Overview of the AEC

The role, function and organisational structure
of the Australian Electoral Commission

  • One purpose
  • One outcome
  • One program: 1.1 to deliver electoral events
201819Annual report
In this section
Overview of the AEC

Overview of the AEC

Role and function

The AEC is an independent statutory authority established by the Australian Government. It is funded to deliver one purpose and one 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.

The AEC has one program:

1.1 To deliver electoral events.

Its functions are:

  • conducting successful electoral events, including federal elections, by-elections and referendums, and industrial and commercial elections
  • ensuring confidence in the electoral roll
  • administering political party registrations and financial disclosure
  • supporting electoral redistributions
  • undertaking public awareness activities

The AEC must also provide a range of electoral information and education programs both in Australia and in support of Australia’s national interests.

More information on the AEC’s functions is in section 4.

Organisational structure

The Electoral Commissioner, Tom Rogers, is appointed under the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 (Electoral Act) and is responsible for managing and operating the AEC.

At 30 June 2019, the AEC’s Executive Leadership Team was:

  • Tom Rogers, Electoral Commissioner
  • Jeff Pope APM, Deputy Electoral Commissioner
  • Andrew Gately, First Assistant Commissioner
  • Tim Courtney, First Assistant Commissioner

The AEC has a three-tier structure with:

  • a national office in Canberra
  • state and territory offices
  • divisional offices

Senior Executive as at July 2019*

Back row left to right: Paul Pirani, David Lang, Warwick Austin, Fleur Hill, Martyn Hagan, Thomas Ryan, David Molnar, Steve Kennedy, Matthew McMahon, Geoffrey Bloom. Front row, left to right: Joanne Reid, Michael Lynch, Jeff Pope, Tom Rogers, Andrew Gately, Robyn Legg, Lynn White. Absent: Tim Courtney

Back row left to right: Paul Pirani, David Lang, Warwick Austin, Fleur Hill, Martyn Hagan, Thomas Ryan, David Molnar, Steve Kennedy, Matthew McMahon, Geoffrey Bloom

Front row, left to right: Joanne Reid, Michael Lynch, Jeff Pope, Tom Rogers, Andrew Gately, Robyn Legg, Lynn White
Absent: Tim Courtney

Section 6 of the Electoral Act establishes a three-person Commission which has exclusive powers, particularly in relation to electoral redistributions, political party registration, and funding and disclosure.

At 30 June 2019, the members of the Commission were:

  • Chairperson: Hon. Dennis Cowdroy AO, QC
  • Electoral Commissioner: Tom Rogers
  • Non-judicial member: David Kalisch

* Not an exact representation of organisation chart at 30 June 2019 due to staff movements between 30 June and 1 July.