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  1. Home
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  3. ECSA
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About ECSA

Data and statistics 2021-22

Details
Published: 15 March 2023

Our year at a glance

Following is a snapshot of data and statistics from the 2021-22 financial year.

Download a copy of the Annual Report 2021-22 (PDF, 960KB)

Our people
Number of staff 30
FTEs 29.33
Gender Persons FTE
Female 53.3% 52.3%
Male 46.7% 47.7%
No. persons separated from the agency during 2021-22 12
No. persons recruited to the agency during 2021-22 12
No. persons on leave without pay at 30/6/22 2
Elections

State elections

House of Assembly

District Polling day Ratio of candidates to vacancy Election contested Electors on the roll Participation Participation (%)
Adelaide 19/03/2022 6:1 Y 27,331 23,892 87.4
Badcoe 19/03/2022 7:1 Y 27,481 24,493 89.1
Black 19/03/2022 3:1 Y 26,437 24,327 92.0
Bragg 19/03/2022 4:1 Y 26,709 24,157 90.4
Chaffey 19/03/2022 6:1 Y 25,807 23,091 89.5
Cheltenham 19/03/2022 5:1 Y 27,621 24,336 88.1
Colton 19/03/2022 3:1 Y 28,379 25,864 91.1
Croydon 19/03/2022 4:1 Y 28,182 23,948 85.0
Davenport 19/03/2022 4:1 Y 26,835 24,687 92.0
Dunstan 19/03/2022 4:1 Y 27,269 24,447 89.7
Elder 19/03/2022 7:1 Y 27,757 25,185 90.7
Elizabeth 19/03/2022 5:1 Y 27,717 22,982 82.9
Enfield 19/03/2022 5:1 Y 27,240 23,995 88.1
Finniss 19/03/2022 7:1 Y 27,086 24,951 92.1
Flinders 19/03/2022 6:1 Y 25,108 21,883 87.2
Florey 19/03/2022 5:1 Y 26,361 23,150 87.8
Frome 19/03/2022 5:1 Y 26,915 24,381 90.6
Gibson 19/03/2022 5:1 Y 28,207 25,110 89.0
Giles 19/03/2022 6:1 Y 24,966 20,166 80.8
Hammond 19/03/2022 7:1 Y 26,584 23,533 88.5
Hartley 19/03/2022 3:1 Y 26,158 23,446 89.6
Heysen 19/03/2022 5:1 Y 26,049 24,344 93.5
Hurtle Vale 19/03/2022 6:1 Y 26,506 23,629 89.1
Kaurna 19/03/2022 5:1 Y 28,845 25,315 87.8
Kavel 19/03/2022 6:1 Y 27,164 24,789 91.3
King 19/03/2022 7:1 Y 27,193 24,942 91.7
Lee 19/03/2022 4:1 Y 25,846 22,877 88.5
Light 19/03/2022 5:1 Y 26,719 23,548 88.1
MacKillop 19/03/2022 5:1 Y 27,214 24,317 89.4
Mawson 19/03/2022 7:1 Y 27,500 24,753 90.0
Morialta 19/03/2022 4:1 Y 26,680 24,440 91.6
Morphett 19/03/2022 3:1 Y 26,221 23,280 88.8
Mount Gambier 19/03/2022 4:1 Y 25,597 22,867 89.3
Narungga 19/03/2022 7:1 Y 25,098 22,950 91.4
Newland 19/03/2022 9:1 Y 26,866 24,408 90.9
Playford 19/03/2022 5:1 Y 26,660 23,308 87.4
Port Adelaide 19/03/2022 5:1 Y 28,354 24,992 88.1
Ramsay 19/03/2022 4:1 Y 27,821 23,303 83.8
Reynell 19/03/2022 4:1 Y 27,175 23,752 87.4
Schubert 19/03/2022 7:1 Y 27,424 25,411 92.7
Stuart 19/03/2022 5:1 Y 25,266 21,976 87.0
Taylor 19/03/2022 6:1 Y 27,752 23,196 83.6
Torrens 19/03/2022 4:1 Y 28,173 24,914 88.4
Unley 19/03/2022 3:1 Y 27,592 24,860 90.1
Waite 19/03/2022 6:1 Y 27,857 25,782 92.6
West Torrens 19/03/2022 3:1 Y 26,327 23,476 89.2
Wright 19/03/2022 4:1 Y 26,670 24,189 90.7

