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2024 Dunstan be-election - How to vote cards

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TESTING-CONTENT

Due to the resignation of a member of the council, a supplementary election will be necessary to fill the vacancy of Area Councillor for the Tatiara District Council.

Count summary

Scrutiny and count was conducted on Wednesday 5 June 2024.

Enrolled voters 4,518
Envelopes returned 1,837
Envelopes accepted 1,802
Envelopes rejected 35
Voter participation 1,837 (40.66%) of the total enrolment
Formal votes 1,793
Informal votes 9
Quota 897

 

First preference votes

Below are the first preference votes received by the candidates in the order they appeared on the ballot paper.

Candidate  First preference votes Percent  Elected or Excluded
BROWN, Debbie  875  48.8%  ELECTED
GOLDING, Tiffany  742  41.4%   
WENDT, Ruben  124  6.9%   
FIELKE, Gavin  52  2.9%  
Total 1,793    

 

Distribution of preferences

After the first preference count, Debbie Brown was provisionally declared elected at 12:08pm on Wednesday 5 June 2024.

To view the distribution of votes refer to the scrutiny sheet - Tatiara District Council - Area Councillor - 5 June 2024 (PDF 283KB).

 

Daily returns 

 

Candidates

At the close of nominations at 12 noon on Thursday 18 April 2024, a total of 4 nominations were received and accepted for the supplementary election. In accordance with the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999, a draw was held to determine the order of candidates names to appear on the ballot paper. The result of the draw and profiles for each of the candidates are displayed below. This information is provided by the candidate and neither the returning officer nor the City of Onkaparinga takes responsibility or bears liability for the information contained within.

List of candidates

In accordance with the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999, the draw to determine the order of candidate names to appear on the ballot paper was held on Thursday 18 April 2024. The result of the draw are detailed below.

Tatiara District Council – Area Councillor 


BROWN, Debbie

Having lived in Padthaway for 25 years and raised my family here, I have been actively involved in various community, church, children's and sporting groups over the years. Volunteering is a vital part of any country community and I am currently President of the Padthaway Progress Association. I worked as Finance Officer at Padthaway Primary School for several years, before becoming more involved in our farming, vineyard and wine business. Country towns are facing many challenges moving forward and I am passionate about issues such as housing, employment, healthcare and childcare. Regional communities need to be vibrant, providing a range of vital and interesting services to encourage people to move here and enrich our communities with their skills and passions. If elected, I look forward to serving our community, striving to upgrade and maintain our community facilities by ensuring Council decisions reflect our current and future needs. I live in the Area (Tatiara District Council).

I live in the area  |  Contact Details: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  |  I am not a member of a Political Party

Campaign Donations 1

GOLDING, Tiffany

I am a rate payer, 3rd generation, born and bred in Bordertown. I live with my 17-year-old daughter, Zara and our 5-year-old Maltese-Shitzu dog, Max. Zara is attending year 12 at Bordertown High School. I am Treasurer and Grants officer for Bordertown Speedway Club and Treasurer of Bordertown Hockey Club. I have previously held numerous executive committee positions for various groups in Bordertown. I enjoy volunteering in these positions, utilising my skills, knowledge and experience with governance, documentation and finance management. I have been in my current position of employment for 15 years in Senior Management and I am a joint owner of a tyre repair and retail business in Bordertown. The current direction of our community is inspiring with potential for growth. I am passionate about offering opportunities and facilities to our community that welcomes new members and makes people, especially our younger generation want to stay.

I live in the area  |  Contact Details: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  |  I am not a member of a Political Party

Campaign Donations 1

WENDT, Ruben

Carlos Ruben Lauthier Wendt Chile German School, Navy Mechanical Engineering Navigation Ballistic In Australia 1970 Business Administration Management and Logistics Interpreter Translator Spanish. Photographer. Certificate I Parapsychology Builder to Health Det. SA Aboriginal settlements Civil Construction. Assistant to the Minister of Immigration. Federal Inspector, Energy and Mining NSW. Liaison with Patagonia in Tourism. Police accreditation to assist Elders and Adolescents Vice-President Tatiara Men’s Shed actively involved in enforcing Health and Happiness and an advocate for truth/ethics Tatiara district has the potential to thrive in tourism sport business and create projects to keep talents in our community. Mentor and self-educating in Philosophy. No Religion or Political inclination Build a multicultural district with new migrants mentoring adaptation with a solid future integrate participate get involved with all, young and old supporting needs.

