Electoral and Referendum Regulation 2016 (Cth)

Electoral and Referendum Regulation 2016

made under the

Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 and the Referendum (Machinery Provisions) Act 1984

Compilation No. 15

Compilation date: 13 April 2024

Includes amendments: F2024L00450

Registered: 26 April 2024

About this compilation

This compilation

This is a compilation of the Electoral and Referendum Regulation 2016 that shows the text of the law as amended and in force on 13 April 2024 (the compilation date).

The notes at the end of this compilation (the endnotes) include information about amending laws and the amendment history of provisions of the compiled law.

Uncommenced amendments

The effect of uncommenced amendments is not shown in the text of the compiled law. Any uncommenced amendments affecting the law are accessible on the Register ( The details of amendments made up to, but not commenced at, the compilation date are underlined in the endnotes. For more information on any uncommenced amendments, see the Register for the compiled law.

Application, saving and transitional provisions for provisions and amendments

If the operation of a provision or amendment of the compiled law is affected by an application, saving or transitional provision that is not included in this compilation, details are included in the endnotes.

Editorial changes

For more information about any editorial changes made in this compilation, see the endnotes.

Modifications

If the compiled law is modified by another law, the compiled law operates as modified but the modification does not amend the text of the law. Accordingly, this compilation does not show the text of the compiled law as modified. For more information on any modifications, see the Register for the compiled law.

Self‑repealing provisions

If a provision of the compiled law has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law, details are included in the endnotes.

Contents

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Part 1Preliminary1Name

This is the Electoral and Referendum Regulation 2016.

3Authority

This instrument is made under the following:

1. (a)

   the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918;

2. (b)

   the Referendum (Machinery Provisions) Act 1984.

5Definitions

Note: A number of expressions used in this instrument are defined in the Act or the Referendum (Machinery Provisions) Act, including the following:

(a) approved list;

(b) certified list of voters;

(c) Electoral Commissioner;

(d) Roll.

In this instrument:

Act means the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918.

Australia’s Foreign Investment Framework means any of the following Acts and any instruments made under any of those Acts:

1. (a)

   the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975;

2. (b)

   the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Fees Imposition Act 2015.

authorised call centre means a call centre established in accordance with arrangements made by the Electoral Commissioner under subsection 15(1).

call centre operator means a person who:

1. (a)

   works in an authorised call centre; and

2. (b)

   is a pre‑poll voting officer under subsection 4(1) of the Act or section 73 of the Referendum (Machinery Provisions) Act.

electronically assisted vote means a vote cast using the electronically assisted voting method.

electronically assisted voting means voting by an electronically assisted vote.

electronically assisted voting method means the procedures determined under subsection 19(1) for enabling a registered electronically assisted voter to vote by an electronically assisted vote.

medicare card has the same meaning as in Part VII of the National Health Act 1953.

medicare number has the same meaning as in Part VII of the National Health Act 1953.

reference Roll means a Roll that may be consulted by an officer if a voter wishes to vote by an electronically assisted vote.

referendum has the same meaning as in the Referendum (Machinery Provisions) Act.

Referendum (Machinery Provisions) Act means the Referendum (Machinery Provisions) Act 1984.

registered electronically assisted voter means:

1. (a)

   a sight‑impaired person; or

2. (b)

   an Antarctic elector;

who is registered with the Electoral Commissioner for the purpose of voting by an electronically assisted vote.

sight‑impaired person has the meaning given by section 202AA of the Act.

Part 2Electoral roll matters6Prescribed authorities

For the definition of prescribed authority in subsection 4(1) of the Act, the Agencies and authorities of the Commonwealth mentioned in the column headed “Agency or authority” of the table in clause 1 of Schedule 1 to this instrument are specified.

Note: The table also prescribes permitted purposes for which a prescribed authority may use certain information (see section 9).

7Arrangements with States – form of Roll

For paragraph 84(2)(a) of the Act, the manner in which a Roll may indicate that a person is not enrolled as a Commonwealth elector is to put a circle (o) before the person’s name on the Roll.

8Provision of information on Rolls to particular people and organisations

1. (1)

   The persons and organisations specified in the following table are prescribed for the provisions of subsection 90B(4) of the Act specified in the following table:

Prescribed persons and organisations who may be provided certain information on Rolls
Item	For this provision …	these persons and organisations are prescribed …
1	item 5 of the table in subsection 90B(4)	ACXIOM Australia Pty Limited Betfair Pty Limited Perceptive Communication Pty Ltd The Global Data Company Pty. Ltd. Veda Advantage Information Services and Solutions Limited
2	item 6 of the table in subsection 90B(4)	Betfair Pty Limited
3	item 7 of the table in subsection 90B(4)	ACXIOM Australia Pty Limited Experian Asia Pacific Pty. Ltd. Perceptive Communication Pty Ltd The Global Data Company Pty. Ltd. Veda Advantage Information Services and Solutions Limited

1. (2)

   For item 4 of the table in subsection 90B(4) of the Act, the provision to a prescribed authority of the information mentioned in that item is authorised.

9Permitted purposes for use of information – prescribed authorities

For paragraph 91A(2AA)(b) of the Act, the purposes mentioned in an item of the table in clause 1 of Schedule 1 to this instrument are permitted purposes for the prescribed authority mentioned in the item.

