Former governor to lead inquiry into WA election debacle

Former WA governor Malcolm McCusker will lead a special probe into the recent state election debacle.

McCusker will be joined by representatives from Labor, Liberals, the Greens and the Nationals, and his presence has secured support of those parties for the inquiry.

The inquiry comes after strident criticism from all sides in politics over issues with voting in the March 8 poll due to huge lines, booths running out of ballot papers, poor training of staff, as well as a slow vote count and questions over the WA Electoral Commission’s $86 million contract with recruitment agency Persol Kelly to help staff the election.

New Electoral Affairs Minister David Michael said West Australians deserved a clear, convenient and straightforward process when they voted and vote counting should happen quickly.

“The inquiry will include a reference panel comprising members from each of the major political parties to ensure fair, impartial and mutually supported outcomes,” he said.

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McCusker’s report is due by June 30.

Nationals leader Shane Love had previously called for a joint parliamentary committee investigation into the election, but the bipartisan aspect of this inquiry has won him over.

“Given the disastrous handling of the WA election, the Nationals are deeply concerned about the
integrity of our state’s democratic processes,” he said.