Federal election: 100,000 AEC jobs up for grabs

Australians looking to boost their income can apply for key roles ahead of the next federal election. See where workers are most needed.

Australians looking to earn extra cash can apply for one of 100,000 jobs up for grabs ahead of the next federal election.

The Australian Election Commission is calling out for workers to help with key roles related to the federal election, which can be held on any Saturday from now through to Saturday, May 17, 2025.

The AEC is urging potential workers to get on board, saying the roles are viewed as a good addition to a worker’s resume and can offer a unique experience that helps local communities.

The Australian Election Commission is calling out for workers to help with key roles when voters hit the nation’s polling booths at the next federal election. Picture: Supplied

Electoral Commissioner Tom Rogers said there are plenty of job opportunities, particularly for those living in regional communities.

“You don’t need election experience to work for us, but you do need to be able to take an impartial and neutral approach to your work – that is not negotiable,” he said.

“You’ll be part of a team delivering democracy for fellow Australians, for your community, and get paid for it as well.”

“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.”

No experience is required and all training is provided and paid for. Here is everything you need to know about the 100,000 temporary jobs on offer.

WHAT ROLES ARE AVAILABLE?

The AEC needs frontline polling staff, supervisors, mobile voting teams, remote area service teams and counting staff.

Eligible people under the age of 18 can work before and after voting day, but cannot work on voting day.

Workers are particularly needed in regional communities. Picture: Supplied

WHEN ARE WORKERS NEEDED?

Before voting day, there is work available at pre-polling stations, where voters can lodge their vote early before the actual election day.

These places normally operate for the two weeks leading up to voting day and roles can include providing people with ballot papers, managing queues, and answering voters’ questions.

There are also support roles to ensure things run smoothly and help to resolve any issues.

WHAT ABOUT JOBS ON VOTING DAY?

Jobs on voting day involve providing people with ballot papers, managing queues, and assisting with voter queries.

Roles also include the sorting and counting of votes and helping to keep the ballot box and ballot papers secure.

In a more senior job, a worker could be supervising staff and managing the vote count.

Staff will be part of a team delivering democracy for fellow Australians. Picture: Supplied

WHAT ABOUT WORK AFTER VOTING DAY?

After voting day, there is work available to help count votes and provide support in packing up and finishing an event.

Depending on the type of event, this can be for a couple of days or up to several weeks.

Most of this work takes place in outposted centres, temporary facilities where the main task is counting votes.

The jobs in outposted centres include warehousing, clerical, and administrative tasks as well as the sorting and counting of votes.

HOW MUCH CAN WORKERS EARN?

Casual pay rates apply and vary by role. The hourly rates vary from $30 to $35, depending on the role, the number of hours a person works and training that is required, plus a casual loading.

In addition, workers who work more than eight hours a day will be paid an overtime rate of been $36 and $56, depending on the role involved.

Paid training is provided to workers. Picture: Supplied

WHERE ARE WORKERS NEEDED?

In NSW, regional areas including Dubbo, Armidale, Inverell, Scone and Tamworth have been previously challenging when it comes to recruiting workers, the AEC said.

“We’re the largest voting population in Australia and need the most people to work — 35 per cent of the national temporary workforce will be in our state,” NSW state manager Rebecca Main said. “That’s around 42,600 people we need to recruit.”

WHERE ARE THE JOBS IN VICTORIA? 

In Victoria, around 33,000 temporary staff members are needed and the AEC particularly wants to hear from people living in the Mallee, the Wimmera, Bendigo, Geelong, the Great South Coast, Sale and Warragul.

WHICH AREA OF QUEENSLAND NEEDS WORKERS?

 Queensland needs 18 per cent of the national temporary workforce – around 25,000 people — and the AEC is wanting to drive registrations throughout Brisbane, regional centres and remote areas of the state.

“We particularly want to hear from people living in Goondiwindi, Lockhart River, Mt Isa and Weipa which have been historically challenging to recruit workers in,” Queensland state manager Stephanie Attard said. 

Staff will be helping their local communities. Picture: Supplied

WHAT ABOUT SOUTH AUSTRALIA?

In South Australia, 10,500 people in total will be recruited, with workers especially needed on Kangaroo Island and in Coober Pedy, Mt Gambier and Roxby Downs.

HOW MANY WORKERS ARE NEEDED IN TASSIE, NT?

Around 4000 workers will be recruited in Tasmania, with regional areas again the focus.

“We particularly want to hear from people living on Bruny Island and King Island, in the Midlands, and in Queenstown and Strahan, where we’ve struggled to recruit workers in the past,” Tasmanian state manager Hannah Brown said.

In the Northern Territory, 2000 workers are needed and the AEC is urging those living in Alice Springs, Jabiru and Nhulunbuy, to apply.

WHERE DO I APPLY?

To find out more about federal election work and to register interest, you can head to the AEC website.