Note: See also section 6 (prescribed authorities).

10Permitted purposes for use of information – Australian Red Cross Blood Service

For paragraph 91A(2A)(c) of the Act, the following purposes are prescribed for the Australian Red Cross Blood Service:

1. (a)

   contacting any blood donor who has tested positive for a blood‑borne infection;

2. (b)

   contacting any person who has received a transfusion of blood donated by a person mentioned in paragraph (a) of this section;

3. (c)

   contacting any donor whose blood was transfused to a person who has since tested positive for a blood‑borne infection;

4. (d)

   contacting any donor whose blood was transfused to a person who has had a suspected adverse reaction to the blood.

10APermitted purpose for use of information – Australian Consortium for Social and Political Research Incorporated

1. (1)

   For the purposes of paragraph 91A(2A)(c) of the Act, the purpose of inviting persons to participate in the Australian Survey of Social Attitudes is prescribed for the Australian Consortium for Social and Political Research Incorporated.

2. (2)

   This section is repealed at the end of 31 December 2026.

11Permitted purposes for use of information – other persons or organisations

For paragraph 91A(2A)(c) of the Act, the following purposes are prescribed for a person or organisation that conducts medical research or provides a health screening program:

1. (a)

   the conduct of medical research in accordance with the Guidelines under Section 95 of the Privacy Act 1988 issued by the National Health and Medical Research Council on 1 November 2014;

2. (b)

   the provision of a public health screening program:

   1. (i)

      approved by the Secretary of the Department administered by the Minister administering the National Health Act 1953; and

   2. (ii)

      conducted in accordance with the Guidelines for the Conduct of Public Health Screening Programs with particular reference to Privacy and the Management of Personal Information published in the Gazette on 1 December 1993.

Part 3Enrolment matters11AAdditional evidence of identity requirements

For the purposes of paragraph 98AA(2)(d) of the Act, the following kinds of evidence of a person’s identity are prescribed:

1. (a)

   the evidence number included in a notice given to the person under section 37 of the Australian Citizenship Act 2007;

2. (b)

   if the person is covered by a medicare card—the person’s medicare number.

12Provisional enrolment by applicant for citizenship – prescribed electors

For subparagraph 99B(4)(b)(i) of the Act and subparagraph 38(4)(b)(i) of the Referendum (Machinery Provisions) Act, the classes of electors mentioned in the table in clause 1 of Schedule 2 to this instrument are prescribed.

13Enrolment‑related claims or notices do not have to be signed in certain circumstances

For the purposes of subsection 382(7) of the Act, the requirement is that the person include on the claim or notice:

1. (a)

   the person’s date of birth; and

2. (b)

   one of the following:

   1. (i)

      if the person holds a driver’s licence issued under the law of a State or Territory, or a law in force in Norfolk Island—the number of that driver’s licence;

   2. (ii)

      if the person holds an Australian passport—the number of that Australian passport;

   3. (iii)

      the evidence number included in a notice given to the person under section 37 of the Australian Citizenship Act 2007;

   4. (iv)

      if the person is covered by a medicare card—the person’s medicare number.

Part 4Voting mattersDivision 1Electronically assisted voting14Purpose of Division

This Division is made for the purposes of:

1. (a)

   Part XVB of the Act; and

2. (b)

   Part IVB of the Referendum (Machinery Provisions) Act.

15Authorised call centres

1. (1)

   The Electoral Commissioner must make arrangements for the establishment of one or more call centres to receive telephone calls from sight‑impaired persons or Antarctic electors who wish to:

   1. (a)

      register for the purpose of being eligible to vote by an electronically assisted vote; or

   2. (b)

      vote by an electronically assisted vote.

2. (2)

   The Electoral Commissioner may approve forms and other documents to be used by call centre operators and other officers for the purposes of:

   1. (a)

      registering a sight‑impaired person or Antarctic elector for the purpose of being eligible to vote by an electronically assisted vote; and

   2. (b)

      assisting a registered electronically assisted voter to vote by an electronically assisted vote.

   Example: Statements and responses that allow call centre operators to explain to a sight‑impaired person or Antarctic elector how to register or vote.

16Registration

1. (1)

   The Electoral Commissioner must determine, in writing:

   1. (a)

      the days on which and times when a person may apply to be registered by the Electoral Commissioner as a registered electronically assisted voter; and

   2. (b)

      procedures for assessing whether a person may be registered by the Electoral Commissioner as a registered electronically assisted voter.

   Note: The procedures may include requirements for the person to:

   (a) be on an approved list of voters, a certified list of voters or a reference Roll; and

   (b) affirm that he or she is sight‑impaired or an Antarctic elector.

2. (2)

   A person who wishes to apply to be registered by the Electoral Commissioner as a registered electronically assisted voter must:

   1. (a)

      contact an authorised call centre on a day and time determined under paragraph (1)(a); and

   2. (b)

      comply with the procedures determined under paragraph (1)(b).

3. (3)

   The Electoral Commissioner must:

   1. (a)

      register a person who complies with subsection (2) as a registered electronically assisted voter; and

   2. (b)

      make and keep a register for that purpose.

   Note: The person will have a personal identification number and a registration number for requesting an electronically assisted vote.

