AECMedia

AEC calling on Australians to deliver a potential Referendum

Updated: 8 February 2023

Up to 100,000 temporary election workers – everyday Australians – will be needed to deliver the first Federal Referendum in nearly a quarter of a century.

Electoral Commissioner Tom Rogers said that while the Federal Government has indicated the Referendum won’t be until the second half of 2023, building a temporary workforce of this scale takes time and we need lots of people to put their hands up early.

“We were busy last week directly contacting thousands of people across Australia about temporary employment opportunities for the Referendum but we also need people who haven’t worked for us in a polling place before to put their hand up and be involved,” Mr Rogers said.

“Any federal Referendum is historic with only 44 conducted in our nation’s history and the previous one held way back before the Sydney Olympics – this is an opportunity to be a part of delivering the vote for the Australian community.”

“There are paid roles that range from a one day commitment to work required over several weeks and in some cases up to a few months.”

There are a range of jobs available in cities, regional and remote areas across Australia that provide good experience and a sense of democratic pride.

“You don’t need election experience to work at the Referendum but you do need to be able to take an impartial approach to your work – that is not negotiable,” Mr Rogers said.

Each electoral cycle the AEC keeps in touch with previous temporary election staff. While many return, many others progress to different stages in their lives with different personal and professional commitments. This is why building such a large and diverse temporary workforce each election is a significant undertaking.

“Our early efforts to build a workforce is just one of many activities that the AEC is undertaking in preparation to deliver a potential Referendum – the first in over 20 years.”

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