Legislative Council

Election Declaration of result Ratio of candidates to vacancy Election contested Electors on the roll Participation Participation (%)
Legislative Council  27/04/2022 51:11 Y 1,266,719 1,129,680 89.2

Council elections

Election Declaration of result Ratio of candidates to vacancy Election contested Electors on the roll Participation Participation (%)
District Council of Streaky Bay - Eyre Ward 12/07/2021 1:1 n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

District Council of Streaky Bay - Flinders Ward 12/07/2021 2:1 Y 783 321 41.0
District Council of Streaky Bay - Flinders Ward 22/07/2021 1:1 N

n/a

n/a

n/a

City of Adelaide - Area Councillor 26/07/2021 7:1 Y 27,963 4,897 17.5
District Council of Tumby Bay - Area Councillor 13/09/2021 5:1 Y 2,009 951 47.3
The Flinders Ranges Council - Area Councillors 13/09/2021 3:2 Y 1,172 474 40.4
Wattle Range Council - Riddoch Ward 7/10/2021 1:1 N

n/a

n/a

n/a

City of Port Adelaide Enfield - Outer Harbor Ward 19/10/2021 6:1 Y 10,249 2,621 25.6
Coorong District Council - Poll 26/10/2021

n/a

n/a

3,752 1,173 31.3
City of Holdfast Bay - Somerton Ward 15/11/2021 4:1 Y 7,208 1,780 24.7
City of Tea Tree Gully - Hillcott Ward 13/12/2021 8:1 Y 11,832 2,240 18.9
Mid Murray Council - Eyre Ward 21/02/2022 3:1 Y 2,042 623 30.5

Other statutory elections

Election  Date Election type Election contested Number elected Electoral system used  Number of electors 
APY Executive Board general elections - Election of male member for Pipalyatjara and Kalka 4/08/2021 Election of male member Y 1 First past the post 141
APY Executive Board general elections - Election of female member for Pipalyatjara and Kalka 4/08/2021 Election of female member N 1

n/a

n/a

APY Executive Board general elections - Election of male member for Kanpi, Nyapari, Angatja and Watarru 4/08/2021 Election of male member N 1

n/a

n/a

APY Executive Board general elections - Election of female member for Kanpi, Nyapari, Angatja and Watarru 4/08/2021 Election of female member N 1

n/a

n/a

APY Executive Board general elections - Election of male member for Amata and Tjurma 4/08/2021 Election of male member N 1

n/a

n/a

APY Executive Board general elections - Election of female member for Amata and Tjurma 4/08/2021 Election of female member N 1

n/a

n/a

APY Executive Board general elections - Election of male member for Kaltjiti, Irintata and Watinuma 4/08/2021 Election of male member Y 1 First past the post 165
APY Executive Board general elections - Election of female member for Kaltjiti, Irintata and Watinuma 4/08/2021 Election of female member N 1

n/a

n/a

APY Executive Board general elections - Election of male member for Pukatja, Yunyarinyi, Anilalya and Turkey Bore 4/08/2021 Election of male member Y 1 First past the post 346
APY Executive Board general elections - Election of female member for Pukatja, Yunyarinyi, Anilalya and Turkey Bore 4/08/2021 Election of female member Y 1 First past the post 346
APY Executive Board general elections - Election of male member for Mimili 4/08/2021 Election of male member N 1