4. (4)

   A registered electronically assisted voter may vote by an electronically assisted vote at:

   1. (a)

      a general election; and

   2. (b)

      a Senate election; and

   3. (c)

      a by‑election (within the meaning of section 202AA of the Act); and

   4. (d)

      a referendum.

17Who is entitled to vote by an electronically assisted vote

1. (1)

   The Electoral Commissioner:

   1. (a)

      must determine, in writing, the days on which and times when electronically assisted voting is to be available; and

   2. (b)

      must determine, in writing, procedures for assessing whether a person is a registered electronically assisted voter; and

   3. (c)

      may give directions to officers in relation to requests for voting by an electronically assisted vote.

   Example: For paragraph (b), if a call centre operator is not satisfied that a person is the registered electronically assisted voter whose name the person has used, the procedures may include a requirement for the operator to ask the person one or more questions about information provided on an approved list of voters, a certified list of voters or a reference Roll about the voter whose name the person has used.

2. (2)

   Subject to subsection (3), a person is entitled to vote by an electronically assisted vote if:

   1. (a)

      the person calls an authorised call centre on a day on which and at a time when electronically assisted voting is available; and

   2. (b)

      the person informs a call centre operator that the person wishes to vote by an electronically assisted vote; and

   3. (c)

      a call centre operator is satisfied that the person is a registered electronically assisted voter; and

   4. (d)

      the person’s name is on an approved list of voters, a certified list of voters or a reference Roll.

3. (3)

   A person is not entitled to vote by an electronically assisted vote if:

   1. (a)

      the person does not call an authorised call centre on a day on which and at a time when electronically assisted voting is available; or

   2. (b)

      a call centre operator is not satisfied that the person is a registered electronically assisted voter after complying with the procedures for assessing whether the person is a registered electronically assisted voter; or

   3. (c)

      the person’s name is not on an approved list of voters, a certified list of voters or a reference Roll; or

   4. (d)

      the person refuses to answer a question asked in accordance with subsection 18(2); or

   5. (e)

      the person answers a question asked in accordance with subsection 18(2) in the affirmative; or

   6. (f)

      the person has already voted; or

   7. (g)

      the person is provisionally enrolled; or

   8. (h)

      on the basis of any of the person’s answers to questions mentioned in section 18, a call centre operator is not satisfied that the person is the voter whose name the person has used; or

   9. (i)

      the person does not otherwise comply with the procedures for:

      1. (i)

         assessing whether the person is a registered electronically assisted voter; or

      2. (ii)

         voting by an electronically assisted vote.

   Note: The person may be eligible to vote by an assisted provisional vote on polling day or an assisted pre‑poll vote.

18Electronically assisted voting – questions to be put to person

1. (1)

   If a person requests an electronically assisted vote, a call centre operator must be satisfied that the person is a registered electronically assisted voter in accordance with the procedures determined under paragraph 17(1)(b).

   Note: The person will have a personal identification number and a registration number for requesting an electronically assisted vote.

2. (2)

   If the person is a registered electronically assisted voter, a call centre operator must then ask the person the appropriate question from the following questions:

   1. (a)

      Have you voted before in this election?

   2. (b)

      Have you voted before in these elections?

   3. (c)

      Have you voted before in this by‑election?

   4. (d)

      Have you voted before in this referendum?

19Enabling registered electronically assisted voter to vote

1. (1)

   The Electoral Commissioner must determine, in writing, procedures for enabling a registered electronically assisted voter to vote by an electronically assisted vote.

   Example 1: The procedures may require a call centre operator to ensure that the voter:

   (a) receives the same information (in the same order), and has the same voting options, as would appear in the ballot paper for the election that the voter would be given if the voter were voting under Part XVI of the Act; and

   (b) is able to indicate the voter’s vote in a way that, if the voter were marking a ballot paper, would satisfy the requirements of section 239 or 240 of the Act.

   Example 2: The procedures may permit the voter’s ballot papers to be checked to ensure that they have been marked in accordance with the voter’s instructions (if any).

2. (2)

   A call centre operator who is satisfied that a registered electronically assisted voter is entitled to vote by an electronically assisted vote must assist the voter in accordance with the procedures determined under subsection (1).

3. (3)

   The voter may tell the call centre operator how the voter wants the ballot papers to be marked.

4. (4)

   If the voter tells the call centre operator how the voter wants the ballot papers to be marked, the call centre operator must:

   1. (a)

      initial the voter’s ballot papers on the top front of each ballot paper; and

   2. (b)

      mark the voter’s ballot papers in accordance with the voter’s instructions; and

   3. (c)

      read the voter’s voting preferences back to the voter; and

   4. (d)

      put the voter’s ballot papers in an envelope marked with the name of the voter’s Division; and

   5. (e)

      place the envelope in a ballot‑box used at the authorised call centre for electronically assisted voting.

20Requirements relating to ballot‑boxes

1. (1)

   For an election for which electronically assisted voting is available, the requirements in relation to ballot‑boxes in Subdivision C of Division 3 of Part XVA of the Act, other than section 200DR, are taken to apply to ballot‑boxes used at an authorised call centre for electronically assisted voting as if the electronically assisted voting were pre‑poll ordinary voting.

2. (2)

   For a referendum for which electronically assisted voting is available, the requirements in relation to ballot‑boxes in Subdivision C of Division 3 of Part IVA of the Referendum (Machinery Provisions) Act, other than section 73CR, are taken to apply to ballot‑boxes used at an authorised call centre for electronically assisted voting as if the electronically assisted voting were pre‑poll ordinary voting.