I live in the area  |  Contact Details: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  |  I am not a member of a Political Party

Campaign Donations 1

FIELKE, Gavin

Keith local for over a decade.

I live in the area  |  Contact Details: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  |  I am not a member of a Political Party

Campaign Donations 1

Voting

Voting in council elections is conducted by post. All election materials, including your ballot paper, are mailed directly to the postal address you provide on the electoral roll.

Ballot packs

Automatic ballot pack mail out: Tuesday 7 May to Tuesday 14 May 2024.

Ballot packs contain:

  • a ballot paper for the election
  • candidate profiles
  • a ballot paper envelope (you must sign this envelope, as the elector, to ensure ballot security)
  • a reply-paid envelope
  • a postal voting guide

Completing your ballot papers

To make a formal vote, you must number at least as many boxes as there are vacancies, in the order of your choice. 

For this election, you must place the number 1 in the candidate square on the ballot paper for the person you want as your first choice. If you wish, you may continue to number some or all of the other boxes (starting with the number 2).

Directions on how to vote are shown on the ballot paper. Make sure you view the candidate profiles to make an informed decision.

Returning your ballot papers

Follow these steps after completing your ballot paper:

  • Place your folded ballot paper in the ballot paper envelope provided.
  • Seal the ballot paper envelope.
  • Ensure the relevant declaration is completed with your details and signed.
  • Place your sealed ballot paper envelope in the reply-paid envelope and seal it.
  • Mail the reply-paid envelope so that it reaches the returning officer before 12 noon on Monday 3 June 2024.

Requesting a replacement pack

If you haven't automatically received your ballot material by Monday 20 May 2024, and you believe you are entitled to vote, please contact ECSA on 1300 655 232.

The deadline you can apply for replacement voting material is 5 pm on Monday 27 May 2024.

You can request a replacement ballot pack if you have been left off the roll in error, or the original material was:

  • not received
  • destroyed or lost
  • spoiled
Telephone-assisted voting

Telephone-assisted voting is a special service available for voters in the following categories:

  • If you are blind or have low vision
  • If you are interstate or overseas during the voting period.  

Dedicated call centre

Telephone-assisted voting will be available during the hours listed below.

Dates Times
Wednesday 29 May to Friday 31 May 2024 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Monday 3 June (close of voting)  9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Preparing to vote by telephone

Consider your vote

  • Review the candidates and their profiles and decide your choices before making your call
  • List the candidates in order of your choice so you can relay this to the voting assistant who will mark the ballot paper accordingly. 

Telephone-assisted voting method

You will be asked to verify your identity and your entitlement to vote. Your call will then be transferred to a voting assistant, who will take your vote.

Daily returns table

Total electors: 4,518

Date Ballots returned Percentage
09/05/2024 2 0.04
10/05/2024 122 2.7
11/05/2024 n/a - weekend n/a - weekend
12/05/2024 n/a - weekend n/a - weekend
13/05/2024 218 4.83
14/05/2024 190 4.21
15/05/2024 235 5.20
16/05/2024 148 3.28
17/05/2024 145 3.21
18/05/2024 n/a - weekend n/a - weekend
19/05/2024 n/a - weekend n/a - weekend
20/05/2024 97 2.15
21/05/2024 96 2.12
22/05/2024 100 2.21
23/05/2024 71 1.57
24/05/2024 83 1.84
25/05/2024 n/a - weekend n/a - weekend
26/05/2024 n/a - weekend n/a - weekend
27/05/2024 0 0.00
28/05/2024 85 1.88
29/05/2024 127 2.81
30/05/2024 67 1.48
31/05/2024 51 1.13
01/06/2024 n/a - weekend n/a - weekend
02/06/2024 n/a - weekend n/a - weekend
03/06/2024 - Voting closed at 12 noon 0 0.00
 Total 1,837 40.66
Information for candidates

Candidate briefing sessions

 

Online by the Electoral Commission of SA

A briefing session for intending candidates was held online at 6 pm on Thursday 4 April 2024. Watch the recording

 

In-person by Tatiara District Council

A briefing session for intending candidates was held at the Council Chambers, 43 Woolshed St, Bordertown, at 6:00pm Wednesday 10 April 2024.



Acts and Regulations

The rules that govern council elections are set out in:

The Acts and Regulations should be read in conjunction with the Local Government Act 1999.

