Polling Booth Officer

In reply to Mr GARDNER (Morialta) (17 July 2014). (Estimates Committee A) (First Session)

The Hon. J.R. RAU (Enfield—Deputy Premier, Attorney-General, Minister for Justice Reform, Minister for Planning, Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Child Protection Reform): I have been provided the following advice:

I am advised that the officer in question was reprimanded and counselled by the Returning Officer responsible for the management of the pre-poll centre where the incident occurred. The Returning Officer reported that the officer understood that he had acted improperly, apologised and acknowledged that any further incidents would result in more serious action against him. The officer has long experience as a polling booth manager and until this incident had received satisfactory reports during previous events.

It has been reported that at the time of the incident there was unexpectedly high demand for pre-poll voting at the centre and ongoing difficulties were being experienced in recruiting and training additional staff at short notice. Based on his previous work performance history as an electoral official the decision was taken not to stand the officer down.

I am advised the Returning Officer was directed to monitor the officers' performance and he attended the pre-poll centre regularly following the incident. Feedback from other staff at the centre confirmed no further complaints were received.

The officer did continue duties as a polling booth manager and with his Returning Officer in the week after election day but was advised that he would not be re-employed at future events. The officer's staff record has been so endorsed.