21Role of scrutineers – authorised call centre

1. (1)

   A candidate in an election for which electronically assisted voting is available may appoint one scrutineer to attend at each authorised call centre for the purpose of monitoring the duties of call centre operators.

2. (2)

   For a referendum for which electronically assisted voting is available, a person (the appointer) who may appoint persons to act as scrutineers under section 27 of the Referendum (Machinery Provisions) Act may appoint one scrutineer to attend at each authorised call centre for the purpose of monitoring the duties of call centre operators.

3. (3)

   The appointment of a scrutineer must be made by notice, in writing:

   1. (a)

      addressed to the Returning Officer; and

   2. (b)

      signed by the candidate or the appointer (as the case requires); and

   3. (c)

      stating the scrutineer’s name and address.

4. (4)

   A scrutineer appointed under subsection (1) who has not complied with subsection 202A(3) of the Act must not attend an authorised call centre to discharge a scrutineer’s functions.

5. (5)

   A scrutineer appointed under subsection (2) who has not complied with subsection 16A(3) of the Referendum (Machinery Provisions) Act must not attend an authorised call centre to discharge a scrutineer’s functions.

6. (6)

   A scrutineer commits an offence if:

   1. (a)

      the scrutineer attends an authorised call centre; and

   2. (b)

      the scrutineer attempts to interfere with the duties of a call centre operator or an Assistant Returning Officer.

   Penalty: 5 penalty units.

7. (7)

   A scrutineer commits an offence if:

   1. (a)

      the scrutineer attends an authorised call centre; and

   2. (b)

      the scrutineer communicates with a person in the authorised call centre; and

   3. (c)

      the communication is not reasonably necessary for the discharge of the scrutineer’s functions.

   Penalty: 5 penalty units.

22Record of electronically assisted votes

1. (1)

   The Electoral Commissioner must make a record of an electronically assisted vote.

2. (2)

   The record of an electronically assisted vote must be:

1. 1. (a)

      a mark on an approved list of voters or a certified list of voters beside the voter’s name; or

   2. (b)

      a record on a document other than an approved list of voters or a certified list of voters which states:

      1. (i)

         the voter’s name (whether or not it also states the voter’s address or date of birth); and

      2. (ii)

         the Division in which the voter is enrolled to vote.

2. (3)

   If the record is in the form mentioned in paragraph (2)(b):

   1. (a)

      it must be forwarded to a Divisional Returning Officer for the Division in which the voter is enrolled to vote; and

   2. (b)

      the Divisional Returning Officer must place a mark beside the voter’s name on an approved list of voters or a certified list of voters.

23What must be done with the voter’s ballot papers

1. (1)

   As soon as the close of the poll for all Divisions, an Assistant Returning Officer must:

   1. (a)

      open each ballot‑box mentioned in paragraph 19(4)(e); and

   2. (b)

      sort the envelopes, unopened, into bundles corresponding to Divisions.

2. (2)

   An Assistant Returning Officer must forward each bundle to a Divisional Returning Officer for the appropriate Division for the conduct of a scrutiny.

3. (3)

   A person commits an offence of strict liability if the person:

   1. (a)

      is not an Assistant Returning Officer, or a person performing tasks under the direction of an Assistant Returning Officer; and

   2. (b)

      does something mentioned in subsection (1) or (2).

   Penalty: 5 penalty units.

24Scrutiny of ballot papers

1. (1)

   The Divisional Returning Officer must conduct the scrutiny of the ballot papers forwarded by the Assistant Returning Officer under subsection 23(2).

2. (2)

   For a general election, Senate election or by‑election, the procedures in Part XVIII of the Act apply to the scrutiny with the modifications necessary to ensure that:

   1. (a)

      no preliminary scrutiny mentioned in section 266 of the Act is to be conducted; and

   2. (b)

      the electronically assisted vote is taken to be a pre‑poll ordinary vote; and

   3. (c)

      it is irrelevant that the voter did not complete the ballot paper personally; and

   4. (d)

      it is irrelevant that the vote can be identified as being cast by a sight‑impaired person or Antarctic elector.

3. (3)

   For a referendum, the procedures in Part VI of the Referendum (Machinery Provisions) Act apply to the scrutiny with the modifications necessary to ensure that:

   1. (a)

      no preliminary scrutiny mentioned in section 89A of that Act is to be conducted; and

   2. (b)

      the electronically assisted vote is taken to be a pre‑poll ordinary vote; and

   3. (c)

      it is irrelevant that the voter did not complete the ballot paper personally; and

   4. (d)

      it is irrelevant that the vote can be identified as being cast by a sight‑impaired person or Antarctic elector.

4. (4)

   A person commits an offence of strict liability if the person:

   1. (a)

      is not the Divisional Returning Officer, or a person performing tasks under the direction of the Divisional Returning Officer; and

   2. (b)

      conducts the scrutiny.

   Penalty: 5 penalty units.

25Offences related to electronically assisted voting

1. (1)

   A person commits an offence if the person:

   1. (a)

      interferes with a voter while the voter votes by an electronically assisted vote; or

   2. (b)

      communicates with a voter who votes by an electronically assisted vote about the voter’s vote; or

   3. (c)

      does anything to find out how a voter who votes by an electronically assisted vote voted.

