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Introduction
PurposeofthisbookletThis information booklet is intended to assist candidates at Tasmanian local governmentelections.Thisbookletcanbedownloadedatwww.tec.tas.gov.au.HardcopyversionsarealsoavailablefromtheTasmanianElectoralCommission(TEC).Foreaseofreading,somesectionsoftheLocalGovernmentAct1993havebeenparaphrased.However, it is important to note that this booklet has no legal status and should not besubstitutedfortheActitself.Unless otherwise specified, section references in subject headings are from the LocalGovernmentAct1993.
Usefultips:Shadedboxesthroughoutthebooklethighlightpracticaladviceforcandidates.
LegislationrelatingtolocalgovernmentelectionsLocalgovernmentelectionsareconductedinaccordancewiththeLocalGovernmentAct1993andtheLocalGovernment(General)Regulations2015.CandidatesshouldrefertotheActandRegulationsorseekindependentlegaladviceiftheyhaveanyqueries.
Tasmanianlegislationcanbeviewedordownloadedatwww.legislation.tas.gov.au
RoleoftheTasmanianElectoralCommissionandreturningofficersCandidatesshouldbeawarethattheroleoftheTasmanianElectoralCommissionandreturningofficersistoadministertheelectioninaccordancewiththeLocalGovernmentAct1993.WhileinterpretationoftheActformspartofthefunctionofreturningofficers, it isnottheirroletoprovidelegaladvicetocandidates.
It is in the best interests of candidates to obtain legal interpretations from their own legaladvisers.
Contents
Electiontimetable—2018.......................................................................................................1
Councillorsandaldermen........................................................................................................1
Changessince2014..................................................................................................................1
Noticeofelection.....................................................................................................................2Publicationofnotice..........................................................................................................2
RoleofTasmanianElectoralCommission.........................................................................2Appointmentofreturningofficers...................................................................................2
Electoralrolls....................................................................................................................2
Nomination...............................................................................................................................3Nominationasacouncillor...............................................................................................3
Nominationasmayorordeputymayor..........................................................................3MembersofParliament....................................................................................................4
Thenominationform........................................................................................................4Acceptanceorrejectionofnomination..........................................................................4
Withdrawalofnomination..............................................................................................4Displayofnoticeofnominations.....................................................................................5
Candidatestatementsandphotographs..........................................................................5
Advertising................................................................................................................................6Electoraladvertising.........................................................................................................6Electoraladvertisingreturn..............................................................................................6Requirementsforprintedelectoraladvertisingmaterial................................................6
Postersandsigns..............................................................................................................7Placementofposters.........................................................................................................7
Electoralroadsidesigns.....................................................................................................7Offencetoplaceelectoralmatteronelectricitypoles.....................................................7
Electronicbillboards..........................................................................................................8Useofcandidatename,photographorlikeness.............................................................8
Advertisinggifts,donationsandprizes............................................................................8Federalrequirementsforradioandtelevisionadvertisements.......................................8Broadcastingblackout.......................................................................................................8
JusticesofthePeace..........................................................................................................9Useofpublishedmaterialswithoutpermission...............................................................9
Jointelectoraladvertising..................................................................................................9Canvassingforvotes.........................................................................................................9
Mediareturn......................................................................................................................9
Changestoexpenditurelimitsandtheelectoraladvertisingreturn....................................10ChangestotheLocalGovernment(General)Regulations2015.....................................10Allelectoraladvertisingexpendituremustbedeclared.................................................10
Electoraladvertisingreturn............................................................................................11ElectoralCommissioner’sresponsibilities......................................................................11
Consequencesforexceedingthenewexpenditurelimits.............................................12
‘Prescribed’and‘relevant’periods........................................................................................13
Voting......................................................................................................................................14Whocanvoteatalocalgovernmentelection...............................................................14
Orderofnamesonballotpapers...................................................................................14Postalballotpack............................................................................................................14
Replacementpostalballotpack.....................................................................................14Securityandprivacyofthepostalballot........................................................................15Closeofpoll(closingday)...............................................................................................15
Howtoreturnavote.......................................................................................................15
Formality&informality..........................................................................................................16Formalvotes...................................................................................................................16Informalvotes.................................................................................................................16
Scrutineers..............................................................................................................................17Roleofthescrutineer....................................................................................................17
Appointmentofscrutineers...........................................................................................17
Fillingacasualvacancy...........................................................................................................18Whatisarecount?..........................................................................................................18
Candidatescontestingarecount...................................................................................18Consenttocontestarecount.........................................................................................18
Notificationtocandidates..............................................................................................18Scrutineers.....................................................................................................................18
By-elections.....................................................................................................................18
Hare-Clarkelectoralsystem...................................................................................................19WheredoesthenameHare-Clarkcomefrom?..............................................................19Howisacandidateelected?............................................................................................19
Whatisthequota?..........................................................................................................19
Offences–assetoutintheLocalGovernmentAct1993.....................................................20
AppendixA–SampleAdvertisingExpenditureReturn..........................................................25
Tasmanian Electoral Commission Election edition 1
Election timetable — 2018
Noticeofelectiontobepublished Saturday8September
Electoralrollscloseat6.00pm Thursday13September
Nominationperiod 10September–24September
Nominationscloseat12noon Monday24September
Nominationsannouncedat12noon Tuesday25September
Ballotmaterialdeliveredtoelectorsbypost 9October-12October
Pollingperiod 9October–30October
Closeofpoll 10.00amTuesday30October
Councillors and aldermen
Councillors for Tasmania's six cities - Burnie, Clarence, Devonport, Glenorchy, Hobart andLaunceston-areknownasaldermen.TheMayorandDeputyMayoroftheCityofHobartareknownastheLordMayorandDeputyLordMayor.
Inthisbooklet,andinformsusedbytheTEC,onlytheterms"councillor","mayor"and"deputymayor"areused.ThisisconsistentwiththeLocalGovernmentAct1993.
Changes since 2014
Since2014,electionsforTasmania's29councilsarenowheldonceeveryfouryears.Thismeansthatmayorsanddeputymayorsareelectedforfour-yearterms,andthatallcouncillorswillretireandbecomeeligibleforre-electionatthesametime.
Note,theGlenorchyCityCouncilelectionsoccurredearlierthisyear.
ChangestoadvertisingreportingrequirementsandexpenditurelimitTheLocalGovernment(General)Regulations2015wereamendedon1August2018andfurtheramendmentscameintoeffecton8August2018.Theseamendmentshaveresultedin:
• newreportingrequirementsthatincludeallformsofadvertisingcosts,and
• thefollowingnewexpenditurelimits:
o $16000forallcandidatescontestinganelectionforClarenceCity,GlenorchyCity,HobartCity,LauncestonCityorKingboroughCouncil.
o $10000forallothercandidatescontestinganelectionforanyotherTasmanianlocalgovernmentcouncil.
