Voters urged to request a replacement ballot pack following Austrlia Post van theft

Victorians who lodged their voting slip in an Australia Post box in Oakleigh, Oakleigh East or Mount Waverley are being urged to request a replacement ballot.

An Australia Post van was stolen straight off a Melbourne street. Picture: Christian Gilles

A brave postie laid it all on the line when he tried to stop his collection van from being stolen from an Oakleigh street on Thursday, clinging to the vehicle as the thief sped away.

The Australian Post collection vehicle that was in the middle of its rounds and is believed to have contained completed ballot packs for local council elections, likely not the bounty the thief was hoping for.

The thief struck as the postie left briefly to collect mail from a nearby post box.

The Victorian Election Committee and Australia Post are both urging people in the Mount Waverley and Oakleigh areas who completed and posted their ballots at one of nine on separate post boxes on Thursday to request replacements.

Screen shot of the post man reaching into his stolen van as the thief drives off. Picture: 3AW

A spokesperson for Australia Post said the theft had been reported to police and thankfully the driver was unharmed despite his brave attempts.

“Australia Post is currently supporting a police investigation into the theft of a postal van which took place on Thursday 17 October in Oakleigh,” they said.

“Thankfully the Australia Post team member was uninjured and is being provided support.”

The post boxes were all located in the City of Monash and the VEC said it was integral that those impacted by the theft request their replacement ballot.

“Ensuring that every ballot pack is returned to the VEC safely and securely is critical to the integrity of the election,” they said in a statement.

“Voters can be assured the VEC is working closely with Australia Post to ensure every ballot pack reaches its destination.”

Postal votes lodged in a red Australia Post street posting box located in Oakleigh, Oakleigh East or Mount Waverley, between Warragul and Blackburn roads, on Thursday before 1pm are those expected to be impacted.

If you believe your ballot may be one of those in the stolen vehicle you can request a placement by calling 131 832 or head to the VEC website.

If you have any information about the theft of the vehicle, call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.