Candidate eligibility and ineligibility

You are eligible to be a candidate for election as a member of a council if you are:

  • an Australian citizen
  • at the time the electoral roll closes:
    • enrolled in the council area you are contesting, or
    • the nominee of a body corporate or a group that has its name on the voters roll for the council area
    • left off the voters roll for the council area in error.

You are not eligible to be a candidate for election as a member of a council if you are:

  • a member of an Australian Parliament; or
  • an undischarged bankrupt or receiving the benefit of a law for the relief of insolvent debtors; or
  • have been sentenced to imprisonment and are, or could on the happening of some contingency become, liable to serve the sentence or the remainder of the sentence; or
  • are an employee of the council; or
  • are disqualified from election by court order under the Local Government Act 1999.

You are not eligible to be a candidate for election as a member of a council if you:

  • in the case of a supplementary election - are a member of another council; or
  • in the case of any election - are a candidate for election as a member of another council
Candidate disclosure returns

 A person who is a candidate for election to an office of a council must lodge the following returns with the Electoral Commissioner via the candidate portal.

CAMPAIGN DONATIONS RETURN

Candidates must lodge a campaign donations return with the Electoral Commissioner.

Candidates must lodge 2 returns:

For a supplementary election:

  • the first campaign donation return must be lodged with the returning officer in the period between 8 to 14 days after the close of nominations
  • the second campaign donation return must be lodged within 30 days after the conclusion of the election.

The return must disclose:

  • the total amount or value of all gifts received during the disclosure period
  • the number of people who made those gifts
  • the amount or value of each gift
  • the date on which each gift was made
  • details of persons and organisations (donors) providing those gifts.

The campaign donations return need not set out any details in respect of:

  • a private gift made to the candidate
  • a gift with an amount or value less than $500
  • a gift already disclosed in a large gift return

If a candidate is not required to provide any details in a return, the campaign donations return must still be lodged and include a statement to the effect that no gifts of a kind required to be disclosed were received.

LARGE GIFTS RETURN

All candidates must lodge a large gifts return if they receive a gift or gifts from a donor in excess of $2,500.

The Acts prescribe different times that the large gifts return must be lodged, but during the election year, a large gift return must be lodged within 5 days of receipt of the large gift.

The return must disclose:

  • the amount or value of each gift received
  • details of persons and organisations (donors) providing those gifts
  • the date on which each gift was made.

Two or more gifts (excluding private gifts) made by the same person to a candidate during the disclosure period are to be treated as one gift.

A large gifts return need not set out any details in respect of a private gift made to the candidate. A gift to a candidate is a private gift if it is made in a private capacity to the candidate for their personal use and the candidate has not used, and will not use, the gift solely or substantially for a purpose related to the election.

Large gifts returns should be lodged with ECSA at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Offences

See section 85 of the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999. It is an offence to fail to lodge a return within time, to lodge a return containing false or misleading information, or to supply information that is false or misleading to another person for a return. The maximum penalty is $10,000.

Public inspection of returns

The Electoral Commissioner is required to publish all returns within prescribed times on a website maintained by the returning officer. 

Records

See section 89 of the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999. A person must take reasonable steps to retain all records relevant to a return and keep these for at least 4 years after the date of which the relevant return is required to be lodged. The maximum penalty is $5,000.

Frequently asked questions

ALL COUNCILS (other than the City of Adelaide)
What returns do I have to lodge?
  • 2 campaign donation returns – whenever a gift (or multiple gifts from the same donor) is received that totals $500 or more
  • Large gift return - whenever a gift (or multiple gifts from the same donor) is received that totals $2,501 or more.
Where do I lodge my returns?

Copies of the disclosure returns for lodgement by candidates are available in the candidate portal under disclosure returns. Each completed return can be lodged on the portal during the allotted time that they are due; these dates are shown in the portal. If you are unable to lodge these via the candidate portal, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Is there a difference between 'gift' or 'donation?'

The Act refers to a ‘gift’, but it effectively means the same as a ‘donation’.

A gift is defined in the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999 (LGEA) as:

  • a disposition of property
  • made by a person to another person (otherwise than by will)
  • without consideration in money or money’s worth or with inadequate consideration; and
  • includes the provision of a service (other than volunteer labour) for no consideration or inadequate consideration.

By way of example, if a person gives money to a candidate (without getting anything in return), donates goods or services, or supplies a good or service to a candidate for less than the market or commercial rate, this may constitute a gift.

What is a 'disposition of property?'