PleaserefertotheChangestoexpenditurelimitsandtheelectoraladvertisingreturnsectionofthisbookletformoreinformation.
Tasmanian Electoral Commission Election edition 2
Notice of election
Publicationofnotice (section269)Alocalgovernment‘noticeofelection’issimilartoawritforaParliamentaryelection.Itspecifiesthe:
• dateandtimeofclosureoftheroll;
• vacanciestobefilled;
• detailsofentitlementtovote;and
• anyothermattertheElectoralCommissionerconsidersappropriate.
TheElectoralCommissionerwilladvertisethenoticeofelectionintherelevantdailynewspaperonthe8thSaturdaybeforeclosingday.
ClosingdayisthelastdayofthepollingperiodandissetdownasthelastTuesdayinOctobereveryfouryearsunlesstheGovernorchangesthisbyanorderundersection268AoftheLocalGovernmentAct1993.
RoleofTasmanianElectoralCommission (sections264&323)The Local Government Act 1993 provides that the Tasmanian Electoral Commission and theElectoralCommissionerareresponsibleforthesupervisionoflocalgovernmentelectionsandforundertakingspecifictasks.Thesetasksinclude:
• managementoftheelectoralroll;
• theproductionanddespatchofballotpapers;
• approvalofformsandprocedures;
• theappointmentofreturningofficers;
• publicawareness;and
• statutoryadvertising.
Appointmentofreturningofficers (section264)TheElectoralCommissionerwillappointareturningofficerforeachcouncil.Thereturningofficerhastheindependentstatutoryresponsibilityfortheconductoftheelection.
Electoralrolls (section261)Onrequest,candidateswillbeprovidedwithonecopyoftherelevantelectionroll,atnocharge,assoonaspracticableaftertherollcloses.Thismayonlybeusedforpurposesconnectedwiththeelection,andstrictpenaltiesapplyformisuse.
Tasmanian Electoral Commission Election edition 3
Nomination
Nominationasacouncillor (section270)Tonominate,youmustbeanelectorinthemunicipalareaandmustnot:
• beacouncillorofanothercouncilwhosetermofofficeistoendaftertheissueofthecertificateofelection;
• havebeenbarredbyacourt(undersection48(6),338A,339or339A)fromnominatingasacandidate;
• beanemployeeofthecouncilinthatmunicipalarea;
• havepreviouslybeenremovedfromtheofficeofcouncillorbecauseof inadequacyorincompetence;
• bebankrupt;
• besubjecttoanassessmentorderortreatmentorderundertheMentalHealthAct2013oranorderundertheGuardianshipandAdministrationAct1995;
• beundergoingatermofimprisonment;or
• havebeensentencedforacrimebutthesentencehasnotbeenexecuted.
A person may not be a candidate for the office of councillor in more than onemunicipalarea.
Nominationasmayorordeputymayor (sections40,41,44&303)
Themayoranddeputymayorofacouncilareelectedfora4-yearperiodbytheelectorsofthemunicipalareaconcurrentlywiththeelectionofcouncillors.
TheActprovidesthatyouareeligibletonominateasacandidateformayorordeputymayorifyouareeligibletonominatefortheofficeofcouncillorunderPart15.
Youmaynot:
• beacandidateforboththeofficesofmayoranddeputymayorconcurrently.
• accepttheofficeofmayorordeputymayorunlessyouarealsoanelectedcouncillor.
Nomination forms for the positions of councillor,mayor or deputymayor canbedownloaded fromtheTEC'swebsitewww.tec.tas.gov.au,andarealsoavailable inhardcopyattheTasmanianElectoralCommission.
Candidatescontestingtwopositionsneedonlycompleteasinglenominationform.
Tasmanian Electoral Commission Election edition 4
MembersofParliament (schedule5)Theofficeofacouncillorbecomesvacantif,atthetimeofcommencingtoholdthatoffice,heorsheisamemberoftheHouseofAssemblyorLegislativeCouncilandremainssuchamemberfor30dayscontinuouslyduringhisorhertermofofficeasacouncillor.TheofficeofacouncilloralsobecomesvacantifheorshebecomesamemberoftheHouseofAssemblyorLegislativeCouncilaftercommencingtoholdtheofficeofcouncillorandremainsamemberofParliamentfor12monthscontinuously.
Thenominationform (section271)Anominationform(referredtoasa‘noticeofnomination’intheAct)mustbe:
• signedbyatleast2electorsofthemunicipalarea;
• signedbythecandidate;and
• lodged,postedorfaxedsoastobereceivedbythereturningofficerorelectoralofficerforthecouncilconcernedbeforethecloseofnominations.
Ifyournamehaschangedfromthatwhichappearsontheelectoralrollyoumustprovidethereturningofficerwith:
• evidenceinwritingofthechangeofname;and
• astatementspecifyingtheforminwhichyournameistoappearontheballotpaper.
Thereturningofficermayacceptasecondnominationform,insubstitutionforthefirst,upto24hoursafterthecloseofnominationsifsatisfiedthatthefirstform:
• needstobealtered,completed,correctedorsubstituted;and
• waslodged,postedorfaxed,andreceivedbythecloseofnominations.
Latenominationscannotbeaccepted.
Acceptanceorrejectionofnomination (section272)Thereturningofficermayacceptthenominationifsatisfiedthat:
• theformhasbeencompleted;
• yournameisontheelectoralrollforthemunicipalarea;
• yournameisthenameyounormallyuse;and
• yournameisnotobscene,frivolousorassumedforanulteriorpurpose.
Thereturningofficerwilladviseapersonwhetherhis/hernominationisacceptedorrejectedassoonaspossibleaftermakingthedecision.DuetochangestoAustraliaPostdeliverytimes,thereturningofficerswill,wherepossible,communicatewithcandidatesviaemail.ApersonmayappealtotheTasmanianElectoralCommission(Commission)againsttherejectionofanominationnolaterthan24hoursaftertheendofthenominationperiod.Inconsideringanappeal,theCommissionmayeitherdirectthereturningofficertoacceptthenominationorconfirmtherejectionofthenomination.AdecisionoftheCommissionisfinal.
Withdrawalofnomination (section273)Youmaywithdraw your nomination for an election by lodging, posting, or faxing a notice inwriting(whichyouhavesigned),whichmustbereceivedbythereturningofficerbeforethecloseofnominations.Latewithdrawalscannotbeaccepted.
Tasmanian Electoral Commission Election edition 5
Displayofnoticeofnominations (section276)Assoonaspossibleafter12noononthedayafternominationsclose,thereturningofficerwilldisplay a notice at the council office, listing the name and address of each person whosenomination has been accepted. A draw will then be conducted to determine the order ofcandidates’namesonthefirstrotationofballotpapersformayor,deputymayor&councillors.
Candidatestatementsandphotographs (section284)Candidatestatementsnolongerconstitutepartofthenominationformandmustbesubmittedelectronicallybeforetheendofthenominationperiod.Pleaserefertoourwebsiteforfurtherinformation.
