Electoral Commissioner

In reply to the Hon. D.G.E. HOOD ().7 February 2024).

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector): I undertook to provide a reply to some of the specific questions that the honourable member asked about Electoral Commission staff concerns or complaints. The Electoral Commissioner has provided me with the following information:

The South Australian state election is one of the largest and most complex logistical events in South Australia. 6,128 persons were engaged to deliver the 2022 state election. 32 were full-time Electoral Commission staff and remaining 6,096 were temporary election workforce many of which only worked on polling day.

Of the 6,128 persons that were engaged to deliver the state election, one person lodged a formal complaint and WorkCover claim. This person was provided with psychological support and subsequently withdrew their claim.

Anonymous feedback provided in 2022 post-election staff surveys particularly referenced long hours worked. In consideration of this feedback, in recent elections the Electoral Commission has limited the hours staff work per day and the number of consecutive days worked.

Additional measures to prevent fatigue will be in place for the 2026 South Australian state election. The Electoral Commission has a comprehensive fatigue management plan to ensure the health and welfare of full-time staff and polling officials.

I acknowledge the important work the Electoral Commission has undertaken in recent years especially during the challenges of the COVID pandemic. Over the last two years the Electoral Commission has delivered elections for the state, local government and the First Nations Voice to Parliament and I thank all the staff of the Electoral Commission for their hard work, professionalism and dedication.