41–2 Commonwealth Ombudsman investigations, 51 see Commonwealth Electoral Roll, cyber security, 37 security, cyber scrutiny, 51customer 19, from, 40 people background, culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) 50 petitions, Returns of Disputed Court corporate plan, 50 corporate governance, 22–3, 102–6 48–58, (COVID-19) 19,coronavirus pandemic, 25, 27, 55 50 signs, corflute contracts, 58 consultants, 50 Constitution, roll, electoral 15 in confidence Compliance Review Committee, 17 see also see under, 123 appointments statutory under, 53 engaged staff 43 redistributions, international 38 services, funding and disclosure scheme, 19, 115 agency directions, 12, directions, 14–31agency also see 55, 56, 57 arrangements, home from work 38 elections, Authority Regional Torres Strait 54 to support, secondments staff roll management activities, 18 international 42 services, 18, 41 activities, education electoral compliance program, 17 61 risks, model funding activities; websites and online services electoral roll Eden-Monaro by-election electoral education; public awareness see purchasing

124 8, 27, Commissioner, Electoral 53, 123,Deputy 37 27, Cabinet, and Minister Prime of the Department Development and Communications, 37 Regional Transport, of Infrastructure, Department 37 Affairs, of Home Department 42–3 Trade, and 38, Affairs of Foreign Department 23, 26, 37, of Finance, Department 61 Energy, 57 and of Environment Department to AEC, 43 delegations D election writs, 15 writs, election 20, 21 Program, Modernisation Systems Election map, 12, road ready 21,election 29 12–13, readiness, election 20, 21, 29 56 Program, Learning and Planning Election 20, 21 process, forecasting election 18, 41, 38, activities, education 57 4, 15, by-election, 49 36, Eden-Monaro 54 program, intervention early E10 57 petrol, E 50 petitions, returns disputed disinformation, 4 40 Committee, Advisory Disability 40 Plan, Action Disability 19, with, people 40 disability, 29 (DLER), 21, Readiness of Election Level Directed Voter 3 2030, lessons management framework, 36 also see 16, 18, campaign, 41–2voter communication 36 24, electiontemporary workforce training, 21, places, 36 polling 41 37, ‘Stop and Consider’ social media campaign, mechanisms,reporting 53–4 complaints, 51 staff learning and learning development staff

139 Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20

elections and election events, 12–13, 15–21, 36–8 F disinformation, 4; ‘Stop and Consider’ social Federal Court decisions, 50 media campaign, 37, 41 federal elections, see Eden-Monaro by-election; future direction, 3 elections and election events; May 2019 federal see also by-elections; May 2019 federal election election female staff, 116–19 Electoral Act, see Commonwealth Electoral Act finance, 23, 60–97 1918 purchasing, 57–8; advertising and market Electoral and Referendum Regulations, 35 research, 113 140 Electoral Commission members, 8, 53, 123 remuneration and salaries, 52, 53, 122, 124–5 Electoral Commissioner, 8, 123 financial disclosure by political parties, 19, 45, 48,

Accountable Authority, 102; statement 115 presenting annual performance statements, 13 compliance reviews, 17 Directed Level of Election Readiness (DLER) First Assistant Commissioners, 8, 124 determination, 21, 29 five-day enrolment processing rate, 15, 18 remuneration, 53, 124 GENERAL INDEXGENERAL