Thepurposeofcandidatestatementsistoprovideinformationaboutcandidatestoassistvotersinmaking an informed choice. They are intended to supplement, rather than replace, othermeanswhichcandidatesmayusetobringtheircandidaturetotheattentionofelectors.Since2014youcanalsoincludeaphotographwithyourstatement.ThefollowingrequirementsforcandidatestatementsandphotographshavebeenapprovedbytheElectoralCommissionundersection284(4).
Candidatestatementrequirements:
• StatementswillaccompanytheballotpaperssenttoeachelectorandwillbepublishedontheTEC'swebsite.
• Therewillbeonestatementpercandidate,evenifthecandidateiscontestingtwoelections.• Statementsarelimitedto600characters,includingspaces,punctuationandcarriagereturns.• Theheadingaboveyourstatementwillincludeyourballotpapernameandtheposition(s)you
arecontesting.• Statementsarelimitedtotwoparagraphs.• Statementsmaynotincludelistsordotpoints:usesemi-colonswithinparagraphsifnecessary.• StatementsmaybeamendedorrejectedattheElectoralCommissioner'sdiscretion.• Youmaynotmentionanothercandidatebynamewithouthisorherwrittenconsent.• YoumaynotrefertotheofficeofJusticeofthePeace.• Youmaynotrefertogivinggifts,donationsorprizes.• Youareresponsiblefortheaccuracyofyourstatement.• Statementsarenotcompulsoryforavalidnomination.• Statementsmustbesubmittedbeforethecloseofnominations(12noonMonday24September2018).
Candidatephotographs:
• Shouldbepassportstyle,thatis,headandshouldersonaneutralbackground.However,youmaysmileand/orwearglasses,asyouwish.
• Shouldberecent.• Willbepublishedinblackandwhiteataresolutionof300dpi.• MaybeadjustedorrejectedattheElectoralCommissioner'sdiscretion.
Candidateweblinks:Candidatesarealsoinvitedtosubmitaweblinkwiththeircandidatestatement,asanopportunitytopresentmoredetailedpolicyandpersonalinformationtointerestedvoters.ThelinkcouldbeyourownwebsiteoraFacebookpageorotheronlinepresence.WeblinkswillbepublishedontheTEC’swebsite,attheElectoralCommissioner’sdiscretion,andcandidatesareresponsibleforthecontentonthelinkedpages.
Tasmanian Electoral Commission Election edition 6
Advertising
Electoraladvertising (section3,278®ulations)ElectoraladvertisingisdefinedintheLocalGovernmentAct1993tomean:
Anyadvertising,byanyof the followingmeans, that isdirectlyor indirectly in respectofacampaignforelectionbyacandidateorintendingcandidate:
(a) anynotice,signorposter;(b) anypamphletorhandbill;(c) any“how-to-vote”card;
(d) anyprintmedium;(e) anybroadcastbyradioortelevision;
(f) ontheinternet.
Apersonmustnotpurchaseelectoraladvertisingtimeorspaceinrelationtotheelectionofacandidatewithoutthewrittenauthorityofthatcandidate.
Allcandidatesaresubjecttothenewexpenditurelimitsforelectoraladvertising.Further,thelistof items captured by the expenditure limit has been broadened to include all electoraladvertising.Please refer to the sectionChanges to expenditure limits and the electoral advertising return(below)forfurtherinformation.
Electoraladvertisingreturn (section279)
AllcandidatesmustlodgewiththeElectoralCommissioneranelectoraladvertisingreturnwithin45daysafterthedaythecertificateofelectionisgiven.PleaserefertothesectionChangestoexpenditurelimitsandtheelectoraladvertisingreturnforfurtherinformation.
Requirementsforprintedelectoraladvertisingmaterial (section311)Allarticlesrelatingtoanelectionprintedorpublishedbetweenthenoticeofelectionandtheend of the polling period, must contain the true name and address of the person takingresponsibilityforthearticle,attheend.“Address”meansanaddress,otherthanapostofficeboxoranelectronicaddress–
(a) atwhichtheresponsiblepersonresides;or
(b) atorthroughwhichtheresponsiblepersonmaybereadilycontacted;Theaboverequirementsapplytoanyadvertisement,directmailitem,sign,circular,pamphlet,handbill,poster,sticker,dodger,andreport.
Thisdoesnotapplytotheprintingorpublicationof-
• aleadingarticle;
• anarticlethatconsistssolelyofareportofameetinganddoesnotcontainanycomment(otherthancommentmadebyaspeakeratthemeeting)onacandidateatanelectionorontheissuesbeingsubmittedtotheelectorsattheelection.
Authorisation:Ifyouareunsurewhetheraparticularitemrequiresauthorisation,itisprudenttoauthoriseit.
Exampleofauthorisation:AuthorisedbyJaneCitizen,1LongRoad,Hobart.
Tasmanian Electoral Commission Election edition 7
Postersandsigns (regulation21)Apersonmustnotpubliclydisplayaposterorsignrelatingtotheelectionofacandidatewithoutthewrittenauthorityofthatcandidate.Aside from this restriction, following recent amendments to the Local Government (General)Regulations2015,therearenolongeranyrestrictionsrelatingtothedisplayofpostersandsigns.Candidatesmust,however,complywiththerelevantcouncilplanningschemeandotherStatelegislation.
Councilplanningschemesoutlineanyrestrictionsonthesizeofsigns,theearliestsignscanbedisplayed without a permit, and when they must come down by. As planning schemes arecurrently variably between council areas, please checkwith your Council as towhat applies.
Permission: Candidates considering affixing signs in public places or to vehiclesshouldensuretheyhaveallrequiredpermissions.
Safety:Signsshouldnotbeplacedinpositionsthatcouldjeopardisepublicsafetyforexample,near ‘stop’signs, traffic lights, intersectionsoranyotherpositionwhereroaduserscouldbedistractedorhavetheirsightobstructed.
PlacementofpostersElectoral postersmust be authorised, asmentioned above. Permission to display posters onprivatepropertymustalwaysbeobtainedfromtheownerofthelandconcerned.
Itisgenerallynotpermittedtoplacesignsorpostersonpubliclandorinfrastructure.
ElectoralroadsidesignsThe Transport division of the Department of State Growth have produced the TasmanianRoadsideSignsManual.Themanualcontainsthefollowinginformationonpage82inrelationtoelectoralsigns—
TheerectionordisplayofelectoraladvertisingsignswithinStateandLocalGovernmentRoadsisprohibited.TheprovisionsofLocalAuthorityPlanningSchemesandBylawsmakeadequateprovisionforsuchadvertising.
QueriesorcomplaintsrelatedtoroadsidesignsshouldbedirectedtotheTransportdivisionoftheDepartmentofStateGrowthon1300135513.
