NT elections: Northern Territory Electoral Commission reports costs up by 34 per cent

The Northern Territory Electoral Commission says preparations for the general election in August have revealed “significant cost increases” across a range of necessities, including air charters and venue hire.

Voting at the 2023 City of Darwin Lyons Ward by-election. Picture: NTEC

The Northern Territory Electoral Commission says preparations for the general election in August have revealed “significant cost increases” across a range of categories, as it warns cash-strapped councils to be ready for a budget hit next year.

Commissioner Iain Loganathan, who has since been replaced by Kirsten Kelly, wrote to council chief executives on April 16, forewarning them that they can expect to be slugged on August 23 next year when their elections are to be held.

The NTEC invoices councils for the costs of facilitating their elections, either directly (accommodation, leasing) or via apportionment (ballot printing costs).

“Please be aware that, in making arrangements for the 2024 Territory Election, the NTEC has found significant cost increases across various service areas necessary to support the conduct of elections, including air charters, vehicle hire, accommodation, freight and leasing costs,” Mr Loganathan wrote.

“These cost increases will result in an increase in costs in running elections in the Northern Territory, including the 2025 Local Government Elections.

“All councils are invoiced by the NTEC for the cost of conducting their elections.”

NT electoral commissioner Iain Loganathan, who has since been replaced by Kirsten Kelly. Picture: Floss Adams.

According to figures provided by the NTEC, while the general election in 2020 cost $3.73m, the upcoming election in August was expected to cost approximately $5m – an increase of more than 34 per cent.

On that basis, next year’s local government elections, which cost councils $1.86m in 2021, would increase to $2.5m.

Detailed cost estimates for each council for the 2025 local government elections will be produced by the NTEC after the general election later this year.

Last week at its ordinary meeting, Alice Springs Town Council opted to replace Councillor Steve Brown, who resigned for health reasons, by going to a by-election despite council officers recommending the vacancy be filled via appointment because of the costs involved.

According to a report prepared to councillors, the appointment process would cost approximately $5000, as opposed to the estimated $160,000 –$170,000 it will cost to have the NTEC run an election process.

“The by-election process allows for voter input; however, there is a significant financial cost to council with the potential for a low voter turnout and likely to result in a longer time frame before appointment,” the report said.

The option of appointing a councillor to fill a casual vacancy is open only when the resignation occurs within 18 months of the next election.

Originally published as NT elections: Northern Territory Electoral Commission reports costs up by 34 per cent