fleet, 57 review of year, 2–5 flu vaccinations, 54 staffing powers, 52–3 Four Countries Conference, 27 electoral communications complaints, 51, 126 fraud control, 49–50 Electoral Council of Australia and New Zealand Fraud Control Committee, 49, 106 (ECANZ), 27, 39, 40, 54 freedom of information, 51 electoral divisions, 43–4 full-time staff, 116–20 Court of Disputed Returns petitions, 50 functions, 8, 34–45 see also Eden-Monaro by-election electoral education, 18, 38, 41, 57 G Electoral Integrity Assurance Taskforce, 37 Garbett v Liu, 50 Electoral Legislation Amendment (Electoral gender of staff, 116–19 Funding and Disclosure Reform) Act 2018, 115 General Voter Registration System, 42 Electoral Pocketbook, 23, 36 Get Voting program, 41 electoral roll, 15, 18, 27, 34–5, 107–11 governance, 22–3, 48–58, 102–6 Indigenous enrolment rate, 5, 35 governance committees, 22, 49 electoral security, see protective security government agencies provided with roll data or Electronic Certified Lists, 30 extracts, 35, 110 electronic records management system, 23 graduate recruitment, 25 employee assistance program, 54 H employees, see staff health and safety, see work health and safety energy efficiency and use, 57 homelessness, people experiencing, 40 Enlightening Elections 2020, 41 human resources, see staff Enterprise Agreement 2016–2019, 52 Human Rights Commission decisions, 51 environmental performance and sustainable development, 57 ethanol, 57 ethical standards, 48 Executive Leadership Team, 8, 49, 105 external audit, 48 external scrutiny, 50–1 information and advice on electoral electoral on advice and information 54 vaccinations, influenza 17, ballots, and elections 19,industrial 30 53 arrangements, flexibility individual languages,Indigenous 39 39 Group, Working Participation Electoral Indigenous 38 35, (IEPP), Program Participation Electoral Indigenous 19, 39 38, Australians, Indigenous India, 43 55 reported, incidents incident management team, 55 I Korea, 43 Korea, 50 Kooyong, K judicial decisions, 50 26 23, Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters, 43 Japan, J international 38, 42–3 services, 43 Assistance, Electoral and Democracy for Institute International 43 Systems, Electoral for Foundation International internal audit, 48 27 Security, and Integrity Inter-Jurisdictional Working Group on Electoral claims, and 55 illness injury Information Publication Scheme, 51 48 30, information communications and technology, 23, administration, 26–7 modernisation, 20, 21 home-based operations, for, support 56 38 elections, Authority Regional Torres Strait 19 121; workforce, staff, election temporary rate, 5, 35 enrolment see also see 54 systems, safety and health work security, 37 49 software, management risk services social media; websites and online legislation, 58 legal decisions, 50 Learning Governance Committee, 105 56 Learning and Professional Development Strategy, education; and learning development staff andlearning development, L modernisation agenda, 20, 21 agenda, modernisation ministerial submissions, 26 ministerial correspondence, 26 mental health, 25 of Parliament, Members 23, 37, 2019May election, federal 49, 55 41, research, market 113 management committees, 105–6 accountability, and 48–58 management 116–19 staff, male M by, 116–17, employees location, 121 61 60, liabilities, lessons management framework, 36 environmental and sustainable performance 122 53, under, 52, conditions and terms employment 35 extracts, and data roll electoral 50 Constitution, Australian languages, 39 languages, Islander Torres and Strait Aboriginal in videos after, 18 activities management roll 20, 21, identified, 29 lessons 41 used, activities of communication evaluation 30 devices, (ECL) List Certified Electronic 115 entitlements, funding election 60 costs, 126 investigated, complaints engagementcommunity pilot activities, 19 1918 Act Electoral Commonwealth also see 54, 55 obligations, safety and health work Commissioner, 13 49, 50, 57, 61; 58, by Electoral statement Accountability Act 2013 and Governance,Public Performance judicial decisions, 50 51 of information, freedom development report, 57 see (PGPA Act), 12, see parliamentarians electoral 141 Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20

N performance report, 12–31 National Archives of Australia, 23 personal (carers) leave, 52 National Election Delivery Committee, 49, 106 Philippines, 43 National Electoral Education Centre (NEEC), 18, ‘Plan your vote’ campaign, 42 38, 41, 57 plans and planning, 50, 104 National Induction Program, 56 business continuity, 49 National Training and Education Unit (NTEU), 38, disability action, 40 56 fraud control, 49 New South Wales Department of Health, 36 information communication and technology, 20 142 New Zealand, 27, 39, 42, 43, 54 privacy management, 22 NewAccess program, 25 workforce, 25, 54

non-ongoing employees, 52, 116–21 see also corporate plan; election readiness non-salary benefits, 52 political parties O financial disclosure, 19, 45, 48, 115; compliance reviews, 17