OffencetoplaceelectoralmatteronelectricitypolesIt is an offence under section 109(1)(a) of the Electricity Supply Industry Act 1995 to attachanythingtoapowerpolewithoutproperauthority.Thepenaltyforanoffenceunderthissectionisafineofupto$5,000foranindividualor$10,000forabodycorporate.
QueriesorcomplaintsrelatedtomaterialbeingattachedtoelectricitypowerpolesshouldbedirectedtoTasNetworks.
Tasmanian Electoral Commission Election edition 8
ElectronicbillboardsItisanoffenceundersection78(1)oftheTrafficAct1925forapersonto—
(a)placeorleaveanelectronicbillboardonapublicstreet;or(b)placeor leaveanelectronicbillboard inapublicplace ifanyoccupantofanymotorvehicleonanypublic street can,with thenakedeye, readanywordsormakeoutanyimagesbeingdisplayedbytheelectronicbillboard.
Penalty:Finenotexceeding20penaltyunits.
Section78(2)(a)providesthatsubsection1(a)doesnotapplytoelectronicbillboardsthatare—(a)usedfortrafficmanagementorroadsafetypurposesbyaroadauthority;or
(b)usedforthepurposesofacivilorotheremergencybyastatutoryservicewithinthemeaningoftheEmergencyManagementAct2006;or(c)placedorleftonapublicstreetwithandinaccordancewiththewrittenapprovaloftheTransportCommission.
Further,Section78(2)(b)providessubsection1(b)doesnotapplytoanelectronicbillboardthatisplacedorleftinapublicplaceby,orwiththeapprovalof,theowneroroccupierofthatpublicplace.
QueriesorcomplaintsrelatedtoelectronicbillboardsshouldbedirectedtotheTransportdivisionoftheDepartmentofStateGrowthon1300135513.
Useofcandidatename,photographorlikeness (section278(3))Itisanoffenceundersection278(3)foraperson,withintherelevantperiod,toprint,publishordistribute any electoral advertising that contains the name, photograph or a likeness of acandidateorintendingcandidateatanelectionwithoutthewrittenconsentofthecandidateorintendingcandidate.
Advertisinggifts,donationsandprizes (section278(5))A person,within the relevant period,must not print, publish, keepondisplay, distribute anyelectoraladvertisingthatreferstotheoffering,promisingorgivingbyacandidateorintendingcandidateofagift,donationorprizetoorforanyspecificclub,associationorbodyortoorforclubs,associationsorbodiesgenerally.Penalty:Finenotexceeding50penaltyunits.
FederalrequirementsforradioandtelevisionadvertisementsThere are Federal legal requirements relating to the broadcasting of television and radioadvertisements.The Commonwealth Broadcasting Services Act 1992 provides that broadcast politicaladvertisements must include certain ‘required particulars’. Radio and television stations canprovidemoredetailedinformationoftheCommonwealthbroadcastingrequirements.
TheAustralianCommunicationandMediaAuthority(www.acma.gov.au)regulatesbroadcastingofpoliticalandelectionmattersandthecontentofelectroniccommunications.Afactsheetisavailableonitswebsite.
BroadcastingblackoutThe ‘broadcastingblackout’onpoliticaladvertisingcontained intheBroadcastingServicesAct1992appliesonlytoparliamentaryelections,andnotlocalgovernmentelections.
Tasmanian Electoral Commission Election edition 9
JusticesofthePeaceCandidateswhoare Justicesof thePeaceareadvised to takenoteof theAttorneyGeneral’scurrentpolicywhichstatesthat—
ThefactthatapersonisaJusticeofthePeaceshouldnotbementionedinoronanypapers relating to the candidature of the justice in Federal, State or LocalGovernmentElectionswhetherbytheuseoftheletters“J.P.”orotherwise.
Thisincludesallelectoraladvertising.
UseofpublishedmaterialswithoutpermissionReproductionofpublishedmaterials (e.g.newspaperphotos,headlinesorarticles) is likely torequire the permissionof the authors andpublishers. Candidates should clarify the status ofmaterialwiththepublishertoavoidbreachingtheCommonwealthCopyrightAct1968.
Jointelectoraladvertising Regulation22(6)providesthat—
‘A candidate is taken to have incurred the total time and space of, and expenditureinvolved in, advertising which promotes that candidate, in respect of an election,irrespective of whether or not that electoral advertising also promotes anothercandidate.’
Inotherwords,inthecaseofjointadvertising,allcandidatesinvolvedarerequiredtodeclarethetotaltimeandspaceandexpenseofanyadvertisementsintheirelectoraladvertisingreturns.
Canvassingforvotes (Section312(3)(d))Section312(3)(d)states—
A person must not personally attempt to induce an elector within the elector’sresidenceduringthepollingperiodtovoteornottovoteforaparticularperson.
Thisisnotintendedtobeafullbanondoorknocking.
At the time this provision was introduced in Parliament, it was stated that it will still allowcanvassingatthefrontdoorbutwillgivetheelectortheprotectionofnotbeingpressuredbycandidatesorcanvasserswhileintheactofrecordinghisorherpostalvote.
MediareturnElectoraladvertisingreturnsarealsorequiredfromanyonewhoprints,publishes,orbroadcastselectoraladvertising.Therefore,allmediaandpublishersinvolvedinelectoraladvertisingmustalsolodgeareturn.
Tasmanian Electoral Commission Election edition 10
Changes to expenditure limits and the electoral advertising return
ChangestotheLocalGovernment(General)Regulations2015TheGovernmenthasmadeamendmentstotheLocalGovernment(General)Regulations2015,withchangescomingintoeffecton8August2018.TheelectionrelatedchangestotheRegulationsare:
• Thepreviouslimitsonthesizeandnumberofposters/signshavebeenremoved.Posters/signsstillneedtocomplywiththerelevantlocalcouncilplanningscheme.
• Thepreviousadvertisinglimitsonradioandtelevisiontimeandnewspaperspacehavebeenremoved.
• Newreportingrequirementsthatincludeallformsofadvertisingcosts.
• Thenewexpenditurelimitsare:
o $16000forallcandidatescontestingaClarenceCity,GlenorchyCity,HobartCity,LauncestonCityorKingboroughelections.
o $10000forallcandidatescontestinganelectionforanyotherTasmanianlocalgovernmentcouncil.
• Allelectoraladvertisingusedduringtherelevantperiodistobeincludedintheexpenditurelimit.Previously,thelimitonlyincludedpurchasednewspaper,televisionandradioadvertising.
Therelevantperiodforthe2018localgovernmentelectionsis9Augustto30October.
Astheexpenditurelimitrelatestothecostincurred,theselimitsareinclusiveofGST.
AllelectoraladvertisingexpendituremustbedeclaredThenewRegulation22A(1)(a)providesthatthetotalexpenditureonelectoraladvertisingby,oronbehalfof,acandidateduringtherelevantperiodmustnotexceedthesumof
• $16000forallcandidatescontestinganelectionforClarenceCity,GlenorchyCity,HobartCity,LauncestonCityorKingboroughCouncil.
