BREAKING: The future of a controversial $86 million contract for the upcoming 2025 Western Australia elections is under urgent scrutiny as discussions are set for after October. Dennis O’Reilly, Acting WA Electoral Commissioner, is scheduled to meet with Persol, the recruitment agency responsible for hiring temporary workers, following significant issues that have raised public trust concerns.
During a parliamentary committee meeting on Wednesday morning, O’Reilly expressed his discontent with the current model of employing temporary staff through Persol, highlighting that it has not been effectively utilized in other jurisdictions. “In other jurisdictions, they actually work for the commission itself,” he stated, emphasizing the challenges posed by the current setup where workers are employed by Persol.
The WA Electoral Commission (WAEC) has faced scrutiny over its handling of past elections, prompting a special investigation led by former governor Malcolm McCusker. O’Reilly noted, “I think one of the strengths that we have with temporary work is that there’s a little bit of prestige about working for the commission itself.” This prestige, he argues, is missing when workers are sourced externally.
Persol’s contract is not just tied to the 2025 state and local elections; it also includes options to manage the 2027 local government election and the 2029 state election. As O’Reilly prepares for discussions with Persol after the local government elections next month, he aims to address these pressing concerns.
O’Reilly said the two parties are “reflecting” on their collaboration, indicating that a mature and responsible dialogue is necessary for the future. The urgency of these talks comes as trust in the electoral process is at stake.
With crucial elections approaching, the implications of these discussions could significantly impact the electoral landscape in Western Australia. The outcome of these talks will be pivotal in restoring public confidence and ensuring that the upcoming elections are conducted effectively.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
