ECQ under microscope over election day debacle
By Mitch Gaynor
QUEUING, ballot paper shortages and other related election day issues will be examined in an expanded in-depth external review of the Electoral Commission Queensland.
The announcement follows a frustrating election day experience for many voters on March 16.
“We have heard from some of our Queensland communities that voting in this year’s local government and by-elections was far from ideal,” Premier Steven Miles said.
“I look forward to seeing the outcomes of the external review.”
Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath said: “It is my expectation that this review will identify areas for improvement, including a review of staffing levels, to ensure the ECQ improves the voting experience for voters.”
The review comes as counting across 10 Sunshine Coast divisions continues at a snail’s pace with only one declared winner as of Monday (March 25).
Division 1 candidate Jenny Broderick is leading Kristy Taylor-Rose by a healthy margin, amassing 11,296 votes (54 per cent) to Ms Taylor-Rose’s 7,719 (37 per cent).
Stan Nawrocki has secured 1,833 votes (7 per cent).
While Mr Nawrocki is preferencing Ms Taylor-Rose, it does not appear enough to catch Ms Broderick.
In a Facebook post, Ms Taylor-Rose wrote: “Even though the result is not what I/we wanted, I can’t believe how well I actually did in the count and pleased it wasn’t a landslide.”
“I hope whoever is elected actually looks after Aura and be good to hear what policies they have for us here and doesn’t ignore us when we become to big and it divides the division.”
Division 5 appears a much closer race, with incumbent Winston Johnston and Greens candidate Tracy Burton battling it out.
As of March 25, 83 per cent of the division’s unofficial counting had been tallied with Mr Johnston (7,963 votes or 37.45 per cent) just ahead of Ms Burton (7,590 votes or 35.82 per cent).
Independent, Richard Bruinsma (5,665 or 25.7 per cent), is understood to be preferencing Mr Johnston.
Ms Burton thanked her supporters and said it was a matter of seeing the outcome of “mysterious” preferences, noting many people did not take how to vote cards into booths.
“It was a massive campaign we ran, to try to bring positive change to the hinterland, and more action!” Ms Burton wrote on Facebook.