   Penalty: 5 penalty units.

2. (2)

   Subsection (1) does not apply if the person is a call centre operator who is assisting the voter to vote.

   Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (2): see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code.

26Protection of electronic voting hardware or software

1. (1)

   A person commits an offence if:

   1. (a)

      he or she destroys or interferes with:

      1. (i)

         a computer program; or

      2. (ii)

         a data file; or

      3. (iii)

         an electronic device; and

   2. (b)

      the program, file or device is used, or intended to be used, for or in connection with electronically assisted voting.

   Penalty: 5 penalty units.

2. (2)

   Subsection (1) does not apply if the person is an officer acting in the course of his or her duties.

   Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (2): see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code.

Division 2Enforcement of law in relation to compulsory voting27Proceedings in court on failure of elector to vote

1. (1)

   This section applies in relation to proceedings that are instituted in a court of summary jurisdiction against an elector for a contravention of:

   1. (a)

      subsection 245(15) of the Act; or

   2. (b)

      subsection 45(14) of the Referendum (Machinery Provisions) Act.

2. (2)

   The Divisional Returning Officer must send to the court the elector’s response (if any) under subparagraph 245(5)(c)(i) or (ii) of the Act or subparagraph 45(5)(c)(i) or (ii) of the Referendum (Machinery Provisions) Act (as applicable).

3. (3)

   The court must, whether the defendant is present or not, consider the contents of the response as if it were given in evidence before the court.

28Evidence in court of summary jurisdiction

1. (1)

   This section applies in relation to a prosecution in a court of summary jurisdiction against an elector for a contravention of:

   1. (a)

      subsection 245(15) or (15C) of the Act; or

   2. (b)

      subsection 45(14) or (14C) of the Referendum (Machinery Provisions) Act.

2. (2)

   If the prosecuting officer lodges with the court a statutory declaration and a certified extract in the approved form, the officer is not required to attend the hearing.

3. (3)

   If a statutory declaration and certified extract have been lodged as provided by subsection (2), and the prosecuting officer is not present at the hearing, the court must:

   1. (a)

      proceed with the hearing and determination of the case in the prosecuting officer’s absence; and

   2. (b)

      consider the statutory declaration and certified extract as if the matters set out in those documents had been given in evidence before the court; and

   3. (c)

      notwithstanding the absence of the prosecuting officer, permit evidence for the prosecution to be given by any witness who is summoned by, or attends on behalf of, the prosecuting officer.

4. (4)

   For the purposes of this section, any document purporting to be a statutory declaration must be accepted as such by the court without proof of:

   1. (a)

      the signatures on the declaration; or

   2. (b)

      the authority of the person before whom the declaration purports to have been made to take statutory declarations.

Part 5Application and transitional mattersDivision 1Application of the Electoral and Referendum Amendment (Eligibility) Regulations 201829Application of the Electoral and Referendum Amendment (Eligibility) Regulations 2018

The amendments made by the Electoral and Referendum Amendment (Eligibility) Regulations 2018 to this instrument apply in relation to any elections, the writs for which are issued on or after the commencement of that instrument.

Schedule 1Prescribed authorities and permitted purposes for use of information

Note: See sections 6 and 9.

1Prescribed authorities and permitted purposes for use of information

For sections 6 and 9, the following table sets out:

1. (a)

   the Agencies or authorities of the Commonwealth that are prescribed authorities; and

2. (b)

   the purposes that are prescribed as permitted purposes for a particular prescribed authority.

