Registered Organisations: Delayed elections and holding over
The Registered Organisations Commission (ROC) has released a guidance note to help organisations understand the concept of ‘holding over’ offices in relation to elections during coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, organisations and their branches already in the process of conducting an election, or due to hold an election at this time, are likely to be affected by revised timeframes.
The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has advised that as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic it will:
- reset timetables for elections where ballots are currently underway
- put on hold all elections that it has not yet commenced, and
- review the situation in three months (i.e. towards the end of June)
The guidance notice addresses questions organisations may have on this topic, particularly about what happens if terms of office expire and elections have been deferred and the concept of ‘holding over’ becomes relevant. You can access it here.
The ROC can be contacted by email at regorgs@roc.gov.au or by phone on 1300 341 665 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday, AEST.
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