A ‘disposition of property’ means a conveyance, transfer, assignment, settlement, delivery, payment or other alienation of property, and includes:

  • the allotment of shares in a company; and
  • the creation of a trust in property; and
  • the grant or creation of a lease, mortgage, charge, servitude, licence, power or partnership or any interest in property; and
  • the release, discharge, surrender, forfeiture or abandonment, at law or in equity, of a debt, contract or chose in action or any interest in property; and
  • the exercise by a person of a general power of appointment of property in favour of another person; and
  • a transaction entered into by a person with intent thereby to diminish, directly or indirectly, the value of the person's own property and to increase the value of the property of another person.
What do I have to disclose in a campaign donation return?

The form of return will be provided in the candidate portal with fillable fields to complete, including:

  • the total amount or value of all gifts with an amount or value of $500 or more received by the candidate during the disclosure period
  • the number of persons who made the gifts
  • the amount or value of each gift
  • the date on which gift was made
  • the name and address of the person making the gift (or if a trust or incorporated association – the name of the association and the name and addresses of the executive committee of the association and the name and address of the trustees and title and description of the trust).
What do I have to disclose in a large gift return?

The form of return will be provided in the candidate portal with fillable fields to complete, including:

  • the amount or value of each gift
  • the date on which the gift was made
  • the name and address of the person making the gift (or if a trust or incorporated association – the name of the association and the name and addresses of the executive committee of the association and the name and address of the trustees and title and description of the trust).
When do I have to lodge these returns?

Candidates must lodge a campaign donations return with the Electoral Commissioner.

Candidates must lodge 2 returns:

For a supplementary election:

  • the first campaign donation return must be lodged with the returning officer in the period between 8 to 14 days after the close of nominations
  • the second campaign donation return must be lodged within 30 days after the conclusion of the election.
Who is a candidate?

A person is a candidate if they have announced their candidacy for an election, if they have nominated as a candidate for an election, or if they are already a member of council standing for election again.

What is a 'new candidate?'

A person is defined as a ‘new candidate’, in relation to an election, if the person had not been a candidate in the last general election of a council and had not been a candidate at a supplementary election held after the last general election of a council.

Do I have to report the same campaign donation (i.e. gift) more than once?

No. Although the disclosure period (reporting period) for the second campaign donation return is the same as for the first campaign donation return, gifts already reported in the first campaign donation return do not need to be disclosed again.

What if I receive 2 or more gifts from the same donor?

There is a requirement to treat 2 or more gifts during the disclosure period as 1 gift, and once the total reaches $500 (for a campaign donation) or $2,501 (for a large gift), that ‘gift’ will be disclosed in the relevant campaign donation return or large gift return.

What if I do not receive any donations or any donations over $500? Do I still need to lodge both campaign donation returns?

Yes. You should lodge a NIL return for both.

What if I have already reported a gift received in a large gift return? Do I have to report it again in a campaign donation return?

No. You do not need to report a large gift in a later campaign donations return, if it has already been disclosed.

How do I know if something I give to a candidate needs to be disclosed?

If it is a private gift, it does not need to be disclosed. A gift is a private gift if it is made to a candidate in a private capacity for their personal use and the candidate has not used and will not use the gift solely or substantially for a purpose related to the election.

Do I have to disclose the use of volunteers as a gift?

No. Whilst the definition of a gift includes the provision of a service, volunteer labour is excluded.

Are there any other restrictions on the provision of a gift to a candidate?

Gifts to candidates are permissible, as long as they are appropriately disclosed (where required) by the candidate. Although the provision of a gift is not an illegal practice, candidates and others are subject to the requirements of s57 of the LGEA which provides that a person who offers or gives a bribe with a view to inducing a person to submit or withdraw candidature, influence votes or otherwise interfere with the election if guilty of an offence.

A bribe includes any pecuniary sum or material advantage including food, drink or entertainment where the value is equal to or more than $20.

It should be noted that it is unlawful to receive a gift of $500 or more unless the required details (name, address, etc) to identify the donor are obtained by the candidate. Records should be kept by the candidate.

What if I do not receive any donations over $2,500? Do I still need to lodge a NIL large gift return?

No. You do not need to lodge a large gift return unless you receive a gift (or gifts from the same donor) over $2,500.

Where do I find further information?

Information is current as of 13 January 2023.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this FAQ guide is general in nature. Candidates and others should refer to the specific wording of the Act and Regulations and seek independent legal or other advice on any issues of interpretation that may arise.

Candidate responsibilities

As a candidate, you have a range of important responsibilities and obligations under the law. These include making sure all electoral material you publish contains the proper authorisation statement, and that the material is not inaccurate and misleading.