Prescribed authorities and permitted purposes for use of information
Item	Agency or authority	Purpose
1	Australia Post	investigating postal and criminal offences committed against the Commonwealth under the Australian Postal Corporation Act 1989 or the Crimes Act 1914
2	Australian Bureau of Statistics	collecting, compiling, analysing and disseminating statistics and related information
3	National Anti‑Corruption Commission	(a) identifying or locating offenders, suspects or witnesses in relation to: (i) the investigation of, or reporting on, a corruption issue within the meaning of the National Anti‑Corruption Commission Act 2022 (the NACC Act); or (ii) a preliminary investigation under section 42 of the NACC Act; or (b) collecting, correlating, analysing or disseminating information or intelligence in relation to corruption issues within the meaning of the NACC Act; or (c) security vetting of employees or potential employees; or (d) identifying or locating offenders, suspects or witnesses in relation to an investigation that is being conducted, or reported on, in accordance with item 2 of Schedule 2 to the National Anti‑Corruption Commission (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Act 2022 after the transition time (within the meaning of that Schedule); or (e) identifying or locating offenders, suspects or witnesses in relation to an investigation that is being reported on in accordance with item 38 of Schedule 2 to the National Anti‑Corruption Commission (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Act 2022 after the transition time (within the meaning of that Schedule)
4	Australian Communications and Media Authority	identifying offences relating to interference with radiocommunications or telecommunications
5	Australian Competition and Consumer Commission	(a) identifying or locating offenders, suspects or witnesses; or (b) verifying the identity of individuals for enforcement of the criminal law or of a law imposing a pecuniary penalty in relation to the Competition and Consumer Act 2010
6	Australian Crime Commission	(a) collecting, correlating, analysing and disseminating criminal information and intelligence; or (b) undertaking intelligence operations; or (c) investigating matters relating to relevant criminal activity; or (d) assembling or analysing evidence about offences and suspected offences; or (e) conducting criminal and operational investigations to support authorised national security functions; or (f) security vetting of employees or potential employees
7	Australian Federal Police (AFP)	(a) identifying or locating offenders, suspects or witnesses; or (b) deciding whether suspects can be eliminated from an investigation; or (c) target development; or (d) intelligence checks; or (e) protecting the safety of officers, staff members, AFP employees and special members; or (f) law enforcement; or (g) surveillance; or (h) identification of potential or actual disaster victims, and notification of victims’ families; or (i) security vetting of AFP officers or potential AFP officers
8	Australian Securities and Investments Commission	(a) identifying or locating suspects or witnesses; or (b) surveillance; or (c) law enforcement
9	Australian Security Intelligence Organisation	(a) confirming the identity of Australian citizens to determine whether or not they are of security interest; or (b) security vetting of employees or potential employees
10	Australian Taxation Office (the Statutory Agency consisting of the Commissioner of Taxation and staff)	(a) identifying or locating taxpayers; or (b) preventing, detecting or investigating taxation fraud; or (c) administering Australia’s Foreign Investment Framework
11	Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre	(a) detecting, deterring or disrupting money laundering, the financing of terrorism or other serious crimes; or (b) retaining, compiling, analysing or disseminating AUSTRAC information (within the meaning of the Anti‑Money Laundering and Counter‑Terrorism Financing Act 2006); or (c) advising or assisting reporting entities in relation to their obligations under any of the following: (i) the Anti‑Money Laundering and Counter‑Terrorism Financing Act 2006 or a legislative instrument made under that Act; (ii) the Financial Transaction Reports Act 1988 or a legislative instrument made under that Act; or (d) promoting, investigating or enforcing compliance by reporting entities with their obligations under an Act or instrument mentioned in paragraph (c)
12	Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation	locating members and former members for the purpose of protecting public revenue in relation to the payment of benefits, the recovery of overpayments and the review of entitlement to benefits
13	Department administered by the Minister administering the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Act 1994	investigating, monitoring and enforcing the following Acts: (a) the Biosecurity Act 2015; (b) the Export Control Act 2020; (d) the Biological Control Act 1984
14	Department administered by the Minister administering the Defence Force Discipline Act 1982	(a) identifying or locating an individual suspected of fraud or another criminal offence under: (i) a law of the Commonwealth administered by the Department; or (ii) another law of the Commonwealth, or a law of a State or Territory, that is connected with the defence of Australia or the operations or activities of the Department; or (b) security vetting of employees or potential employees
15	Department administered by the Minister administering the Australian Education Act 2013	preventing, detecting or investigating fraud and other criminal offences in relation to the Department’s programs and relevant money (within the meaning of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013) managed by the Department
16	Department administered by the Minister administering the Work Health and Safety Act 2011	identifying or locating suspects, debtors or witnesses in relation to criminal investigations
17	Department administered by the Minister administering the Australian Passports Act 2005	(a) confirming the identity of passport applicants or identifiers of documents; or (b) verifying information relating to a passport or an application for a passport; or (c) locating parents who have not lodged an application for a passport, in connection with seeking consent to issue a passport to a minor; or (d) assisting in consular operations to locate next of kin in Australia
18	Services Australia	(a) preventing and detecting fraud relating to identity or incorrect payments; or (b) identifying or locating clients for debt management, determination or correction purposes; or (c) undertaking compliance, investigation or enforcement activities relating to the Chief Executive Medicare’s functions under section 5 of the Human Services (Medicare) Act 1973; or (d) recovering overpayments or other amounts due to the Commonwealth in relation to the performance of the Chief Executive Medicare’s functions under section 5 of the Human Services (Medicare) Act 1973
19	Department administered by the Minister administering the Australian Border Force Act 2015	(a) verifying the identity or status of travellers and consignees of cargo or postal articles; or (b) verifying the identity and status of importers and exporters; or (c) checking the accuracy of information given to the Department or to a Collector (within the meaning of the Customs Act 1901); or (d) verifying the identity of individuals on behalf of: (i) the government of another country; or (ii) a law enforcement administration under an international agreement or arrangement; or (e) surveillance purposes; or (f) facilitating travel to Australia, or entry to Australia, for an Australian citizen who may have lost his or her passport; or (g) enabling airport officers to identify travellers and confirm their status; or (h) assisting investigations and compliance staff in the detection of persons suspected of: (i) being in Australia unlawfully; or (ii) working without authority; or (iii) being involved in people smuggling; or (iv) committing offences against legislation administered by the Department
20	Department administered by the Minister administering the Industry Research and Development Act 1986	preventing, detecting or investigating fraud and other criminal offences in relation to: (a) the Department’s purposes (within the meaning of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013); and (b) relevant money (within the meaning of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013) managed by the Department
21	Department administered by the Treasurer	administering Australia’s Foreign Investment Framework
22	Department administered by the Minister administering the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986	(a) undertaking reviews of, or research into, the health of former members of the Defence Force; or (b) protection of the public revenue in relation to reviews of entitlement to benefits
23	Director of Public Prosecutions	verifying the identity of, or locating, persons of interest in relation to property ownership matters conducted under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002
24	Federal Court of Australia (the Statutory Agency consisting of the Chief Executive Officer and Principal Registrar of the Federal Court and the APS employees referred to in section 18N of the Federal Court of Australia Act 1976 assisting the Chief Executive Officer and Principal Registrar of the Federal Court)	(a) preparing a written jury roll for a jury district; or (b) determining if a person included on a jury list is not qualified to serve as a juror or should be excused from serving as a juror; or (c) giving the Commissioner of the Australian Federal Police the name and other details of any or all of the persons included on a jury list so that the Commissioner may give information about the criminal history (if any) of each of those persons; or (d) disclosing to an officer responsible for convening juries for trials before a court of a State or Territory information identifying a juror or former juror so that the officer can consider whether to summons the juror or former juror when convening a trial before the State or Territory court Note: The purposes described in this item relate to functions performed under Division 1A of Part III of the Federal Court of Australia Act 1976.
25	Australian Financial Security Authority	(a) locating and investigating bankrupts and their associates in relation to obligations under the Bankruptcy Act 1966; or (b) conducting criminal investigations in relation to the Bankruptcy Act 1966; or (c) investigating identity fraud
26	Office of the Official Secretary to the Governor‑General	identifying or locating individuals who: (a) are nominated, or are being considered for nomination, for an honour or award within the Australian Honours and Awards system; or (b) have been selected to provide a reference connected with such a nomination
27	Sport Integrity Australia	The administration of the National Anti‑Doping Scheme (within the meaning of the Sport Integrity Australia Act 2020)
28	Agency covered by section 117 of the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013 (the Statutory Agency consisting of the Chief Executive Officer and staff)	preventing, detecting or investigating fraud and non‑compliance matters in relation to the Agency’s purposes (within the meaning of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013)