n/a

n/a

APY Executive Board general elections - Election of female member for Mimili 4/08/2021 Election of female member N 1

n/a

n/a

APY Executive Board general elections - Election of male member for Iwantja, Amuruna, Railway Bore, Witjintitja and Wallatinna 4/08/2021 Election of male member N 1

n/a

n/a

Super SA 6/09/2021 Election of 2 board members Y 2 Optional preferential 191,428
Funds SA 19/07/2021 Election of one board member N 1

n/a

n/a

APY Executive Board supplementary election for a female member for Iwantja, Amuruna, Railway Bore, Witjintitja and Wallatinna 1/12/2021 Supplementary election of female member for Iwantja, Amuruna, Railway Bore, Witjintitja and Wallatinna  N 1

n/a

n/a

Community and commercial elections

Organisation Date Election type Number elected Voting method Number of electors
Assistants to the Members of the South Australia Parliament Enterprise Agreement 9/12/2021 Enterprise agreement ballot N/A Yes – No
First past the post
N/A
Enrolment

South Australia enrolment rate as at 30 June 2022

Enrolment 30 June 2022 30 June 2021 30 June 2010 30 June 2019 30 June 2018
Enrolment for federal/state and state-only electors 1,273,143 1,239,103 1,224,894 1,216,151 1,201,245
Estimated eligible population* 1,309,192 1,283,395 1,263,503 1,248,996 1,241,490
Total enrolled as % of estimated eligible population* 97.2% 96.5% 96.9%  97.4% 96.8%

 Electors enrolled by age group at 30 June 2022

Age group

No.

% of estimated eligible population*

18-24

117,936

87.8

25-29

95,101

97.6

30-34

97,509

98.1

35-39

103,246

98.1

40-44

97,737

98.7

45-49

98,762

98.1

50-54

107,715

97.7

55-59

104,663

97.1

60-64

107,005

97.6

65-69

97,291

#99.0

70+

246,178

#99.0

Total enrolled

1,273,143

97.2

* Estimated eligible population is calculated by the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) using ABS citizen population figures for 30 June 2021 (preliminary) based on the 2021 Census, projected forward to the relevant date using ABS citizen population trends between 30 June 2020 (revised) and 30 June 2021 (preliminary) based on the 2016 Census. The AEC then makes adjustments for British Subjects, those of unsound mind, overseas electors and new citizens since the Census.

# Enrolment rates above 99.0% are not reported due to errors associated with calculating the estimated eligible population which may overstate the actual enrolment rate.

Enrolment transactions 2018 to 2022

Enrolment activity 2021-22 2020-21 2019-20 2018-19 2017-16
As at 1 July of each year 1,239,103 1,224,894 1,216,151 1,201,245 1,187,714
           
Additions to the roll
New enrolments* 42,461 22,480 23,496 27,477 27,610
Re-enrolments 4,514 2,893 4,351 5,109 5,238
Re-instatements 73 19 25 143 67
Interstate transfers to SA 19,385 12,974 11,112 15,267 14,235
Net additions 66,433 38,366 38,984 47,996 47,150
           
Movements within state**
Transfers between districts 97,232 69,787  74,255  80,728  86,541
Changes within district 51,046 32,089  34,209 42,648  49,974
No change/amendments  55,103 5,854  7,491  20,235 40,535 
           
Deletions from the roll
Removal by objection 3,085 1,816 6,665 5,737  3,602
Deaths 12,707 10,877 10,932 10,793  11,735
Duplications 198 170  701  309 496 
Cancellations  145 172  169  170 16 
Interstate transfers from SA  16,253 11,119  11,776  16,084 17,777 
Net deletions 32,388 24,154 30,243 3,093  33,626
           
Adjustments (net)*** -5 -3 +2 +3 +7
           
Total enrolled 30/06/21 1,273,143 1,239,103 1,224,894 1,216,151 1,201,245

* Includes persons who provisionally enrolled that have turned 18 and new enrolments by 18-year-olds (17,426 in 2021-22).