View the electoral advertising page for more information.

All candidates, whether successful or not, must lodge disclosure returns.

Electoral advertising

There are restrictions placed on advertising during, and outside of, an election period. These are contained within Part 7 of the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999. The Electoral Commission SA is unable to provide advice on the interpretation of these provisions. Therefore, if you are in doubt about the interpretation, we recommend you seek independent legal advice.

Learn more on our electoral advertising page.

Forms and handbooks
Nominating as a candidate

Nominations open on Thursday 4 April 2024 and close at 12 noon Thursday 18 April 2024.

Nominations are to be completed online through the candidate portal.

Candidates must submit a profile of not more than 1000 characters with their nomination and may also provide a photograph, predominantly head and shoulders, taken within the previous 12 months.

Find out more about what it's like to be a member of council.

Responsibilities as a member of a council

Councils are responsible for many of the services that make South Australia such a great place to live and work, including libraries, playgrounds, sporting facilities and rubbish and recycling.

Becoming a councillor or mayor means you will help shape a wide range of policies and decisions that will impact the short and long-term future of your local community.

More information can be found on the council elections website.

Enrolment

The electoral roll for the supplementary election closes at 5 pm on Thursday 29 February 2024.

If you are correctly enrolled for state elections in South Australia, you are automatically included on the council voters roll and will receive ballot papers through the post.

If you need to check or update your enrolment for future elections, you can choose one of the following options:

Council supplementary roll

If you are not enrolled on the state electoral roll you may be eligible to register on the council supplementary roll if you are:

  • a resident or a non-Australian citizen who has lived at your residential address for one month or more
  • an owner of an organisation or business
  • an owner of a holiday home
  • a sole owner, or group of owners, of a rateable property
  • a sole occupier, or group of occupiers, of a rateable property
  • a landlord of rateable property.

In accordance with section 15(5a) of the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999, council must purge the council's supplementary roll on 1 January of every election year. Therefore, all landlords, organisations, business owners or occupiers, and resident non-Australian citizens, must re-enrol from January 1 of every election year to be eligible to vote, with the exception of the City of Adelaide.

If you are unsure whether you are enrolled on the council supplementary roll, contact your local council.

Timetable
Event Legislation* Date

Close of rolls

 s 6(7)(a), s 15(9)(b)

5 pm, Thursday 29 February 2024

Nominations open

 s 19(4)

Thursday 4 April 2024

Online candidate briefing session

   6 pm, Thursday 4 April 2024 

Nominations close

 s 23(b)

12 noon, Thursday 18 April 2024

Draw for positions on the ballot paper

 s 29(3)(b)

as soon as practicable after 12 noon, Thursday 18 April 2024

First campaign donation return due

 s 80(3)(a)(ii) Thursday 25 April to Thursday 2 May 2024

Mailout of materials

 s 39(1)

Tuesday 7 May 2024 to Monday 13 May 2024

Last day for re-issue of voting materials

 s 39(4), s 43(4)

5 pm, Monday 27 May 2024

Close of voting (polling day)

 s 6(6), s 6(7)(b)

12 noon, Monday 3 June 2024

Scrutiny and count

 s 47(1)(a)

From 9 am, Wednesday 5 June 2024
Second campaign donation return due s 80(3)(b)

Within 30 days of the 'conclusion of the election'

* Local Government (Elections) Act 1999

2024 District Council of Mount Remarkable supplementary elections - HIDDEN

 

Due to the resignations of two members of the council, supplementary elections will be necessary to fill the vacancies of Councillor for Willochra Ward and Councillor for Telowie Ward.

 

Draw for position on the ballot paper

The draw for positions on the ballot paper was conducted at 1pm on Thursday 25 January 2024, after the close of nominations at 12 noon.

The recording of the draw can be viewed by clicking the link below.

The results can also be found in the "List of candidates" section below.

 

Online candidate briefing session

The online candidate briefing session was held on 11 January 2024. Watch the recording. 

Nominations portal

The nominations portal is now open - all nominations are to be completed online through the nominations portal.


Candidate information

Online candidate briefing session

A briefing session for intending candidates was held online at 6 pm on Thursday 11 January 2024.

 

Acts and Regulations

The rules that govern council elections are set out in:

The Acts and Regulations should be read in conjunction with the Local Government Act 1999.

