The Australian Electoral Commission helps deliver federal elections and referendums, including postal voting, pre-polling and election day services, as well as voter education and enrolment.
The Australian Electoral Commission office in Shepparton will close on September 30, prompting concerns about the loss of local jobs, electoral expertise and access to democratic services in the region.
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Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell said he was disappointed by the decision and had been advised it was triggered by the expiry of the Shepparton office lease.
“The AEC has made the decision to permanently close the Shepparton office and relocate the Divisional Office for Nicholls to Wodonga, where it will form a larger unit with the Indi Divisional Office,” Mr Birrell said.
He said relocating the office failed to recognise Shepparton as the geographic centre of the Nicholls electorate.
Community and Public Sector Union deputy secretary Rebecca Fawcett said the closure would affect both workers and voters.
“These closures don’t just cut jobs; they strip regional communities of secure employment, local expertise and the public services that help keep them connected and represented and engaged in the democratic process,” she said.
Ms Fawcett said the three permanent staff at the Shepparton office provided trusted electoral advice and assistance throughout the year.
“These are highly skilled public sector workers with deep local knowledge that cannot be easily replaced,” she said.
She said an accessible AEC office was particularly important for voters needing additional support.
“Regional families and their kids, multicultural communities, voters with accessibility issues can learn more about voting — even enrolling for the first time to vote — through these offices,” Ms Fawcett said.
State Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell has also criticised the decision to reduce regional services.
“It matters particularly in a community like Shepparton with many new citizens and longtime voters who benefit from AEC assistance with understanding their rights and responsibilities,” she said.
AEC national spokesperson Evan Ekin-Smyth said the closure would not affect voter services at future elections.
“The AEC has established several larger offices designed to service multiple electorates,” he said.
Mr Ekin-Smyth said the decision “reflects the long-term trend of voters preferring to engage directly with us via the AEC website instead of a divisional office”.
“Regardless of the office location, both Nicholls and Indi will have their own divisional returning officers, responsible for the delivery of future elections within each electorate,” he said.
According to the CPSU, 11 AEC offices have either closed or been proposed for closure this year.
The planned closure of the Australian Electoral Commission office in Shepparton was prompted by the lease ending.