** These ‘movements within state’ figures are not included in the table totals .

*** Net adjustments and data corrections.

Registered declaration voters by criteria at 30 June 2021

ECSA maintains a register of voters who are  prevented from attending a polling booth and meet certain criteria. These voters are called registered declaration voters for state elections and general postal voters for federal elections. Once registered, a voter will receive a postal vote for every election and does not need to re-apply for future elections.

Criteria No. %
Caring for a person who is seriously ill, infirm or disabled 2,752 8.6
Place of residence is not within 20 kilometres of a polling place 3,320 10.4
Physical disability 12,398 38.8
Membership of a religious order or religious beliefs 902 2.8
Address has been suppressed from publication on the roll (silent elector) 12,551 39.3
Total 31,923  100%
Register of political parties
New party registrations 7
Annual returns lodged 8
De-registrations* 0
Registered parties as at 30 June 2022 15

Register

Date of registration

Political party

Abbreviation of party name

17/10/85

Australian Labor Party (South Australian Branch)

Australian Labor Party

17/10/85

Liberal Party of Australia (SA Division)

Liberal Party

17/10/85

National Party of Australia (SA) Inc

The Nationals

13/02/96

Australian Greens SA

The Greens

24/11/16

Animal Justice Party

 

04/07/17

SA-BEST Incorporated

SA-BEST

07/11/17

Advance SA

 

12/12/17

Child Protection Party

CPP

16/09/21

Pauline Hanson's One Nation

 

11/11/21

Australian Family Party

Aust Family Party

13/01/22

Family First Party Inc

Family First

20/01/22

SA Party - Stop Overdevelopment & Corruption

SA Party

20/01/22

Real Change SA

 

27/01/22

Legalise Cannabis South Australia Party

LCSA Party

27/01/22

Liberal Democratic Party

Liberal Democrats less government more freedom

Funding, disclosure and returns

Returns

Political party, associated entity and donor returns are lodged on a half-yearly basis and must be lodged within 30 days of the end of the half-yearly period.

Returns: 1 January 2021 to 30 June 2021

Return type Total lodged Late returns
Political party  8 0
Associated entity 24 8
Third party 1 1
Donor 8 2
Large gift 5 0

Returns: 1 July 2021 to 31 December 2021

Return type Total lodged Late returns
Political party 10 3
Associated entity 24 3
Third party 1 0
Donor 8 4
Large gift 3 0
Campaign donation 22 10

Annual political expenditure returns lodged for the 2020-21 financial year

Return type Total lodged Late returns
Political party 4 2
Individual 0 0
Organisation 1 1
Associated entity 0 0
Third party 1 1

All returns lodged are available on ECSA’s Funding and Disclosure Portal.

Public funding

 

Claim period 

Australian Labor Party

Liberal Party

The Greens

SA-Best

Advance SA

Total

$

$

$

$

$

$

01/07/2021 – 31/12/2021

66,908

66,908

39,030

39,030

-

 

01/01/2022 – 30/06/2022

66,908

66,908

39,030

27,901.55

-

 

Total

133,816

133,816

78,060

66,931.55

 

412,623.55

Election funding

2022 State Election

Registered political parties

Participant

$

Australian Labor Party

2,809,226.25

Liberal Party

2,557,748.45

The Greens

652,532.98

Family First

256,108.45

Pauline Hanson’s One Nation

45,738.22

Animal Justice Party

4,023.39

The Nationals

12,754.42

Liberal Democrats

6,380.00

SA-BEST

7,272.85

Legalise Cannabis SA

985.00

Independent candidates

Dan Golding

8,066.33

Tessa Kowaliw

5,184.66

Cate Hunter

12,029.48

Dan Cregan

40,866.65

Troy Bell

30,648.02

Fraser Ellis

23,915.65

Frances Bedford

9,584.35

Geoff Brock

25,101.66

Sam Duluk

16,579.15

Dianah Walter

7,139.66

Total

6,531,885.62

Non-voter activity

Non-voter activity

Section 85 of the Electoral Act 1985 sets out the procedures to be implemented by the Electoral Commissioner relating to electors who appear to have not voted at an election. The non-voter process commences 3 months after election day and continues until each expiation has been resolved.

