The Western Australian Electoral Commission (WAEC) has established an Expert Advisory Committee to guide a program of electoral reform following recommendations of the Special Inquiry into the 2025 WA State Government Election.
The Western Australian Electoral Commission (WAEC) has released its formal response to the Special Inquiry into the Planning and Delivery of the 2025 State General Election.
The WAEC welcomed the findings of the Special Inquiry and acknowledges the valuable guidance it provides. Following a detailed review, the WAEC has confirmed its support, or support in principle, for all recommendations within its scope and is committed to implementing them leading up to the 2029 State General Election.
Page updated 18 March 2026
The WA Electoral Commission is partnering with the Department of Treasury and Finance to develop an ongoing funding model for the effective planning and delivery of elections. A number of recommendations relate to this funding model and all will be considered as part of this work. Completion of this work will be dependent on Government Budgetary considerations.
Page updated 18 March 2026
The WA Electoral Commission is committed to reviewing current recruitment processes, minimum qualification and experience standards and training and education requirements for all Temporary Election Workers. The importance of prior experience as well as the knowledge and experience of Returning Officers is also acknowledged. New minimum standards will give consideration to the identified areas of improvement in the Special Inquiry.
Page updated December 2025
The WA Electoral Commission understands the importance of timely results for the Legislative Council. This recommendation will be considered as part of the work with Department of Treasury and Finance on an ongoing funding model.
Read the Government response to these recommendations.
Page updated 18 March 2026
The WA Electoral Commission acknowledges the importance of suitable Early Polling Places to support voter engagement with electoral processes. The WA Electoral Commission is in discussions with the Australian Electoral Commission and other State Electoral Commissions to benchmark current planning processes with the aim to move towards more dynamic, data driven, best practice planning processes.
Page updated December 2025
The WA Electoral Commission acknowledges concerns raised in the Special Inquiry regarding the appropriateness of polling place facilities and communication tools to manage issues on the day. The WA Electoral Commission will begin planning processes earlier to ensure fit for purpose polling places. The recommendations for laptops, mobile phones and printing devices will also be considered as part of the ongoing funding model for the WA Electoral Commission.
Page updated 18 March 2026
The WA Electoral Commission acknowledges the limitations in the planning processes for the 2025 State General Election. The WA Electoral Commission will review all planning processes to improve accuracy of allocation of election resources and to move towards more dynamic, data driven, best practice planning processes.
Read the Government response to these recommendations.
Page updated December 2025
The WA Electoral Commission acknowledges that there is an increased reliance on computers and devices for modern electoral processes. The WA Electoral Commission intends to review selection processes for Returning Officers ahead of the 2029 State General Election.
Read the Government response to these recommendations.
Page updated December 2025
The WA Electoral Commission acknowledges the importance of fit for purpose and timely training for Temporary Election Workers. The WA Electoral Commission will review all training materials including delivery methods, length and focus areas to ensure training is fit for purpose and benchmarked against current best practice.