Democracy sausage in doubt ahead of December’s NSW local elections

For many it is the highlight of election day. But as things stand it appears the most Australian of traditions looks set to be banned for December’s elections.

Covid has wreaked havoc across the globe over the last couple of years – and now it appears it may have destroyed the much loved democracy sausage.

With council elections set to go ahead on December 4, authorities have said the current restrictions will likely rule out a post-vote snag.

A call is yet to be definitively made on the fate of

The democracy sausage has long been a feature of elections around the country with voters and our political leaders getting stuck into the meaty snack.

The NSW Electoral Commission has not ruled out the fundraiser but has said organisers must be extremely cautious.

The NSW Department of Education meanwhile has said if current health restrictions remain in place external visitors will be banned from school sites.

Given the majority of sausage sizzles are held on school grounds, this would effectively mean most will be going without their democracy sausage.

Vanessa Barnes holds a democracy sausage at Samuel Terry Public in Cranebrook. Cranebrook, Saturday 18 May, 2019. Picture: Angelo Velardo

The news will come as a disappointment for many, especially given Bunnings relaunched its sausage sizzle at the weekend.

“We acknowledge the democracy sausage has become an iconic feature of election days in Australia,” a NSW Electoral Commission spokesman said. “But the Covid pandemic has created risks that must still be managed, even though the vaccination rate is climbing and there are fewer public health restrictions.

Jeff Oehlman volunteering on the BBQ at Panania Public school cooking democracy sausages. Picture: Matthew Vasilescu

“The Electoral Commission urges community groups considering sausage sizzles and cake stalls to take an extra cautious approach this time.

“Please avoid creating health risks for voters, election workers and your own communities. Community groups should check any advice from NSW Health and their local school administrators before making any fundraising plans, and then check again closer to election day.”

Australian Opposition Leader Bill Shorten and his wife Chloe eat a democracy sausage after casting their votes at Moonee Ponds West Primary school in Melbourne, Saturday, May 18, 2019.

A NSW Department of Education spokesman said: “Currently, external visitors to school sites are restricted based on health advice.

“However, this advice may be updated before the local government elections.

“We will continue to work with the Electoral Commission and NSW Health to plan for the upcoming elections in line with the health advice of the time.

“School communities will be informed if they are able to hold barbecues or fundraising activities closer to the date.”