The table below outlines the non-voter activity, starting with Notice 1 which gives the elector the opportunity to provide a valid reason for their apparent failure to vote, through to referral of the expiation to the Fines Enforcement and Recovery Unit (FERU).

Once an expiation has been referred to FERU an elector can make an application for a review. If the review is granted the expiation is referred back to ECSA and the expiation is reissued (Notice 2). There is no maximum numbers of review that can be granted.  This cycle can occur multiple times if the matter is left unresolved.  

Activity 2021-22 2020-21 2019-20 2018-19 2017-18 
Notice 1: Notice of apparent failure to vote (number sent) † 84,419 n/a n/a * n/a
# 8,747
* 63,715
Notice 2: Expiation notice (number sent) n/a n/a n/a * 37,480
# 5,966
n/a
Notice 3: Reminder expiation notice (number sent) n/a n/a * n/a
# 4,046
* 27,942
# n/a
n/a
Referrals to the Fines Enforcement and Recovery Unit for enforcement n/a n/a * 257
# 3,278
* 23,115 
# n/a
n/a
Re-issued expiation notices (number sent) n/a  * 26
# 18
* 1,605
# 413 
* 3,873
# n/a
n/a
Penalties collected ($) n/a  $125,617.27 $389,543.65 $769,097.43 $20,447.40
† 2022 State Election
* 2018 State Election
# 2019 Cheltenham and Enfield by-elections

Working at elections - guides and forms

Details
Published: 26 August 2022

Code of conduct

  • Code of conduct for electoral officers (PDF, 1.1MB)

Employment portal

  • Create your registration of interest using the employment portal  
  • If you have started the ROI process, you can go straight to the sign-in page

Pay enquiry

Remuneration packages and hourly rates are outlined in the determination linked below.

  • Determination of Employment Terms and Conditions (PDF 443KB)
  • Voice Determination of Employment Terms and Conditions (PDF 342KB) 

User guides

  • Employment portal user guide (PDF, 973KB)
  • Registration of Interest user guide (PDF, 2.4MB)

Careers with ECSA

Details
Published: 02 December 2021

Return to the HR Hub

If you enjoy a challenge and want to contribute to democracy in South Australia, apply to work with ECSA.

You will be provided with flexible work arrangements, support for your professional development and career growth, and the opportunity to be part of a small and agile agency with a strong focus on innovation.

We value diversity and we encourage applications from people:

  • of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent  
  • living with disability
  • from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. 

Current vacancies

Term and ongoing vacancies at ECSA are advertised on the SA Government’s central job website, 'I Work For SA'.

I Work for SA

Work at state elections

ESCA needs the help of thousands of South Australians to conduct state elections. Find out more about working at an election and register your interest.

Working at state elections >>

For information about working at federal elections, please visit the Australian Electoral Commission. 


Code of conduct

  • Code of conduct for electoral officers (PDF, 1.1MB)

Employment portal

  • Create your registration of interest using the employment portal  
  • If you have started the ROI process, you can go straight to the sign-in page

User guides

  • Employment portal user guide (PDF, 973KB)
  • Registration of Interest user guide (PDF, 2.4MB)

Working at elections

Details
Published: 02 December 2021

 


I want to register for work;
  • In an election →
    • If you have started the ROI process, you can go straight to the sign-in page

Recruitment for the State Election 2026

Current vacancies →


Careers with ECSA

Learn more about careers with ECSA


Job search

Current vacancies →

Or find us on “iworkforsa”


Frequently asked questions

Using the employment portal, including updating your details →


I'm already registered to work with ECSA

Login

More information


The Electoral Commission SA (ECSA) is an independent agency responsible for conducting South Australia’s largest and most complex logistical events: state and council elections. If you enjoy a challenge and want to contribute to democracy in South Australia, apply to work with ECSA.