• $10,000forallotherTasmanianlocalgovernmentcouncilelectioncandidates.
Thismeanseverycandidatemustnowdeclarethecostsincurredforallelectoraladvertisingusedduringtherelevantperiod,includingcostsincurredpriorto9Augustforelectoraladvertisingusedonorafter9August2018.
Electoraladvertisingisdefinedinsection3oftheLocalGovernmentAct1993toinclude:
• anynotice,signorposter;• anypamphletorhandbill;• any“how-to-vote”card;• anyprintmedium;• anybroadcastbyradioorTV;• advertisingontheinternet.
Candidatesarerequiredtodeclaretheircostsofelectoraladvertisinginan“electoraladvertisingreturn”(AppendixA).Acopyofthereturnisavailableonlineatwww.tec.tas.gov.auandwillbesenttoeachcandidateoncehis/hernominationhasbeenaccepted.
Tasmanian Electoral Commission Election edition 11
Electoraladvertisingreturn (section279)
AllcandidatesmustlodgewiththeElectoralCommissioneranelectoraladvertisingreturnwithinthe45-dayperiodafterthecertificateofelectionisissued.Candidatesmustdeclareallelectoraladvertisingintheirreturns,andincludeallinvoices,accounts,receipts.
CandidatesmustsignthecompletedreturninfrontofaJusticeofthePeaceorCommissionerforDeclarations.
Asallexpenditureonelectoraladvertisingmustbedeclared,candidatesnowneedtoconsidercostssuchas:
• designcostsforprintedadvertising;
• materialsforerectingsigns
• stationeryandpostageordeliverycostsformailoutstoelectors;
• productioncostsfornewspaperadvertisingortelevisionadvertising;
• productionscosts,andcostsofshowingonlineadvertising;
• websitedevelopment;and
• printingcostsofadvertisingviabusinesscards,stickers,fliers,balloonsetc.
ItisanoffencenottocompleteandlodgeareturnwiththeElectoralCommissioner.Thepenaltythatmaybeimposedbyacourtforthisoffenceisafineupto30penaltyunits.
ElectoralCommissioner’sresponsibilities (section280)
Undersection280,theElectoralCommissionermustbesatisfiedthateachreturnisauthenticandaccurateandthatallparticularsthatoughttohavebeenincludedinthereturnhavebeenincluded. As part of this assessment, the Commissioner will evaluate the total expenditureincurredbythecandidatetoensurecompliancesection278oftheActandtheRegulations.For the 2018 local government elections, the Electoral Commissioner, for the purpose ofassessingcandidatereturns,isoftheviewthat:
• Thefullcostofnewsignsmustbedeclaredinthereturn.
• Ifsignsfromapreviouselection(orelections)areused,atleast50%oftheoriginalcostistobedeclaredalongwiththefullcostofanystickersoverlaiduponthesesigns.Originalreceiptsarestillrequired.
• Inlieuofprovidingreceiptsforthematerialsandcoststoerectsigns,eachcandidatecandeclareacostof$2persignastheset-upcost.
• Otherthanreusedsigns,thefullcostprovidedonanyinvoicemustbedeclared.Whereaninvoiceincludesadiscountorreimbursedofacommission,theoriginalfullcostistobedeclared,asthesedeductionscannotbeincludedinthereturn.
Candidatesmustcompleteanelectoraladvertising return,even ifnoexpenditurehasbeenincurred.
Tasmanian Electoral Commission Election edition 12
Consequencesforexceedingthenewexpenditurelimits (section278)
As stated earlier, Regulation 22A(1) provides the relevant amount for candidates for theseelections($16,000or$10,000). Section278(1)providesthatapersonmustnotuseelectoraladvertisingduringtherelevantperiodotherwisethan inaccordancewiththeregulations(thisincludesthe$16,000or$10,000limit).Ifacandidateexceedstheirexpenditurelimitforelectoraladvertisingusedduringtherelevantperiod,acourtmayimposeapenaltyofafineupto100penaltyunits.
Further,undersection278(2),ifacourtconvictsacandidatewhoissuccessfulatanelection,thecourtmustdeclarethatcandidate’selectionvoid,unlessthecourtissatisfiedthatthattherearespecialcircumstancesthatmakeitundesirableorinappropriateforittomakesuchadeclaration.
Onepenaltyunitiscurrently$163.
Tasmanian Electoral Commission Election edition 13
‘Prescribed’ and ‘relevant’ periods
Belowisasummaryonlyofsomeoftheperiodsrelatingtorestrictionsoncandidatesat localgovernment elections. The time periods shown below are for the 2018 local governmentelections.
Section/regulation
Subject Period
s.3,
s.278,
s.279
reg22A
Limiton‘electoraladvertising’expenditure
Prohibitiononuseofcandidatename,photographorlikenessofacandidateorintendingcandidatewithoutconsent.
Reportingof‘electoraladvertising’expenditure
‘relevantperiod’–startsonthe30thdaybeforethenoticeofelectionandfinishesonpollingday.
9August-30October2018
s.311 Authorisationofelectoral‘articles’
Electoral‘article’includesanyadvertisement,directmailitem,sign,circular,pamphlet,handbill,poster,sticker,dodgerandreport
‘prescribedperiod’–meanstheperiodcommencingonthedayonwhichthenoticeofelectionisadvertisedandendingontheclosingday.
8September–30October2018
s.314(3) Thesupplyoffood,drinkorentertainmentwithaviewtoinfluencingthevoteofanelectorduringtheperiodopposite.
‘relevantperiod’–startsonthe30thdaybeforethenoticeofelectionandfinishesonpollingday.
9August-30October2018
s.314(4)&(5)
Giftsordonationstoclubsassociationsorbodies(regulardonationsmaybeexcepted)
‘relevantperiod’–startsonthe30thdaybeforethenoticeofelectionandfinishesonpollingday.
9August-30October2018
Tasmanian Electoral Commission Election edition 14
Voting
Whocanvoteatalocalgovernmentelection (sections254–258)Anyonewho is enrolled on the State roll for an address in amunicipal area, is automaticallyenrolledforthemunicipalareaaswell.Other people who own or occupy land in the municipal area, or are the nominatedrepresentativesofacorporatebodywhichownsoroccupieslandinthemunicipalarea,arealsoeligibletoenrol,butmustlodgeanapplicationwiththeGeneralManager.VotinginTasmanianlocalgovernmentelectionsisnotcompulsory.
Orderofnamesonballotpapers (section288andregulations)TheElectoralCommissioneristoprepareandprintballotpapers.
Theorderofcandidates'namesontheballotpapersisrotatedinaccordancewiththe“RobsonRotation”system,assetoutintheregulations.
Thissystemrotatesthenamesofthecandidatessothateachnameappearsineachpositionontheballotpaper.Thereturningofficerwillconductadrawtodeterminetherandomorderofcandidatenamesforthefirstrotation.
