- Acting WA Electoral Commissioner appointed to permanent role
- Rebecca Hamilton appointed WA Deputy Electoral Commissioner
- Pair to continue implementing recommendations from the report of the Special Inquiry into the Planning and Delivery of the 2025 WA State Election
Electoral Affairs Minister David Michael today announced the appointment of Dennis O'Reilly as WA Electoral Commissioner.
Mr O'Reilly will assume the role from 31 January, having been acting in the position since May.
The appointment follows the resignation of Robert Kennedy earlier this month.
Mr O'Reilly joined the Western Australian Electoral Commission having served 30 years in the public sector, demonstrating expertise in service delivery, business transformation, stakeholder relations, and governance.
His experience included serving as Deputy Director General Strategy and Performance at the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation.
Mr Michael also announced today the appointment of Rebecca Hamilton as WA Deputy Electoral Commissioner.
Ms Hamilton will assume the role from 1 January, having been acting in the role since July.
Her appointment follows the resignation of Courtney Barron earlier this year.
Ms Hamilton has worked in senior public service roles for more than 20 years, including positions with the Department of Treasury and Finance, Department of Health, Department of Corrective Services, and most recently the Road Safety Commission.
Both Mr O'Reilly and Ms Hamilton have been appointed on five-year contracts for their respective roles.
The pair will continue implementing recommendations from the report of the Special Inquiry into the Planning and Delivery of the 2025 WA State Election.
As stated by Electoral Affairs Minister David Michael:
"I congratulate Dennis and Rebecca on their appointments and look forward to continuing to work with them.
"Both have performed admirably in their respective acting roles and these permanent appointments will enable them to continue the important work of implementing recommendations from the report of the Special Inquiry into the Planning and Delivery of the 2025 WA State Election.
"I am confident they will bring consistency and stability to the WA Electoral Commission, which has undergone a challenging period of uncertainty since the March WA State Election.
"I'd also like to again thank Robert Kennedy for his service to the WA Electoral Commission as Commissioner since 2020.
"I'd also like to thank Courtney Barron for her service as Deputy Electoral Commissioner since 2021 and wish her all the best in her future career."