For further information

  • This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Frequently asked questions about employment

Details
Published: 02 December 2021

Return to the HR Hub

Using the ECSA employment portal

How do I register my interest to work in an election?


You will need to complete a registration of interest (ROI) in the ECSA employment portal. Alternatively, copy and paste the URL https://candidate.aurion.cloud/ecsa/production/ into the address bar of your web browser.

Your registration must be finalised before you can be considered for employment.

Note: after creating your ROI, the URL will change and the portal can only be accessed via https://erm.aurion.cloud/ecsa/production/personnel/login 

I don't have access to a computer. How can I access the employment portal?

The employment portal can be accessed using a smartphone or tablet device running iOS or Android operating systems. 

What is my username?

Your username for the employment portal is the email address you used when you created your ROI. 

What if I can't remember my password?

Resetting your password when completing your ROI.

Click the following link https://candidate.aurion.cloud/ecsa/production/signin or cut and past the URL into the address bar of your web browser. 

Click ‘forgot password?’ enter your username (case sensitive) and you will receive an email with a new verification code. 

Resetting your password once you are registered

Click the following link https://erm.aurion.cloud/ecsa/production/personnel/login or cut and past the URL into the address bar of your web browser.

Click ‘forgot password?’ enter your username (case sensitive) and you will receive an email with a new password. 

If you don’t receive an email within 60 minutes and you have checked your junk folder, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for assistance.

How do I update my details?

Log in to the ECSA employment portal using your username and password and, from the details screen, scroll down to the relevant field you need to update, enter the required information and save.

Some personal details like banking details can be updated in the portal, however, other information like work preferences cannot. In this instance, please email the details you need to be updated to the HR team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

I haven't worked at an election before, can I still register my interest?

Yes. Prior electoral experience is not necessary as training is provided.

The Electoral Commission of SA (ECSA) offers opportunities to work at local and state government elections with positions available throughout an election period, including in the weeks before and after key events including the scrutiny and count.

If you have not completed an ROI to work at the 2022 State Election or 2022 Bragg By-election, you will need to register your interest to work at future state or local government elections using the employment portal. There are a number of positions available throughout an election period including in the weeks before and after key events such as polling day or the scrutiny and count.

It will take about 40 minutes to complete the ROI and you will be asked about your previous employment experience, skill set, diversity status and preferences for election positions and locations.

Why am I receiving emails from an ’Aurion Cloud‘ email address?

Aurion is the software provider for the ECSA employment portal. These emails are legitimate. 


Working at elections

Can I work at the election if I am in Australia on a visa?

To work at the election, you need to be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, a permanent resident of Australia or hold a current visa allowing you to work in Australia.

I am living with a disability; can I work at the election?

We value diversity and welcome applications from people living with a disability. When you complete the ROI, please advise ECSA if you need additional support or adjustments to perform the role.

Can I work at the election if I am active in political affairs?

ECSA is committed to maintaining public confidence in the integrity of the electoral system and the impartiality of its employees. Anyone who is a member of a political party, or who has engaged in any political activity during the past 3 years or intends to be politically active during their period of employment, cannot be considered for employment as a temporary election worker.

Persons engaged to work for ECSA are employed under the Electoral Act 1985 and are deemed public sector employees for the purposes of that Act. They are required to act in accordance with the Code of Ethics for the South Australian Public Sector and the Public Sector (Honesty and Accountability) Act 1995.

Failure to comply with either could be an offence and constitutes grounds for termination of temporary employment. Please read the code of conduct for electoral officers (PDF, 323KB).

I am fluent in a language other than English – do you need to know?