Postalballotpack (section284)
Allenrolledelectorswillautomaticallybesentapostalballotpack.Thepostalballotpackwillcontain:
• votinginstructions;
• ballotpapers;
• abookletcontainingcandidatestatementsandphotographs;
• aballotpaperenvelopeinwhichtoplacethecompletedballotpaper(s);and
• areplypaidenvelopetoreturntheballotpaperenvelopeatnocosttovoters.
Replacementpostalballotpack (section286)Anelectormaybeissuedwithasupplementarypostalballotpackifheorshehasnotreceivedtheoriginalpack,hasspoiledthecontents,isentitledtovotebutisnotonthelistofelectors,orisabsentfromhisorherenrolledaddress.ElectorsmayrequestareplacementpackfromtheTasmanianElectoralCommissioninwritingorbyphone.Electorsmayalsoapplyandvoteat the issuingplace(s)appointedfor theircouncil(usuallylocatedatthecounciloffice(s)).
In the case where a replacement postal ballot pack has been issued to an elector, securitymeasuresareinplacetoensurethatanelectorcancastonlyonevote.
Tasmanian Electoral Commission Election edition 15
Securityandprivacyofthepostalballot (section285)
TheTasmanianElectoralCommissiontakesveryseriouslytherightofelectorstocasttheirvoteinasecretandsecuremanner.Tothisend,inconjunctionwithAustraliaPostsecuritypersonnel,thereareanumberofmeasuresinplacetoensurethesafedeliveryandreturnofyourballotpaper.Inparticular:
• toprotecttheprivacyoftheelectorinthepostalsystem,noelectordetailsareshownonthereply-paidenvelope;
• to ensure the secrecy of the vote, the elector declaration is printed on a perforatedextensionoftheflapoftheballotpaperenvelope;
• toverify that theeligibleelectorhasvotedontheballotpaper,he/shemustsign thedeclarationflap;
• thesedeclarationflapsareremovedfromthestillsealedenvelopeandstoredseparately,usuallyonthesamedaytheenvelopeisreceivedbythereturningofficer;and
• asaseparateprocessafterthecloseofthepoll,allenvelopesareopenedandtheballotpapersremoved.
Closeofpoll(closingday) (section268A)
Closingdayisthelastdayofthepollingperiod.ItisthelastTuesdayinOctobereveryfouryears,unlesstheGovernorfixesanotherday.TheElectoralCommissionersetsthehoursofthepollingperiod.In2018,theclosingdayis30October,andtheElectoralCommissionerisexpectedtodeterminethatthepollingperiodwillendat10amonthatday.Allvotesmustbereceivedbythistime.
HowtoreturnavoteElectorsshouldreturntheirballotpapersbypostassoonaspossible,toensuretheyarereceivedintime.Asanalternative,electorscanphysicallydelivertheirvotebyplacingitintheballotboxatthecouncil.However,theballotpapersmuststillbesealedwithinthesignedballotpaperdeclarationenvelope.
Tasmanian Electoral Commission Election edition 16
Formality & informality
Formalvotes (sections289,290&300&schedule6)Votersareencouragedtorecordapreferenceforallcandidatesontheballotpaper.Foracouncillorballotpapertobeformal,theelectormustrecordapreferenceforatleastasmanycandidatesastherearecouncillorstobeelected.Theelectormustconsecutivelynumberhisorherpreferences,startingfrom1.Forexample,ifthereare17candidatesand9councillorsaretobeelected,tocastaformalvoteanelectormustnumberat least1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8and9onhisorherballotpaperbutmaycontinuepartorallthewayto17.Foramayorordeputymayorballotpapertobeformal,theelectormustmarktheballotpaperby placing the number 1 in the box next to the name of the candidate of the elector’s firstpreference.
Informalvotes (section300&schedule6)Aballotpaperwillbetreatedasinformalif:
• novotehasbeenrecordedonit;
• thevoteisrecordedontheballotpaperotherwisethaninaccordancewithsection290(seeaboveformalityrequirements);
• itcontainsamarkorwritingwhichwillidentifythevoter;and
• ithasnotbeenappropriatelyauthenticated.
A ballot paper is not to be treated as informal if, in theopinionof the returningofficer, theelector’sintentionisclearlyindicated.
Tasmanian Electoral Commission Election edition 17
Scrutineers
Roleofthescrutineer (section293)
Acandidateisentitledtoappointoneormorescrutineers.Scrutineersmaynotbecandidatesatthatelection.The roleof the scrutineer is to represent the candidateat anyplacewhereballotmaterial issorted,checkedorcounted.Whileactingasascrutineer,apersonmustnot:
• failtocomplywithareasonabledirectiongivenbyanelectoralofficer;
• interferewithorattempttoinfluenceanelectororotherperson;
• communicatewithapersonexceptifnecessarytodosowhilescrutineering;or
• withoutauthority,touchorinterferewithballotmaterial.
Your returning officer will be happy to advise you when the issue,scrutinyandcountingofballotpapersistakingplace,andthenumberofscrutineerspermitted.
Appointmentofscrutineers (sections292&293)
Theappointmentofascrutineeristobe:
• inanapprovedform;and
• signedbythecandidateandthescrutineer.
Signedappointmentformsaretobepresentedtothereturningofficerortheelectoralofficerinchargewhowillprovideanidentitybadgetobewornbythescrutineer.
Appointment forms: the returning officer will provide appointment of scrutineerformstocandidates.Acopywillalsobeavailableatwww.tec.tas.gov.au.
Tasmanian Electoral Commission Election edition 18
Filling a casual vacancy
Acouncillorcasualvacancyisfilledbyrecount,ifpossible,unlessthatvacancyoccursduringtheperiodcommencing6monthsbeforethedayonwhichthenoticeofelectionforaforthcomingcouncilelectionistobegiven.
Whatisarecount? (sections307&308)In a recount, the electors who elected the vacating member determine that councillor’sreplacement.Therefore,onlytheballotpapersreceivedbythevacatingcouncilloraredistributedintherecount.Theelectedcandidateremainsasacouncilloruntilthenextordinarycouncilelection.
Candidatescontestingarecount (section307&Schedule8)Apersonmaybeincludedinarecountforavacancysolongashe/she:
• wasacandidatenotelectedattherelevantelection;
• remainseligible(see‘Nomination’section);and
• consentstobeincludedintherecount.
Consenttocontestarecount (section307)TheElectoralCommissioner is required tonotify candidates that a recountwill takeplacebyeither:
• writtennoticesenttoeacheligiblecandidate;or
• anadvertisementpublishedinalocaldailynewspaper.
Ifacandidatewishestobeincludedinarecount,heorshecanprovidewrittenconsentbyhand,post,faxorscan.
WrittenconsentmustbereceivedbytheElectoralCommissioneratorbeforenoon,onthe8thdayafterthenoticeofvacancy.