GENERAL INDEXGENERAL occupational health and safety, see work health

and safety registrations, 45 Ombudsman investigations, 51 roll data and extracts provided to, 35, 109 ongoing employees, 52, 116–21 polling places, 21, 30 online services, see websites and online services accessibility standard, 27 operating environment, 2–3, 13 Eden-Monaro by-election, 21, 36 funding model, 61 Portfolio Budget Statements (PBS), 23, 100 operating result, 23, 60–1 performance criteria, 12, 14 Operational Leaders Program, 25 privacy, 22, 35 Organisational Health Committee, 49, 105 Australian Privacy Commissioner decisions, 50 organisational structure, 8–9, 29, 30 private sector organisations entitled to receive roll information, 35, 111 outcome and program, 8, 14, 101 procurement, see purchasing P program and outcome, 8, 14, 101 Pacific Islands, Australia and New Zealand protective security, 4, 26, 27, 37 Electoral Administrators (PIANZEA) network, 42 actions from annual assessment, 23 Pacific nations, 42, 43 disinformation, 4; ‘Stop and Consider’ social paid personal (carers) leave, 52 media campaign, 37, 41 pandemic, see coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic see also coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic Papua New Guinea, 42 Protective Security Policy Framework, 26 parliamentarians public awareness activities, 16, 38–45 eligibility under Constitution, 50 Public Governance, Performance and roll data and extracts provided to, 108–9 Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act), 12, 49, 50, 57, 58, 61 parliamentary committees, 23, 26, 27 statement by Electoral Commissioner, 13 part-time staff, 116–20 public submissions, 26 people strategy, 24, 25 purchasing, 57–8 performance cycles, 12 advertising and market research, 113 see also election readiness purpose, 8, 12 performance management and performance pay, 53 researchers, roll extracts provided to, 111 provided extracts roll researchers, of AEC, 26–8 reputation 43 of Korea, Republic 52, 53, 122, salaries, and 124–5 remuneration remote communities, 5 rehabilitation, 54 regulator framework, 31 performance 45 parties, of political registration 43 redistributions, recruitment, 25 23 management, records radio, 39 R 26 Notice, on Questions 26 Briefs, Time Question Q Sri Lanka, 42 Lanka, Sri Solomon Islands, 42 39, 42 media, social small business support, 58 to, 54 secondments Australia, Services plans, 36 service charter,service 51 Senior Leaders Program, 25 125 senior executive (SES) service employees, 53, 26 hearings, Estimates Senate Governance Committee,Security 106 security, 18, 41 programs, 38, education electoral school 18 visitors, (NEEC) Centre Education Electoral of National satisfaction 52.53, 122, remuneration, and 124–5 salaries safety, S role, 8 22, 49 48, management, risk resources, 100–1 see also see Englightening Elections 2020, 41 Elections Englightening staff technology; and ‘Stop and Consider’ campaign, 37, campaign, Consider’ 41‘Stop and see see finance; informationcommunications work health and safety and health work protective security supply chain management, 30 submissions, 26 41 37, campaign, media social Consider’ ‘Stop and 53, holders, 123–4 office statutory Staindl v Frydenberg, 24, 25, development, and 50, 56 learning staff 116–25 52–6, 24–5, staff, tenders, 19, workforce, 27, election 40, 53, 55 temporary 41 38, teacher professional opportunities, learning 18, T sustainable development, 57 Voter 3 2030, vision, 8 39, 40 videos, 43 Vanuatu, V United Nations Electoral Assistance Division, 43 United Nations Development Programme, 43 United Kingdom, 27, 37 38 Island, Ugar U tribunal decisions, 50 Transparency Register, 115 and development training, 38 elections, Authority Regional Torres Strait Islanders, Torres Strait Tonga, 42 Tokelau, 42 Timor-Leste, 43 timeliness security awareness,security 37 22 management, risk also see 55, 56, 57 home, from working 23,levels, 101 staffing average enrolment processing, 15, 18 processing, enrolment 15 writs, election 30 survey, 24, by-election, 36 Eden-Monaro see see temporary election temporary workforce electoral education; learning staff purchasing 50 see Indigenous Australians Indigenous 143 Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2019–20

W websites and online services AusTender, 58 electoral education, 18, 38, 41 enrolment transactions, 15, 18 General Voter Registration System, 42 home-based operations, support for, 56 ‘Stop and Consider’ campaign, 41 work health and safety, 54–5, 106 144 mental health, 25 see also bushfires; coronavirus (COVID-19)

pandemic workforce, see staff workforce planning, 25, 54 writs, 15 GENERAL INDEXGENERAL

Y Yates v Frydenberg, 50 youth, 40