Paid work available for regional and rural Aussies

Updated: 14 April 2025

With record enrolment figures ahead of the upcoming federal election, the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) is continuing to recruit regional and rural Australians for paid roles in key regions outside the capital cities.

The AEC is encouraging eligible locals in key areas - including parts of the Northern Territory, regional Queensland and Western Australia, and remote communities across South Australia and New South Wales - to help deliver democracy in their communities.

Workers will be part of a 100,000 strong team carrying out roles from counting votes, to helping at polling booths, to administrative and logistical roles. No prior experience is necessary, and training is paid.

Key areas for recruitment include:

  • QLD – Capricorn Coast, Far North, Northern, Mount Isa, Western and South West as well as Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday
  • SA – Limestone Coast, Eyre Peninsula, Kangaroo Island and Far North
  • WA – Pilbara, Gascoyne, Wheatbelt, the Kimberley, South West and Goldfields-Esperance
  • VIC – Loddon, Mallee, the Grampians and Gippsland
  • TAS – Western Tasmania
  • NSW – Central West, Riverina, Central Coast, Mid North Coast and Orana
  • NT – Katherine and Alice Springs

Anyone interested in working must be over 18 years of age, an Australian Citizen and politically neutral. Registration for temporary employment is needed even if someone has worked at a previous election.

To register interest, head to the AEC website or call 02 6271 4631 for assistance.

Quotes

  • Attributable to Australian Electoral Commissioner Jeff Pope:

“With more people than ever enrolled to vote across the country, we’re upping the ante on our recruitment to ensure everyone has the opportunity to vote.”

“We’re well progressed in our hiring – the vast majority of metropolitan positions have been allocated to people. The regions is where we still need some people to put their hands up.”

“Historically, election employment numbers have been lower in regional numbers.”

“We’ve never not opened a polling place and we expect to open every planned polling place again this election.”

“We’re calling for people to jump on the opportunity to earn some extra money and support the community to vote locally.”

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