Make Your Vote Count
The Australian Electoral System
Federal Election Timetable according to the Constitution and the Commonwealth Act
Dissolution of Parliament
Issue of Writs
- Writs are issued within 10 days of dissolution of Parliament. (Constitution s. 12, 32, CEA s.151)
Close of Rolls
- Rolls close at 6 pm, 7 days after issue of writs. (CEA s.155)
Close of Nominations
- Nominations close at 12 noon between 11 and 28 days after issue of writs. (CEA s.156)
Polling Day
- Polling day is fixed between 22 and 30 days after the date of nominations. (CEA s.157)
Return of Writs
- Writs must be returned within 100 days of their issue. (CEA s.159)
Meeting of Parliament
- New Parliament meets within 30 days of the return of the writs. Constitution s.5)
Note: The House of Representatives expires 3 years after its first meeting but can be dissolved earlier (Constitution s.5)
Senators for the States serve terms of 6 years which are staggered so that half of the 72 Senators retire every 3 years. The terms of Senators for the Territories coincide with those of the House of Representatives.
Reference:
1994 Electoral Pocket Book, Australian Electoral Commission, Canberra, 1994.
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