Pre-Poll Votes

The Hon. J.A. DARLEY (14:53): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Leader of the Government, representing the Attorney-General, questions with regard to pre-poll votes.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.A. DARLEY: Earlier this year my office submitted a freedom of information application with regard to declaration votes made pre-poll. When a declaration vote is made electors are asked for reasons as to why they are attending pre-poll and unable to vote on polling day. My FOI request asked for statistics on the reasons given by electors. I was advised that the Electoral Commission does not keep information on this. My questions therefore are:

1. Can the minister advise whether this information is used in any way?

2. Why do electors have to give a reason if this information is not kept?

3. Can the minister advise if anyone has been refused casting a vote pre-poll as they have been unable to provide a reason which was accepted by an authorised officer?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Employment, Higher Education and Skills, Minister for Science and Information Economy, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Business Services and Consumers) (14:54): I thank the honourable member for his questions and will refer those to the relevant minister in another place and bring back a response.