AEC calls for 100,000 Australians to work on October 14 referendum

The Australian Electoral Commission is looking for 100,000 workers on referendum day. See how you can apply.

The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) is looking for 100,000 Aussies wanting to earn extra money while also helping the Voice referendum.

Australian Electoral Commissioner Tom Rogers is encouraging people to apply for the job and help locals when they hit the polling booths to vote for the Indigenous voice to parliament on October 14.

The hourly rates varies from $29 to $34.29, depending on the role, the number of hours you work and training they’ve been required to receive, plus a casual loading.

In addition to the voting period, staff will also get paid training, which adds up to $314 more on your overall pay.

And if you work during the pre-polling and polling period, you could be earning up to $1000, including your training payment.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese speaks during the Yes23 official campaign launch. Picture: AAP image

“Any federal referendum is historic with only 44 conducted in our nation’s history and the previous one held way back before the Sydney Olympics. This is an opportunity to be a part of delivering the vote for the Australian community,” Mr Rogers said.

“This will be a unique opportunity to work at the first federal referendum this century and add a fairly rare experience to your resume.

“We become one of the nation’s largest employers ever so briefly, most roles are a single day’s employment with training provided but some roles stretch over a few weeks.”

Mr Rogers said anyone wishing to apply doesn’t need any election experience to work at the referendum but you do need to be able to “take an impartial and neutral” approach to the work which “isn’t negotiable”.

The AEC needs temporary staff all across Australia, however, regional towns are always the areas most in need.

AEC looking for up to 100,000 to work on October 14 and get paid for it.

“It can be difficult to find staff in regional and remote areas so we really need people to put up their hands, get involved in their communities and make sure people in their areas can vote,” Mr Rogers said.

“We also need staff for mobile polling teams which take voting services to people who may not be able to get to a polling place, going to places like remote and very remote communities, aged care facilities, prisons and support centres for people experiencing homelessness.”

To find out more about referendum work and to register interest, people can head to the AEC website or call 02 6271 4631 for assistance.