Schedule 2Prescribed electors

Note: See section 12.

1Prescribed classes of electors – applications for provisional enrolment by persons about to become Australian citizens

For section 12, the following table sets out the classes of electors that are prescribed for the purposes of applications for provisional enrolment by persons who are about to become Australian citizens.

Prescribed classes of electors—applications for provisional enrolment by persons about to become Australian citizens

Item

Class of elector

1

Commissioner for Oaths of a State or Territory

2

Family counsellor within the meaning of the Family Law Act 1975

3

Holder of a current liquor licence

4

Holder of a current pilot’s licence

5

Licensed or registered real estate agent

6

Licensed or registered surveyor

7

Manager of a community or ethnic centre

8

Manager of a women’s refuge, or of a crisis and counselling service that provides counselling or assistance to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or sexual abuse

9

Master of a merchant vessel

10

Member of the Governance Institute of Australia

11

Member of the ground staff of an airline that operates a regular passenger service

12

Member of the staff of a person who is a member of:

(a) the Parliament of the Commonwealth; or

(b) the Parliament of a State; or

(c) a Territory legislature; or

(d) a local government authority of a State or Territory

13

Member of the staff of a State or Territory electoral authority

14

Member of the staff of the Australian Electoral Commission

15

Prison officer

16

A person who is not described in a preceding item in this Schedule before whom statutory declarations may be made under a law of the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory

Endnotes

Endnote 1—About the endnotes

The endnotes provide information about this compilation and the compiled law.

The following endnotes are included in every compilation:

Endnote 1—About the endnotes

Endnote 2—Abbreviation key

Endnote 3—Legislation history

Endnote 4—Amendment history

Abbreviation key—Endnote 2

The abbreviation key sets out abbreviations that may be used in the endnotes.

Legislation history and amendment history—Endnotes 3 and 4

Amending laws are annotated in the legislation history and amendment history.

The legislation history in endnote 3 provides information about each law that has amended (or will amend) the compiled law. The information includes commencement details for amending laws and details of any application, saving or transitional provisions that are not included in this compilation.

The amendment history in endnote 4 provides information about amendments at the provision (generally section or equivalent) level. It also includes information about any provision of the compiled law that has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law.

Editorial changes

The Legislation Act 2003 authorises First Parliamentary Counsel to make editorial and presentational changes to a compiled law in preparing a compilation of the law for registration. The changes must not change the effect of the law. Editorial changes take effect from the compilation registration date.

If the compilation includes editorial changes, the endnotes include a brief outline of the changes in general terms. Full details of any changes can be obtained from the Office of Parliamentary Counsel.

Misdescribed amendments

A misdescribed amendment is an amendment that does not accurately describe how an amendment is to be made. If, despite the misdescription, the amendment can be given effect as intended, then the misdescribed amendment can be incorporated through an editorial change made under section 15V of the Legislation Act 2003.

If a misdescribed amendment cannot be given effect as intended, the amendment is not incorporated and “(md not incorp)” is added to the amendment history.