Candidate eligibility and ineligibility

You are eligible to be a candidate for election as a member of a council if you are:

  • an Australian citizen
  • at the time the electoral roll closes:
    • enrolled in the council area you are contesting, or
    • the nominee of a body corporate or a group that has its name on the voters roll for the council area
    • left off the voters roll for the council area in error.

You are not eligible to be a candidate for election as a member of a council if you are:

  • a member of an Australian Parliament; or
  • an undischarged bankrupt or receiving the benefit of a law for the relief of insolvent debtors; or
  • have been sentenced to imprisonment and are, or could on the happening of some contingency become, liable to serve the sentence or the remainder of the sentence; or
  • are an employee of the council; or
  • are disqualified from election by court order under the Local Government Act 1999.

You are not eligible to be a candidate for election as a member of a council if you:

  • in the case of a supplementary election - are a member of another council; or
  • in the case of any election - are a candidate for election as a member of another council
Candidate disclosure returns
CANDIDATE PORTAL ACCESS (link coming soon)

 A person who is a candidate for election to an office of a council must lodge the following returns with the Electoral Commissioner:

CAMPAIGN DONATIONS RETURN

Candidates must lodge a campaign donations return with the Electoral Commissioner.

Candidates must lodge 2 returns:

For a supplementary election:

  • the first campaign donation return must be lodged with the returning officer in the period between 8 to 14 days after the close of nominations
  • the second campaign donation return must be lodged within 30 days after the conclusion of the election.

The return must disclose:

  • the total amount or value of all gifts received during the disclosure period
  • the number of people who made those gifts
  • the amount or value of each gift
  • the date on which each gift was made
  • details of persons and organisations (donors) providing those gifts.

The campaign donations return need not set out any details in respect of:

  • a private gift made to the candidate
  • a gift with an amount or value less than $500
  • a gift already disclosed in a large gift return

If a candidate is not required to provide any details in a return, the campaign donations return must still be lodged and include a statement to the effect that no gifts of a kind required to be disclosed were received.

LARGE GIFTS RETURN

All candidates must lodge a large gifts return if they receive a gift or gifts from a donor in excess of $2,500.

The Acts prescribe different times that the large gifts return must be lodged, but during the election year, a large gift return must be lodged within 5 days of receipt of the large gift.

The return must disclose:

  • the amount or value of each gift received
  • details of persons and organisations (donors) providing those gifts
  • the date on which each gift was made.

Two or more gifts (excluding private gifts) made by the same person to a candidate during the disclosure period are to be treated as one gift.

A large gifts return need not set out any details in respect of a private gift made to the candidate. A gift to a candidate is a private gift if it is made in a private capacity to the candidate for their personal use and the candidate has not used, and will not use, the gift solely or substantially for a purpose related to the election.

Large gifts returns should be lodged with ECSA at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Offences

See section 85 of the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999. It is an offence to fail to lodge a return within time, to lodge a return containing false or misleading information, or to supply information that is false or misleading to another person for a return. The maximum penalty is $10,000.

Public inspection of returns

The Electoral Commissioner is required to publish all returns within prescribed times on a website maintained by the returning officer. 

Records

See section 89 of the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999. A person must take reasonable steps to retain all records relevant to a return and keep these for at least 4 years after the date of which the relevant return is required to be lodged. The maximum penalty is $5,000.

FAQFrequently asked questions

ALL COUNCILS (other than the City of Adelaide)
What returns do I have to lodge?
  • 2 campaign donation returns – whenever a gift (or multiple gifts from the same donor) is received that totals $500 or more
  • Large gift return - whenever a gift (or multiple gifts from the same donor) is received that totals $2,501 or more.
Where do I lodge my returns?

Copies of the disclosure returns for lodgement by candidates are available in the candidate portal under disclosure returns. Each completed return can be lodged on the portal during the allotted time that they are due; these dates are shown in the portal. If you are unable to lodge these via the candidate portal, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Is there a difference between 'gift' or 'donation?'

The Act refers to a ‘gift’, but it effectively means the same as a ‘donation’.

A gift is defined in the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999 (LGEA) as:

  • a disposition of property
  • made by a person to another person (otherwise than by will)
  • without consideration in money or money’s worth or with inadequate consideration; and
  • includes the provision of a service (other than volunteer labour) for no consideration or inadequate consideration.

By way of example, if a person gives money to a candidate (without getting anything in return), donates goods or services, or supplies a good or service to a candidate for less than the market or commercial rate, this may constitute a gift.

What is a 'disposition of property?'

