Western Australian Electoral Commission Annual Report 2012 – 2013 Western Australian Electoral Commission This report Letter of transmittal This report describes the functions and operations of the Western The Hon. Peter Collier MLC Australian Electoral Commission, outlining our performance and Minister for Electoral Affairs outputs during 2012–2013 and also presents our audited financial 10th Floor, Dumas House statements and performance indicators for the year ended Havelock Street 30 June 2013. WEST PERTH WA 6005 The report should be read in the context that the desired outcome of Dear Minister the Commission is as follows: Western Australian electors are able to Western Australian Electoral Commission participate in independent and impartial elections or polls as part of the Annual Report 2012–2013 State’s democratic processes. In accordance with the Western Australian Public Sector Annual Yours sincerely Reporting Framework for the 2012–2013 reporting year, I submit for your endorsement and presentation to Parliament, the Annual Report of the Western Australian Electoral Commission for the year ended 30 June 2013. The report includes the Auditor General’s Opinion on the Commission’s financial statements and performance indicators. Chris Avent Yours sincerely A/ELECTORAL COMMISSIONER 16 September 2013 Chris Avent A/ELECTORAL COMMISSIONER 16 September 2013 Who we are The Western Australian Electoral Commission, About us created in 1987 following electoral reforms, is Our Purpose a department of the WA Public Service through which electoral legislation is administered and To provide Western Australians with quality electoral services through the conduct of impartial the functions of the Electoral Commissioner are and independent elections and the promotion of public awareness of electoral matters, thereby performed. The Commission employs 50 staff fostering public confidence and participation in the electoral process. and has an average annual budget of around $8 million in a non-election year. Our Vision What we do To be recognised for excellence in the delivery of efficient and innovative electoral services. The Western Australian Electoral Commission’s primary role is to conduct elections, maintain the electoral roll and raise public awareness of Our Values electoral matters, with the outcome that Western Australian electors are able to participate in Professional independent and impartial elections or referenda A secret ballot How we go about our work as part of the democratic process. At all time we act with integrity and independence, are ethical, transparent and To this end, three areas of operation (or outputs) work to the highest standards. comprise the Service that is the Commission’s core business: Respectful How we treat others and expect to be treated. 9 Election Management We are civil, courteous, credible and value others. 9 Electoral Roll Management Drive-in polling 9 Electoral Education and Information. Customer Focused How we deliver our services We strive to improve the efficiency and We strive to understand our customer’s needs, effectiveness of everything we do through honour our commitments, build long-term innovation, learning and development. relationships and foster good communication. Collaborative How we work together We build a positive work environment through teamwork, support and good working Declaration vote processing relationships. Accessibility To make this annual report as accessible as possible, it is provided in the following three formats: 9 An interactive PDF version, which has links to other sections of the annual report. 9 An online version, which allows for quick and easy viewing of annual report sections. This version also Early voting in the city features easy to use download and print functions. 9 A text version, which is suitable for use with screen reader About this annual report software applications. This annual report provides a review of the Western Australian Electoral Commission’s Contact details operations for the financial year ended 30 June 2013 and comprises: Level 2, 111 St Georges Terrace Overview Disclosures and Legal Compliance Perth WA 6000 An overview of our role, responsibilities, A report on the WAEC’s compliance with T: 13 63 06 (toll free in WA) or (08) 9214 0400 organisational structure, highlights and various legislative and Government policy F: (08) 9226 0577 significant issues. requirements. E: [email protected] W: www.elections.wa.gov.au Agency Performance Key Performance Indicators A report on our operational performance Detailed audited key performance indicator National Relay Service (NRS) from 1 July 2012 to 30 June 2013 and the information. 133 677 then ask for (08) 9214 0400 progress towards achieving the desired © 2013 Western Australian Electoral Commission. All rights outcomes of the Western Australian Electoral Financial Statements reserved. This material may be reproduced in whole or in Commission (WAEC). Detailed audited financial statements and part provided the source is acknowledged. disclosures. Report on Operations A comprehensive report on the WAEC's operations across all areas of activity. Contents | Previous | Next Contents This report ............................................................................. ii Agency Performance Local Government Boundary Changes ...............................33 Letter of transmittal ............................................................... ii Performance Management Framework ...............................16 Supply of Roll Information ...................................................34 Commission Outcome and Outputs ....................................16 Output 3 – Electoral Education and Information .............35 About us Summary of Key Results and Performance ........................18 Overview .............................................................................35 Our Purpose ......................................................................... iii 2013 State General Election The Electoral Education Centre .........................................36 Our Vision ............................................................................. iii Key Performance Indicators ................................................19 Key Results Area 1 – Our Clients ......................................38 Our Values ............................................................................ iii Election Preparations ..........................................................20 Overview .............................................................................38 Who we are .......................................................................... iii Election Conduct ................................................................21 Services to Political Parties and Candidates .......................38 What we do .......................................................................... iii Election Outcomes ..............................................................22 Services to Indigenous Electors – Reconciliation Action Plan ...................................................39 About this annual report Report on Operations – Language Services Policy ..................................................40 Accessibility ......................................................................... iv Outputs and Results Areas Key Results Area 2 – Our People ......................................41 Contact details ..................................................................... iv Output 1 – Election Management ......................................24 Overview .............................................................................41 State General Election ........................................................24 Overview of the Agency Staff Profile ..........................................................................42 Election Logistics.................................................................24 Executive Summary ..............................................................4 Training and Professional Development .............................43 Electoral Innovations ...........................................................25 Election Operations ...............................................................4 Public Sector Standards ......................................................43 Election Cost .......................................................................27 Staffing ..................................................................................6 Key Results Area 3 – The Organisation ...........................44 Local Government Elections ..............................................27 Information Technology .........................................................6 Overview .............................................................................44 Extraordinary Elections .......................................................28 Enrolment ..............................................................................7 Corporate Governance ........................................................44 2012–2013 Local Government Highlights 2012–2013............................................................7 Corporate Executive ............................................................44 Extraordinary Postal Elections ............................................28 Significant Issues Impacting the Agency ...............................8 Risk Management ..............................................................45 Amalgamation