If you are fluent in a language other than English, please add that information in your registration of interest application. 

It is important we have employees who can communicate in other languages as there are many local communities where it is beneficial to have polling staff able to communicate with electors in their language.

My family wanted to work together at the election - can we do this?

There is a policy in place which precludes a family member from directly reporting to another family member. ECSA has determined the definition of ‘family member’ extends to:

  • Grandparent
  • Parent/stepparent
  • Spouse/domestic partner
  • Child (son/daughter)/ stepchild
  • Sibling (brother/sister)/ stepsibling
  • Grandchild
  • Uncle/Aunt
  • Nephew/Niece
  • Cousin

You are able to work with family members as long as you don’t directly report to or supervise them.

When will I know if I have been offered a position?

When bulk recruitment is undertaken you may not receive a phone call or email prior to receiving the offer of employment from noreply@ aurion.cloud. The email will prompt you to log into the ECSA employment portal to review and accept (or decline) your offer.

Please refer to the employment portal user guide below for instructions on how to review and accept (or decline) your offer.

  • Employment portal user guide (PDF, 973KB)
I worked at a previous election, why haven't I been offered a position for an upcoming election?

Completing an ROI does not guarantee you will be offered a position at an election as there are numerous factors ECSA considers when offering employment. This includes the number of positions available, previous experience or work performance, location of employment and residence, and workforce diversity.

When will I need to work?

You may be required to work during business hours, weekends, and after hours for extended periods; including travelling to remote locations, depending on the position. 

The duty statement for each position will provide an indication of the required hours of work.

What if I can’t work my shift?

If you find yourself unable to work for any reason, please contact your supervisor directly or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. as soon as possible.

What should I wear?

ECSA does not have a specific dress code but it is requested you wear practical, appropriate clothing and present in a neat and well-groomed manner. 

Inappropriate clothing includes singlets, thongs, or t-shirts with offensive messages or images.

As you could be working long hours, which is at times physically demanding, it is suggested you wear flat, practical, and supportive footwear and consider the weather conditions and venue when choosing your clothes.

Will I receive a meal during my shift on polling day?

You will have access to drinking water at your voting centre, but food and other drinks are not supplied. Also, be aware that you might not be based near a shop or café so make sure you bring enough food and drink to last your shift.


Updating your details in the employment portal once registered

How do I update my details?

Log in to the ECSA employment portal using your username and password and, from the details screen, scroll down to the relevant field you need to update, enter the required information and save.

Some details like your bank, super and tax and residential address can be updated in the portal, however, other information like your date of birth or gender cannot. In this instance, please email the details you need to be updated to the HR team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Note: personal details including bank, super or tax cannot be entered or updated in the employment portal from 3:30 pm Tuesday through to 1:00 pm Thursday, due to payroll processing. 

 

Pay enquiries

What will I be paid?

If you work in the weeks prior to or after key election events, you will be paid an hourly rate (including 25% casual loading) based on your role for the hours you worked and any compulsory training. 

On weekdays (that are not public holidays) overtime may be paid when you work more than 7.5 hours in one day or where you start before 7:30 am or finish after 9:00 pm. 

Overtime applies to the hours you work over the 7.5 hours, start before 7:30 am or finish after 9:00 pm only. It does not apply to your whole shift. 

Note: Casual loading is paid in lieu of paid leave and will not be paid on any hours where overtime is paid.

If you work on polling day, you will receive a remuneration package based on your role which will cover the hours you work, compulsory training and allowances (if any).

Remuneration packages and hourly rates are outlined in the ECSA Determination of Employment Terms and Conditions for Temporary Staff appointed under the Electoral Act 1985.

When will I be paid?

Casual election workers are paid on Fridays following the week they worked.

If you work in the weeks prior to or after key election events, you will need to record your hours either manually or electronically, as advised by your supervisor.