Endnote 2Abbreviation key

ad = added or inserted	o = order(s)
am = amended	Ord = Ordinance
amdt = amendment	orig = original
c = clause(s)	par = paragraph(s)/subparagraph(s)
C[x] = Compilation No. x	/sub‑subparagraph(s)
Ch = Chapter(s)	pres = present
def = definition(s)	prev = previous
Dict = Dictionary	(prev…) = previously
disallowed = disallowed by Parliament	Pt = Part(s)
Div = Division(s)	r = regulation(s)/rule(s)
ed = editorial change	reloc = relocated
exp = expires/expired or ceases/ceased to have	renum = renumbered
effect	rep = repealed
F = Federal Register of Legislation	rs = repealed and substituted
gaz = gazette	s = section(s)/subsection(s)
LA = Legislation Act 2003	Sch = Schedule(s)
LIA = Legislative Instruments Act 2003	Sdiv = Subdivision(s)
(md) = misdescribed amendment can be given	SLI = Select Legislative Instrument
effect	SR = Statutory Rules
(md not incorp) = misdescribed amendment	Sub‑Ch = Sub‑Chapter(s)
cannot be given effect	SubPt = Subpart(s)
mod = modified/modification	underlining = whole or part not
No. = Number(s)	commenced or to be commenced

Endnote 3Legislation history

Name	Registration	Commencement	Application, saving and transitional provisions
Electoral and Referendum Regulation 2016	29 Mar 2016 (F2016L00399)	30 Mar 2016 (s 2(1) (item 1)
Courts Administration (Consequential Amendments) Regulation 2016	10 May 2016 (F2016L00767)	Sch 1 (item 1): 1 July 2016 (s 2(1) item 2)	—
Electoral and Referendum Amendment (ASADA) Regulations 2017	28 July 2017 (F2017L00967)	29 July 2017 (s 2(1) item 1)	—
Electoral and Referendum Amendment (Eligibility) Regulations 2018	29 May 2018 (F2018L00669)	30 May 2018 (s 2(1) item 1)	—
Electoral and Referendum Amendment (Official Secretary to the Governor‑General) Regulations 2018	26 Nov 2018 (F2018L01606)	27 Nov 2018 (s 2(1) item 1)	—
Electoral and Referendum Amendment (Modernisation) Regulations 2019	7 Mar 2019 (F2019L00266)	8 Mar 2019 (s 2(1) item 1)	—
Australian Sports Anti‑Doping Authority Amendment (Sport Integrity Australia) Regulations 2020	29 June 2020 (F2020L00827)	Sch 1 (items 30, 31): 1 July 2020 (s 2(1) item 1)	—
Electoral and Referendum Amendment (Prescribed Authorities) Regulations 2020	26 Aug 2020 (F2020L01058)	27 Aug 2020 (s 2(1) item 1)	—
Electoral and Referendum Amendment (AUSTRAC) Regulations 2020	22 Dec 2020 (F2020L01666)	23 Dec 2020 (s 2(1) item 1)	—
Export Control Legislation (Repeals and Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2021	25 Mar 2021 (F2021L00336)	Sch 2 (items 5, 6): 3 am (A.C.T.) 28 Mar 2021 (s 2(1) item 1)	—
Electoral Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous Measures) Regulations 2021	19 Apr 2021 (F2021L00461)	Sch 1 (items 1–24): 20 Apr 2021 (s 2(1) item 1)	—
Electoral and Referendum Amendment (Australian Consortium for Social and Political Research Incorporated) Regulations 2021	22 Dec 2021 (F2021L01875)	23 Dec 2021 (s 2(1) item 1)	—
Electoral and Referendum Amendment (Enrolment Enfranchisement) Regulations 2023	16 Feb 2023 (F2023L00114)	17 Feb 2023 (s 2(1) item 1)	—
National Anti‑Corruption Commission (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2023	20 June 2023 (F2023L00814)	Sch 1 (item 3): 1 July 2023 (s 2(1) item 1)	—
Instruments Update (Autumn 2024) Regulations 2024	14 Mar 2024 (F2024L00297)	Sch 2 (items 8–11): 11 Apr 2024 (s 2(1) item 1)	—
Electoral and Referendum Amendment (Australian Consortium for Social and Political Research Incorporated) Regulations 2024	12 Apr 2024 (F2024L00450)	13 Apr 2024 (s 2(1) item 1)	—

Endnote 4Amendment history

Provision affected	How affected
Part 1
s 2.............................................	rep LA s 48D
s 4.............................................	rep LA s 48C
s 5.............................................	am F2021L00461; F2023L00114; F2024L00297
Part 2
s 10A.........................................	ad F2021L01875
rep 23 Dec 2022 (s 10A(2))
ad F2024L00450
rep end of 31 Dec 2026 (s 10A(2))
Part 3
s 11A.........................................	ad F2023L00114
ed C13
s 13............................................	rs F2023L00114
Part 4
Division 1A................................	ad F2018L00669
rs F2019L00266
rep F2021L00461
s 13A.........................................	ad F2018L00669
rs F2019L00266
rep F2021L00461
s 13B.........................................	ad F2018L00669
rep F2019L00266
Division 1
Division 1 heading......................	am F2021L00461
s 15............................................	am F2021L00461
s 16............................................	am F2021L00461
s 17............................................	am F2021L00461
s 18............................................	am F2021L00461
s 19............................................	am F2021L00461
s 24............................................	am F2021L00461
Part 5
Part 5.........................................	ad F2018L00669
Division 1
s 29............................................	ad F2018L00669
Schedule 1
c 1.............................................	am F2016L00767; F2017L00967; F2018L01606; F2020L00827; F2020L01058; F2020L01666; F2021L00336; F2023L00814; F2024L00297
Schedule 3..................................	rep LA s 48C
ad F2018L00669
rs F2019L00266
rep F2021L00461