Overview
The Electoral Commissioner serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) and is the agency head and Accountable Authority of that statutory agency. The AEC is a non-corporate Commonwealth entity under the Public Governance Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act) and an independent statutory agency established under the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 (Electoral Act).
The AEC’s primary functions include: the conduct of federal parliamentary elections, referendums, and certain other elections and ballots; management of the Commonwealth electoral roll; the provision of electoral information and education services; advice and assistance on electoral matters in Australia and overseas; ensuring compliance with financial disclosure requirements; and supporting electoral redistributions. The AEC is also designing and delivering a significant ICT transformation project to modernise technology and communications systems across every aspect of the agency.
The successful candidate will be responsible for the governance, leadership, management and strategic direction of the AEC in accordance with their statutory duties under the Electoral Act, the PGPA Act and other relevant Commonwealth legislation including the Public Service Act 1999.
Accountable Authority duties
As the Accountable Authority of the AEC, the Electoral Commissioner holds significant responsibilities under the PGPA Act. These duties include the proper management and utilisation of public resources, acting with diligence, care, and integrity, the development of robust governance and internal control mechanisms, and keeping the responsible Minister informed (see Duties of Accountable Authorities).
Engagement and Representation
The successful candidate will be required to appear before parliamentary committees, such as the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters and the Senate Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee (Senate Estimates). The candidate will also represent the AEC on the Electoral Council of Australia and New Zealand, at intergovernmental forums with the states and territories as well as in engagements with international jurisdictions.
ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY
As Electoral Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the AEC, you will have responsibility for the governance, leadership, management and strategic direction of this high-profile statutory authority.
The role of the AEC is to deliver the franchise, which encompasses the voting rights of Australian citizens, as well as other functions established by the Electoral Act.
The AEC is the Australian Government entity responsible for providing Australians with an independent electoral service that meets their needs and enhances their understanding of and participation in electoral processes.
This position is a position of trust. Any person who is, or is perceived to be, active in political affairs and intends to publicly carry on this activity may compromise the strict neutrality of the AEC and cannot be considered. The occupant must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance of an appropriate level.
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📌 Australian Electoral Commissioner
🏢 Australian Government Department Of Finance
📍 Canberra