A parliamentary inquiry has called for sweeping changes to how election campaigns operate at polling booths after finding aggressive behaviour left some voters feeling “harassed and threatened”.
The interim report into the conduct of the 2025 Federal Election heard one participant describe their polling booth experience as “more like a war zone than it was a polling booth”.
Coalition members have criticised the inquiry as a “hyperpartisan witch hunt”.
Here’s what you need to know.
Background
Following each Federal Election, the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters reviews how the election was conducted.
The Committee examines evidence from the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC), political parties, candidates, experts and members of the public about issues that arose during the campaign and voting process.
It then makes recommendations to the Government on changes that could improve future elections.
Report
The interim report into last year’s Federal Election was released this week. It draws on 360 submissions and 12 public hearings.
Key findings include:
Antisocial behaviour
The inquiry heard evidence of yelling, verbal abuse, harassment and intimidation at polling booths. The AEC received more than 550 complaints about voter harassment and intimidation, along with 59 complaints involving threats against staff.
Third parties’ influence
The inquiry heard evidence linking third-party campaigners to much of the alleged antisocial behaviour, including claims voters felt intimidated and candidates and volunteers were blocked or harassed.
AEC powers
The AEC’s powers are largely limited to a six-metre exclusion zone around polling places, with the inquiry hearing officials have little ability to manage aggressive behaviour beyond it.
Accessibility
Some voters with disability struggled to access polling places, while long queues were the biggest accessibility complaint.
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“The polarisation of the electorates and the growing threat of aggressive third party involvement has shaken the foundations of the voting process for polling place volunteers, electoral commission workers and, most importantly, voters," - Inquiry Chair Jerome Laxale in the report.
Recommendations
The inquiry has made 14 recommendations, including:
- A mandatory code of conduct for candidates, representatives, workers, volunteers, and third-party participants.
- Establish a ‘campaign zone’ beyond the current six-metre exclusion zone.
- Official registration of campaigners, including third parties.
- Improved accessibility, such as step-free access, toilets, and accessible parking.
- Clearer information about where political messaging is coming from.
Response
The Greens broadly backed the report but said any code of conduct, volunteer registration scheme or expanded campaign zones should not discourage political participation or restrict political communication.
They also called for fully accessible polling places.
Independent MP Monique Ryan said she “support[s]” the Committee’s work, but is concerned it does not address electoral donation and spending reforms, particularly how these impact smaller parties and independents.
The Coalition rejected the findings, describing the report as “less inquiry, more hyperpartisan witch hunt”.
It accused the committee of unfairly targeting the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, whose members generally do not vote but have been active in election campaigning for the Liberal Party.
The Coalition cited the church’s submission, which said it was prompted to contribute to the inquiry after what it described as an “unprecedented assault” by MPs.
The Coalition also called for tighter disclosure rules requiring online influencers to reveal when they are paid to produce political content.
What’s next?
The Committee is yet to examine several parts of its terms of reference, including the use of artificial intelligence in political campaigning, electoral reforms, and foreign and domestic interference.
The inquiry remains open, with further public hearings planned before the final report is due in November.
