- Report of the Special Inquiry into the 2025 WA State Election tabled in Parliament
- State Government acknowledges findings and recommendations
- Acting Electoral Commissioner to review report and implement recommendations
The State Government has tabled in Parliament the report of the Special Inquiry into the Planning and Delivery of the 2025 Western Australia State General Election and acknowledged its findings and recommendations.
The Special Inquiry, led by former WA Governor and respected barrister, the Honourable Malcolm McCusker AC CVO KC, reviewed various aspects of the 2025 State Election following concerns raised by voters, candidates and Members of Parliament.
The Inquirer investigated these concerns and made 24 recommendations concerningplanning, management and resourcing of polling booths, ballot paper management, processing and counting of votes and the response on election day as issues arose.
His findings were based on personal evidence and submissions provided from WA Electoral Commission (WAEC) staff, returning officers, political parties, senior staff from electoral commissions in other Australian jurisdictions and the public.
The Government is supportive of the report's findings and has provided its response to the recommendations contained within it.
The Minister for Electoral Affairs will now request the Acting Electoral Commissioner begin reviewing the report and implementing its recommendations.
To read the report, head to Tabled Papers .
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"I acknowledge thereport of the Special Inquiry into the Planning and Delivery of the 2025 Western Australia State General Election and thank the Special Inquirer for his fastidious work in compiling the report in a timely manner.
"I'd also like to thank Mr McCusker and all those who contributed to the report and the open, honest and collaborative way those contributions were provided.
"I am confident the review will guide the WAEC as it seeks to make improvements to its operations, systems and processes to ensure future elections are conducted as smoothly and efficiently as possible.
"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."
As stated by Electoral Affairs Minister David Michael:
"I know the Acting Electoral Commissioner has already begun working on improving the WAEC's structure and processes to strengthen internal capability and ensure the effective and efficient delivery of future elections for the WA community.
"I look forward to continuing to support him as he now considers the findings of the report and looks to implement its recommendations and I will provide regular updates to Parliament on his progress.
"I'd also like to pay tribute to hard-working and diligent WAEC staff, who have shown dedication and resilience during what has been a challenging period.
"I am confident future elections, including upcoming local government elections, will be conducted as efficiently and transparently as possible to ensure the WA community has confidence in the democratic process."
