The report on performance focuses on the AEC outcome and program structure set out in the Portfolio Budget Statements 2012–13.

The AEC has one key outcome:

Maintain an impartial and independent electoral system for eligible voters through active electoral roll management, efficient delivery of polling services and targeted education and public awareness programs.

Three programs support the AEC to deliver this outcome:

• Program 1.1 Electoral Roll Management
• Program 1.2 Election Management and Support Services
• Program 1.3 Education and Communication.

The report looks at program objectives, performance indicators, deliverables and results for 2012–13. The AEC’s focus was to ensure the electoral roll was accurate and up-to-date, prepare for an election, and deliver public awareness and electoral education activities.

The AEC continued to implement recommendations from the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters (JSCEM) report into the conduct of the 2010 federal election. In particular, the AEC sought to use technology to modernise processes and to engage with voters.

The AEC:

• delivers ongoing funding and disclosure services
• conducts non-parliamentary elections as required, including protected action ballots, industrial elections and fee-for-service elections
• provides electoral assistance to other countries as authorised, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region
• develops new ways to increase informed participation in the electoral process.