The Electoral Matters Committee will commence its review of the upcoming 2025 Federal Election with its first hearing on October 15, 2025. The session will be held at Parliament House in Canberra, running from 09:00 to 16:30. The committee, chaired by Jerome Laxale MP, aims to address critical concerns surrounding the electoral process.
During this initial hearing, the Committee will hear from the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC). Mr. Laxale highlighted that discussions will focus on the issue of aggressive conduct observed at polling booths. He stated, “Aggressive conduct is a direct threat to universal voter access.” This conduct has emerged as a significant concern based on early submissions to the Committee.
In addition to addressing polling booth behavior, the Committee will explore whether the current authorisation of political messages is sufficient. Mr. Laxale emphasized the importance of transparency in political communication, asserting that “an elector should always know who is responsible for the messages they see.” This aspect of the review is seen as a vital safeguard for voters.
The Committee’s agenda includes testimony from various organizations and experts. Scheduled participants include representatives from the Australia Institute, the Grattan Institute, and prominent political figures such as The Hon Bob McMullan and Professor Emerita Anne Twomey.
The hearing will feature a structured timetable, with specific time slots allocated for each presenter. The agenda is as follows:
– 09:00 – 10:45: Australian Electoral Commission
– 13:30 – 14:00: The Hon Bob McMullan
– 14:00 – 14:30: Dr. Jill Sheppard
– 14:30 – 15:00: The Australia Institute
– 15:30 – 16:00: Grattan Institute
– 16:00 – 16:30: Professor Emerita Anne Twomey
– 16:30: Adjournment
Further hearings are planned, both in Canberra and in other states, before the end of the year to gather comprehensive input on electoral conduct and integrity. The Committee aims to ensure that upcoming elections reflect the democratic values of accessibility and transparency.
For those interested in following the proceedings, the hearing will be broadcast live on the official parliamentary website at aph.gov.au/live. Additional information regarding the 2025 Election Inquiry and committee details can also be accessed through their respective web pages.
