The WA Electoral Commission (WAEC) acknowledges the release of the Special Inquiry report conducted into the planning and delivery of the 2025 WA State election, led by the Honourable Malcolm McCusker AC CVO KC.

The Commission welcomes the findings and recommendations and is currently undertaking a thorough review of the report. Given the significance of the issues raised, it is essential that the details are carefully considered before a formal response is provided.

Dollar value amounts specified in the Electoral Act 1907 (section 175AC(1)) have been updated for the 2025-26 financial year. These amounts are adjusted based on the consumer price index (CPI) for Perth published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Dennis O’Reilly to the WA Electoral Commission as our acting Electoral Commissioner. 

Dennis brings more than 30 years’ experience in the public sector with a wealth of expertise and proficiency in service delivery, stakeholder relations and governance from his previous roles as Deputy Director General Strategy and Performance at the Department of Water and Environment, and Executive Director Regional Services at Department of Transport. 

Are you eligible to vote in the Tasmanian Legislative Council elections for the Upper House divisions of Montgomery, Nelson and Pembroke? 

If you’re in Western Australia, you can cast your vote in this election at the WA Electoral Commission's Perth office: Level 2, 66 St Georges Terrace, Perth. 

Voting is open from Wednesday 7 May until Friday 23 May on weekdays between 8.30 am to 4.30 pm. 

The WA Electoral Commission is committed to delivering a Legislative Council result acknowledging the importance these positions hold in the Parliament of Western Australia. 

The count to determine the membership of the Legislative Council is continuing as a priority. 

A complex count has contributed to a longer count processing time than expected, however the accuracy and integrity of the result is a priority. 

Return of the Legislative Assembly writ

The WA Electoral Commission welcomes the announcement of the independent inquiry into the management of the 2025 WA State Election by Government.

We recognise this will deliver to Government and the community a better understanding of the events on election day and any contributing factors.

The WA Electoral Commission is relied upon to administer the critical democratic function of the WA State Election on behalf of the WA community, and we recognise that on this occasion community expectations were not met.

A Legislative Council vacancy in the South Metropolitan Region, arising from the resignation of the Honourable Stephen Pratt MLC, has been filled.  

Members of the Legislative Council who were elected in the 2021 WA State election run for a 4-year fixed term expiring on 21 May 2025. The successful candidate will fill the remainder of that term. 

Qualified persons who stood for the South Metropolitan region at the 2021 State election were eligible to re-nominate for the vacancy.  

The process to finalise election results is in its final stage with the Western Australian Electoral Commission now conducting the full distribution of preferences to determine the successful candidates. 

The Electoral Commissioner has received formal advice from the Governor of a vacancy in the Legislative Council for the South Metropolitan Region as a result of the resignation of the Honourable Stephen Pratt. 

You can see the full notice here.