Notificationtocandidates (schedule8)
Candidateswhohaveconsentedwillreceiveanoticedetailingthetimeandlocationatwhichthere-countwilltakeplace.Recountswillbefinalisedwithin7daysofthecloseofnominations.
Scrutineers (section292&293)
Acandidatefortherecountmayappointascrutineertorepresenthimorher.See‘Scrutineers’sectionformoreinformation.
By-elections (sections46&308)
By-electionswillonlyoccurwhen:
• avacancycannotbefilledbyrecount
• thevacatingcouncillorisalsothemayor:inthiscasethecouncillorvacancyisfilledataby-electionheldconcurrentlywiththemayoralby-election
Tasmanian Electoral Commission Election edition 19
Hare-Clark electoral system The Hare-Clark electoral system is a Single Transferable Vote (STV) method of proportionalrepresentationusedinmulti-memberelectorates.Singletransferablevotemeansthataballotpapermovesbetweencandidatesasdeterminedbytheelector’spreferences.
WheredoesthenameHare-Clarkcomefrom?Thomas Hare was an Englishman who, in 1856, proposed the idea of a proportionalrepresentationelectionsystemwhichwas furtherdevelopedandbecameknownas theHaresystem.AndrewInglisClark,TasmanianAttorney-General,introducedamodifiedversionoftheHaresystemintoTasmanianlawin1896.ThissystemisnowknownastheHare-Clarkelectoralsystem.
Howisacandidateelected?Acandidateiselectedwhenhis/hertotalnumberofvotesequalsorexceedsthequota.
Whatisthequota?Thequotaisthelowestnumberofvotesacandidateneedstobecertainofelection.
Tocalculatethequota,thenumberofformalvotesisdividedbyonemorethanthenumberofcandidatestobeelected.Thisfigureisthenroundeduptothenextwholenumber.
2decimalplaces:Due to the relatively smallnumberofelectors in somemunicipalareas,votesforeachcandidate inallcouncilswillbecalculatedto2decimalplacesduringthedistributionofpreferencestoreducethelossofvotesbyfraction.
Amoredetailedexplanationcanbefoundonourwebsite.
Tasmanian Electoral Commission Election edition 20
Offences – as set out in the Local Government Act 1993
Electoraladvertising section278(1) A personmust not during the relevant period use electoral advertisingwith a view to
promoting or procuring the election of the candidate at an election otherwise than inaccordancewiththeregulations.
PENALTY Finenotexceeding100penaltyunits.
(2) Ifacourtconvictsunderthissectionacandidatewhoissuccessfulatanelection,thecourtmustdeclare that candidate’s election void, unless the court is satisfied that there arespecial circumstances thatmake it undesirable or inappropriate for it tomake such adeclaration.
(3) Aperson,within therelevantperiod,mustnotprint,publishordistributeanyelectoraladvertisingthatcontainsthename,photographoralikenessofacandidateorintendingcandidate at an election without the written consent of the candidate or intendingcandidate.
PENALTY Finenotexceeding50penaltyunits.
(4) Subsection(3)doesnotapplyto-(a) any matter printed, published or distributed by or on behalf of the Electoral
Commissionerintheexerciseorperformanceofhisorherpowersandfunctions;or
(b) anyelectoral advertisingbymeansof anybroadcastby radioor televisionorbyarepeatontheinternetofanysuchbroadcast.
(5) Aperson,withintherelevantperiod,mustnotprint,publish,keepondisplay,broadcastordistributeanyelectoraladvertisingthatreferstotheoffering,promisingorgivingbyacandidateor intendingcandidateofagift,donationorprize toor foranyspecificclub,associationorbodyortoorforclubs,associationsorbodiesgenerally.
PENALTY Finenotexceeding50penaltyunits.
Returninrelationtoelectoraladvertising section279
(1) Within45daysafterthedayonwhichthereturningofficergivesacertificateofelection,everycandidatemustsignanddeclarebeforeajusticeoracommissionerfordeclarationsand lodge with the Electoral Commissioner a return in an approved form stating thecandidate’srelevantelectoraladvertising.
PENALTY Finenotexceeding30penaltyunits.
(2) Areturnundersubsection(1)istobeaccompaniedbyanyinvoice,accountorreceiptinrespectofelectoraladvertising.
(3) Anypersonwhoprints,publishesorbroadcastselectoraladvertisingistolodgeareturninanapprovedformwiththeElectoralCommissionerwithin45daysafterthedayonwhichthereturningofficergivesacertificateofelection.
PENALTY Finenotexceeding30penaltyunits.
Atthetimeofpublicationapenaltyunit=$163.
Tasmanian Electoral Commission Election edition 21
Electoralarticlestobesigned section311
(1) A person must not, during the prescribed period, print, publish, keep on display ordistributeanarticlerelatingtoanelectionthatdoesnotcontainthetruenameandaddressoftheresponsiblepersonattheendofthearticle.
PENALTY Finenotexceeding5penaltyunits.
(1A) An article is published or kept on display by a person if the publication or display ispublishedorkeptondisplaywiththatperson’sconsent.
(2) Thissectiondoesnotapplytotheprintingorpublicationof-
(a) aleadingarticle;or(b) an article that consists solely of a report of ameeting and does not contain any
comment(otherthancommentmadebyaspeakeratthemeeting)onacandidateatanelectionorontheissuesbeingsubmittedtotheelectorsattheelection.
(4) Inthissection-
"address"meansanaddress,otherthanapostboxoranelectronicaddress–(a) atwhichtheresponsiblepersonresides;or
(b) atorthroughwhichtheresponsiblepersonmaybereadilycontacted;"article" includesanyadvertisement,directmail item,sign,circular,pamphlet,handbill,poster,sticker,dodgerandreport;
"prescribed period"means the period commencing on the day onwhich the notice ofelectionisadvertisedandendingontheclosingday;"responsibleperson"meansthepersontakingresponsibilityforcausingthemattertobeprintedorpublished.
Offencesrelatingtopolling section312
(1) Apersonmustnot-
(a) voteatanelectionifnotentitledtodoso;or(b) obtainorattempttoobtainmoreballotpapersatanelectionthanthattowhichhe
orsheisentitled.PENALTY Finenotexceeding5penaltyunits.
(2) Apersonisnot-
(a) toobstructanelectorwhentheelectorismarkingaballotpaper;or(b) byanywordoraction,todirectlyorindirectlyaidindiscoveringthenameofaperson
forwhomanelectorhasvotedorintendstovote.PENALTY Finenotexceeding10penaltyunits.
(3) Apersonmustnot-(a) personateorattempttopersonateanyelector;or
(b) vote,offertovoteorattempttovotemorethanonceinhisorherownrightatthesameelection;or
(c) attempttovotebymeansofaballotpaperthathasbeenhandedordeliveredtoanotherperson;or
(d) personallyattemptto induceanelectorwithintheelector’sresidenceduringthepollingperiodtovoteornottovoteforaparticularperson;or
(f) steal, misdirect, hide, destroy or otherwise tamper or interfere with any of thedocumentssentordeliveredundersection284or286.