If completing your timesheet electronically, you need to enter your hours using the ECSA employment portal, validate the timesheet and submit it to your supervisor for approval. 

It is recommended you complete your timesheet at the end of every shift and submit it to your supervisor at the end of your last shift for the week. This will allow your supervisor to review and approve your timesheet before the Tuesday 3:30 pm payroll cut-off. 

If your timesheet is not approved by the payroll deadline, regardless of the reason, your timesheet will not be processed until the following payroll period.

Note: no changes, including validating or approving timesheets, can be made in the employment portal from 3:30 pm Tuesday through to 1:00 pm Thursday, due to payroll processing.

If you work at key events including polling day or during the scrutiny and count, you will sign a manual timesheet where you record your start and finish times and any breaks you take.

Will I have to pay tax?

Yes. This is not a tax-free role and the exact amount of tax withheld will depend on your individual circumstances.

  • To claim the general exemption (if you are eligible or wish to claim the tax-free threshold), click the radio button to turn the field green.
  • For information on claiming the tax-free threshold, please refer to the TFN declaration form on the ATO website.
  • To determine the amount of tax withheld by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), refer to the weekly tax table on the ATO website.
  • If you are a senior Australian, you may be eligible for the seniors and pensioners tax offset (SAPTO) which can reduce the amount of income tax you pay. Refer to the ATO seniors and pensioners tax offset for more information.
  • To advise of a study and training support loan (STSL), click on the radio button to turn the field green.
Why was I taxed so much when I worked at a recent election?

There are 2 possible reasons for being taxed at a higher rate: 

  • You did not tick the ‘claim general exemption’ box. If you are eligible to claim the tax-free threshold, log in to the ECSA employment portal, go to the ‘bank, tax and superannuation details’ section and click on the radio button, then click save.
    You may claim the tax-free threshold from only one employer unless your total income from all sources for the financial year will be less than the tax-free threshold. For information on claiming the tax-free threshold from ESCA, please refer to the ATO website
  • You forgot to enter your tax file number (TFN). Log in to the ECSA employment portal, go to the ‘bank, tax and superannuation details’ section and enter your TFN in the required format, then click save.
    To determine the amount of tax withheld by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) refer to the weekly tax table on the ATO website. 

Note: ECSA is not able to make any tax adjustments once your pay is processed, including the amount of tax you paid. You will need to submit a tax return at the end of the financial year and the ATO will determine if you are entitled to a tax refund based on your individual circumstances.

What if I don’t have a Tax File Number (TFN). Do I need one to work at the election?

If you don’t have a TFN, contact the ATO on 1800 467 033 to apply for one (this can take approximately 3-4 weeks) or to reactivate a TFN you have used previously.

If you do not provide a TFN, you will be taxed at the highest tax rate.

What if I don’t have a superannuation fund and I don’t want to start a new one. Can super be paid straight into my bank account?

ECSA is legally required to pay super to anyone who earns $450.00 or more in a calendar month and it must be paid into a superannuation fund.

If you do not provide fund details or if you do not have an existing superannuation fund, your contribution will be sent to the default fund, Super SA.

If you wish to nominate your ATO registered self-managed super fund (SMSF) you will need to email the details of the fund, including the fund ABN, fund BSB and account number and ESA (electronic service address) to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  

Where can I find my pay advice?

After you have been paid, log in to the employment portal and your pay advice(s) will be listed under ‘Pay Advices’ on the ‘my details’ page in the portal. 

Click on the pay advice line you wish to open and it will download as a PDF to your device.

  1. Election positions
  2. Data and statistics 2020-21
  3. Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2020-2024
  4. ECSA Disability Access and Inclusion Plan

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Electoral Commission South Australia


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ELECTORAL COMMISSION SA
Level 6, 60 Light Square
Adelaide SA 5000

GPO Box 646
Adelaide SA 5001

Email: enquiry form

1300 655 232
(within SA only)

Authorised by M.Sherry
Electoral Commissioner

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