Media Releases

Wendy Tuckerman – Minister for Local Government

Friday, 18 March 2022

Yesterday Justice Robert Beech-Jones, Chief Judge at Common Law in the Supreme Court of NSW handed down the judgment on the election outcomes of Kempsey Shire Council, Singleton Shire Council and Shellharbour Council Ward A.

The Court has deemed it necessary to declare all of the affected Councillors’ elections void.
Justice Beech-Jones stated the candidates in these three elections are completely innocent of any of the conduct said to have caused the elections to miscarry.

While the outcome yesterday means a new election will need to be held for these three Councils, I wish to commend these candidates on their decision to run, and strongly urge them all to put their hand up again, particularly the first-time female candidates.

Fresh elections must be held within three months of the Court making its final orders, to occur on 5 April 2022. The Electoral Commissioner has indicated to the Court that the councils involved will not have to pay for two elections.

I share the frustrations of these communities that will have to return to the polls and regret the inconvenience caused to these councils and their ratepayers.

The election date will be determined by the Electoral Commissioner, in accordance with the requirements of section 292 of the Local Government Act 1993, after consulting with the affected councils.

MEDIA: Damien Bolte | 0498 359 624