PENALTY Finenotexceeding50penaltyunits.
Tasmanian Electoral Commission Election edition 22
Offencesinviolationofsecrecyofballot section313
Apersonmustnot-(a) atanelection,attempttofindout,ordirectlyor indirectlyaid in findingout, the
personforwhomavoteisgiven;or
(b) discloseanyknowledgeofthepersonforwhomanelectorhasvotedatanelectionthatheorshehasobtainedintheexerciseofhisorherofficeatthatelection.
PENALTY Finenotexceeding10penaltyunits.
Briberyandundueinfluence section314
(1) Apersonmustnot-(a) promise or offer anymoney or valuable consideration, advantage, recompense,
rewardorbenefitinrelationto-
(i) anominationforanelection;or(ii) awithdrawalofnominationfromanelection;or(iii) avoteorabstentionfromvotingatapoll;or
(iv) supportof,oroppositionto,acandidate;or(v) apromiseofanysuchvote,abstention,supportoropposition;or
(b) giveortakeanymoneyorvaluableconsideration,advantage,recompense,rewardor benefit in relation to a nomination, withdrawal, vote, abstention, support,oppositionorpromise.
PENALTY Finenotexceeding20penaltyunitsorimprisonmentforatermnotexceeding12months.
(2) Apersonwhoinstigatesthecommissionofanoffenceunderthissectionispunishableinthesamemannerasifthatpersonhadcommittedtheoffence.
(3) Anoffenceunderthissectionincludesthesupplyoffood,drinkorentertainmentwithaviewtoinfluencingthevoteofanelectoratanelectionifthesupplyismadeduringtherelevantperiod.
(4) Acandidateorintendingcandidatemustnotdirectlyorindirectlyoffer,promiseorgiveagift,donationorprizetoor foranyspecificclub,associationorbodyortoor forclubs,associationsorbodiesgenerallyduringtherelevantperiod.
PENALTY Finenotexceeding5penaltyunits.
(5) Inproceedingsforanoffenceundersubsection(4),itisadefenceforthepersonchargedtoshowthatgifts,donationsorprizessimilarinnatureandinamountorvalueareregularlygivenbythatpersontothespecificclub,associationorbody.
(6) A personmust not directly or indirectly threaten, offer, suggest, use, cause, inflict orinstigateviolence,punishment,damage,lossordisadvantagetoanotherpersoninrelationto-
(a) anominationforanelection;or(b) awithdrawalofanominationfromanelection;or
(c) avote,oranyabstentionfromvotingatapoll;or(d) supportof,oroppositionto,acandidate;or
(e) apromiseofanysuchvote,abstention,supportoropposition.PENALTY Finenotexceeding10penaltyunits.
(7) A declaration of public policy or promise of public action is not an offence againstsubsection(6).
Tasmanian Electoral Commission Election edition 23
Falseormisleadingstatements section315Apersonmustnot,ingivinganyinformation,filingareturnormakinganapplicationunderthis
Part-(a) makeastatementknowingittobefalseormisleading;or
(b) omit anymatter from a statement knowing thatwithout thatmatter the statement ismisleading.
PENALTY Finenotexceeding10penaltyunitsorimprisonmentforatermnotexceeding6months.
Postersandsignsregulation21,LocalGovernment(General)Regulations2015
(1).......(2)……..(3)……..(4)Apersonmustnotpubliclydisplayaposter,orsign,relatingtotheelectionofacandidatewithoutthewrittenauthorityofthatcandidate.
Advertising regulation22,LocalGovernment(General)Regulations2015(1) Apersonmustnotpurchaseelectoraladvertisingtimeorspaceinrelationtotheelection
ofacandidatewithoutthewrittenauthorityofthatcandidate.(2) ……..
(3) ……..(4) ……..
(5) ……..(6) Acandidateistakentohaveincurredthetotaltimeandspaceof,andexpenditureinvolved
in, electoral advertising which promotes that candidate in respect of an electionirrespectiveofwhetherornotthatadvertisingalsopromotesanothercandidate.
(7) Acandidatewhoauthorisesapersontoconductelectoraladvertisingonhisorherbehalfrelatingtoanelectionistakentohavepersonallyundertakenthatadvertising.
Tasmanian Electoral Commission Election edition 24
Totalexpenditureforadvertising regulation22A,LocalGovernment(General)Regulations2015
(1) Forthepurposesofsection278oftheAct,thetotalexpenditureonelectoraladvertisingby,oronbehalfof,acandidateduringtherelevantperiodmustnotexceedthesumof-
(a) Iftherelevantperiodcommencesduringthefinancialyearcommencingon1July2018,therelevantamountforthecandidate;or
(b) iftherelevantperiodcommencesduringasubsequentfinancialyear,theamountcalculatedforthatcandidateinthatfinancialyearundersubregulation(2).
(2) Forthepurposesofsubregulation(1)(b),thetotalexpenditureforasubsequentfinancialyeariscalculatedinaccordancewiththefollowingformulaandroundedoffinaccordancewithsubregulation(3)
Where–Aisthetotalexpenditurefortherelevantfinancialyearbeingcalculated;Bistherelevantamountforthecandidateinrespectofwhichthetotalexpenditureisbeingcalculated:CistheCPIfigureforHobartfortheMarchquarterimmediatelyprecedingtherelevantfinancialyearinwhichthetotalexpenditureistoapply;DistheCPIfigureforHobartfortheMarchquarter2018.
(3) Ifthevalueofthetotalexpenditurecalculatedinaccordancewithsubregulation(2)isnotamultipleof$500,theamountedistoberoundedofftothenearestmultipleof$500.
(4) InthisregulationCPIfigureforHobartmeanstheConsumerPriceIndex:AllGroupsIndexNumberforHobartpublishedbytheAustralianStatisticianundertheauthorityofCensusandStatisticsAct1905oftheCommonwealth;
Relevantamount,foracandidate,means–
(a) ifthenominationofthecandidaterelatestoanelectioninmunicipalareaofClarenceCity,GlenorchyCity,HobartCity,KingboroughorLauncestonCity,$16000;or
(b) ifthenominationofthecandidaterelatestoanelectioninanyothermunicipalarea,$10000.
A=BxC
D
Tasmanian Electoral Commission Election edition 25
Appendix A – Sample Advertising Expenditure Return
Tasmanian Electoral Commission Election edition 26
Tasmanian Electoral Commission Election edition 27
Level3TasWaterBuilding169MainRd,Moonah
POBox307Moonah7009
Phone1800801701or0362088700
Fax0362088791
Websitewww.tec.tas.gov.au
AllelectoralformsmentionedinthisbookletcanbeobtainedfromtheTEC'swebsite:www.tec.tas.gov.au,ortheTasmanianElectoralCommission,orthereturningofficer.