Statements
Special Inquiry into the Planning and Delivery of the 2025 Western Australia State General Election
Ministerial statement
Hon Stephen Dawson (Leader of the House) (1:06 pm): I rise to inform the house that the Special Inquiry into the Planning and Delivery of the 2025 WA State Election , established on 2 April 2025, has been completed. The inquiry was established following concerns raised by voters, candidates and members of Parliament about the staffing and management of polling booths for the 2025 WA state general election, which was held on Saturday 8 March 2025. The Honourable Malcolm McCusker AC CVO KC was appointed to carry out the inquiry, supported by three legal practitioners and a reference panel consisting of a representative from each of the major political parties in Western Australia. The total cost of undertaking the inquiry was $266,651.
The special inquirer conducted face-to-face interviews and invited submissions from members of the public. A total of 152 submissions were received from members of the public and employees of the Western Australian Electoral Commission. The inquiry reported on a number of findings and has made 24 recommendations, which are welcomed by the government. As was said when the inquiry was established, Western Australia has a democratic process that is the envy of societies around the world, so it is vital that we maintain public confidence in how that process is managed. The work undertaken by this inquiry will ensure that this continues into the future. The state government thanks Mr McCusker and all those involved in delivering this inquiry, including the legal practitioners who supported the special inquirer, the reference panel, and all those who contributed to the inquiry.
Before I table the report, I note that the names of returning officers and WA Electoral Commission employees below director level who did not make a submission to the inquiry but have been referred to in the report have been redacted. This decision was made in consultation with, and with the agreement of, the opposition to provide general fairness to those who would not expect to have their names published in the report. I now table the special inquiry’s report and the government’s response.
(See paper 416.)
(See paper 417.)
