Key facts
- MP Garth Hamilton wants to reassess pre-poll voting duration and resource allocation.
- Concerns about voter and volunteer safety at pre-poll booths have been raised.
- An alleged attack on MP Helen Haines has heightened security awareness.
- Submissions to a parliamentary inquiry detailed harassment and intimidation at polling stations.
Garth Hamilton, a Liberal-National MP, has called for a review of pre-poll voting procedures in Australian federal elections, including potentially shortening the voting period. The call comes in the wake of heightened security concerns following an alleged attack on independent MP Helen Haines and reports of threats at polling stations. Hamilton stated that the risk of voters and volunteers being exposed at booths needed assessment, citing past incidents. The Australian Electoral Commission advised that shortening the pre-poll period could increase operational risks. Jerome Laxale, chair of the parliamentary inquiry into the 2025 election, also raised safety concerns, with submissions detailing harassment at polling places.