A ‘disposition of property’ means a conveyance, transfer, assignment, settlement, delivery, payment or other alienation of property, and includes:

  • the allotment of shares in a company; and
  • the creation of a trust in property; and
  • the grant or creation of a lease, mortgage, charge, servitude, licence, power or partnership or any interest in property; and
  • the release, discharge, surrender, forfeiture or abandonment, at law or in equity, of a debt, contract or chose in action or any interest in property; and
  • the exercise by a person of a general power of appointment of property in favour of another person; and
  • a transaction entered into by a person with intent thereby to diminish, directly or indirectly, the value of the person's own property and to increase the value of the property of another person.
What do I have to disclose in a campaign donation return?

The form of return will be provided in the candidate portal with fillable fields to complete, including:

  • the total amount or value of all gifts with an amount or value of $500 or more received by the candidate during the disclosure period
  • the number of persons who made the gifts
  • the amount or value of each gift
  • the date on which gift was made
  • the name and address of the person making the gift (or if a trust or incorporated association – the name of the association and the name and addresses of the executive committee of the association and the name and address of the trustees and title and description of the trust).
What do I have to disclose in a large gift return?

The form of return will be provided in the candidate portal with fillable fields to complete, including:

  • the amount or value of each gift
  • the date on which the gift was made
  • the name and address of the person making the gift (or if a trust or incorporated association – the name of the association and the name and addresses of the executive committee of the association and the name and address of the trustees and title and description of the trust).
When do I have to lodge these returns?

Candidates must lodge a campaign donations return with the Electoral Commissioner.

Candidates must lodge 2 returns:

For a supplementary election:

  • the first campaign donation return must be lodged with the returning officer in the period between 8 to 14 days after the close of nominations
  • the second campaign donation return must be lodged within 30 days after the conclusion of the election.
Who is a candidate?

A person is a candidate if they have announced their candidacy for an election, if they have nominated as a candidate for an election, or if they are already a member of council standing for election again.

What is a 'new candidate?'

A person is defined as a ‘new candidate’, in relation to an election, if the person had not been a candidate in the last general election of a council and had not been a candidate at a supplementary election held after the last general election of a council.

Do I have to report the same campaign donation (i.e. gift) more than once?

No. Although the disclosure period (reporting period) for the second campaign donation return is the same as for the first campaign donation return, gifts already reported in the first campaign donation return do not need to be disclosed again.

What if I receive 2 or more gifts from the same donor?

There is a requirement to treat 2 or more gifts during the disclosure period as 1 gift, and once the total reaches $500 (for a campaign donation) or $2,501 (for a large gift), that ‘gift’ will be disclosed in the relevant campaign donation return or large gift return.

What if I do not receive any donations or any donations over $500? Do I still need to lodge both campaign donation returns?

Yes. You should lodge a NIL return for both.

What if I have already reported a gift received in a large gift return? Do I have to report it again in a campaign donation return?

No. You do not need to report a large gift in a later campaign donations return, if it has already been disclosed.

How do I know if something I give to a candidate needs to be disclosed?

If it is a private gift, it does not need to be disclosed. A gift is a private gift if it is made to a candidate in a private capacity for their personal use and the candidate has not used and will not use the gift solely or substantially for a purpose related to the election.

Do I have to disclose the use of volunteers as a gift?

No. Whilst the definition of a gift includes the provision of a service, volunteer labour is excluded.

Are there any other restrictions on the provision of a gift to a candidate?

Gifts to candidates are permissible, as long as they are appropriately disclosed (where required) by the candidate. Although the provision of a gift is not an illegal practice, candidates and others are subject to the requirements of s57 of the LGEA which provides that a person who offers or gives a bribe with a view to inducing a person to submit or withdraw candidature, influence votes or otherwise interfere with the election if guilty of an offence.

A bribe includes any pecuniary sum or material advantage including food, drink or entertainment where the value is equal to or more than $20.

It should be noted that it is unlawful to receive a gift of $500 or more unless the required details (name, address, etc) to identify the donor are obtained by the candidate. Records should be kept by the candidate.

What if I do not receive any donations over $2,500? Do I still need to lodge a NIL large gift return?

No. You do not need to lodge a large gift return unless you receive a gift (or gifts from the same donor) over $2,500.

Where do I find further information?

Information is current as of 13 January 2023.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this FAQ guide is general in nature. Candidates and others should refer to the specific wording of the Act and Regulations and seek independent legal or other advice on any issues of interpretation that may arise.

Candidate responsibilities

As a candidate, you have a range of important responsibilities and obligations under the law. These include making sure all electoral material you publish contains the proper authorisation statement, and that the material is not inaccurate and misleading.

View the electoral advertising page for more information.

All candidates, whether successful or not, must lodge disclosure returns.

Electoral advertising

There are restrictions placed on advertising during, and outside of, an election period. These are contained within Part 7 of the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999. The Electoral Commission SA is unable to provide advice on the interpretation of these provisions. Therefore, if you are in doubt about the interpretation, we recommend you seek independent legal advice.

Learn more on our electoral advertising page.

Forms and handbooks
Nominating as a candidate

Nominations open on Thursday 11 January 2024 and close at 12 noon Thursday 25 January 2024.

Nominations are to be completed online through the nominations portal.

Candidates must submit a profile of not more than 1000 characters with their nomination and may also provide a photograph, predominantly head and shoulders, taken within the previous 12 months.

Find out more about what it's like to be a member of council.

Responsibilities as a member of a council

Councils are responsible for many of the services that make South Australia such a great place to live and work, including libraries, playgrounds, sporting facilities and rubbish and recycling.

Becoming a councillor or mayor means you will help shape a wide range of policies and decisions that will impact the short and long-term future of your local community.

More information can be found on the council elections website.


Enrolment

The electoral roll for the supplementary elections closed at 5 pm on Wednesday 20 December 2023.

If you are correctly enrolled for state elections in South Australia, you are automatically included on the council voters roll and will receive ballot papers through the post.

If you need to check or update your enrolment for future elections, you can choose one of the following options:

Council supplementary roll

If you are not enrolled on the state electoral roll you may be eligible to register on the council supplementary roll if you are:

  • a resident or a non-Australian citizen who has lived at your residential address for one month or more
  • an owner of an organisation or business
  • an owner of a holiday home
  • a sole owner, or group of owners, of a rateable property
  • a sole occupier, or group of occupiers, of a rateable property
  • a landlord of rateable property.

In accordance with section 15(5a) of the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999, council must purge the council's supplementary roll on 1 January of every election year. Therefore, all landlords, organisations, business owners or occupiers, and resident non-Australian citizens, must re-enrol from January 1 of every election year to be eligible to vote, with the exception of the City of Adelaide.

If you are unsure whether you are enrolled on the council supplementary roll, contact your local council.

List of candidates

In accordance with the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999 (section 25), the following nominations were declared elected to their respective councillor offices:

District Council of Mount Remarkable – Telowie Ward

EVANS, Jane (photo and profile coming soon)


District Council of Mount Remarkable – Willochra Ward

SCHULTZ, Roger (photo and profile coming soon)

 

Timetable
Event Legislation* Date

Close of rolls

 s 6(7)(a), s 15(9)(b)

5 pm, Wednesday 20 December 2023

Nominations open

 s 19(4)

Thursday 11 January 2024
Online candidate briefing session   6 pm, Thursday 11 January 2024 

Nominations close

 s 23(b)

12 noon, Thursday 25 January 2024

Draw for positions on the ballot paper

 s 29(3)(b)

as soon as practicable after 12 noon, Thursday 25 January 2024
First campaign donation return due s 80(3)(a)(ii) Thursday 1 February 2024 to Thursday 8 February 2024

Mailout of materials

 s 39(1)

Wednesday 14 February 2024 to Tuesday 20 February 2024

Last day for re-issue of voting materials

 s 39(4), s 43(4)

5 pm, Tuesday 5 March 2024

Close of voting (polling day)

 s 6(6), s 6(7)(b)

12 noon, Tuesday 12 March 2024

Scrutiny and count

 s 47(1)(a)

Wednesday 13 March 2024
Second campaign donation return due s 80(3)(b)

Within 30 days of the 'conclusion of the election'

* Local Government (Elections) Act 1999

Local First Nations Voice regions

From March 2024, South Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities will be represented by six Local First Nations Voices and one State First Nations Voice. Each Local Voice will represent a different region of the state. The six regions were prescribed by regulation in May 2023, and are as follows:

  • Region 1 – Central
  • Region 2 – Far North
  • Region 3 – Flinders and Upper North
  • Region 4 – Riverland and South East
  • Region 5 – West and West Coast
  • Region 6 – Yorke and Mid-North

Note that the names of the regions may change in future, after consultation with the relevant Local First Nations Voice.

To download a detailed PDF map of each Voice region, as well as boundary data for use in geographic information systems, click on the links below:

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