2022 Local Government Election Results

The Electoral Commission of South Australia (ECSA) has notified Council that it has identified an error in the manner in which the computer software used for counting votes in complex elections was operated in respect of the count for Council’s 2022 general election.

In a media statement released today by ECSA, the Commission states “…this issue has regrettably changed the outcome of the election in [the] Adelaide Plains Council area with two candidates incorrectly declared as elected members.”

The Electoral Commissioner has advised the affected elected members Councillor Terry-Anne Keen and Councillor Eddie Stubing and candidates Mr Brian Parker and Mr Mel Lawrence, and are working closely with them to resolve the matter. In accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Act 1999 and Local Government (Elections) Act 1999, Councillor Terry-Anne Keen and Councillor Eddie Stubing are entitled to sit as members of Council until such time as any order of the Court of Disputed Returns provides otherwise. Council is satisfied that the lawfulness of its decisions will not be impacted in these circumstances.

Acting Mayor Strudwicke, upon receipt of this news, remarked “…I am quite shocked that an error can occur in the systems we rely on for delivering fair and trusted outcomes of council elections. I feel for the two current councillors, both of whom are passionate supporters of our community. It is important that the ECSA now resolve this matter expeditiously, to provide certainty to Council and its community this serious system failure does not adversely affect the smooth functioning of the council.”

A copy of the media statement from ECSA is attached.

Council understands that the Electoral Commissioner is considering seeking leave to file a petition with the Court of Disputed Returns as soon as possible and we will continue to work closely with ECSA and the Local Government Association as matters progress.

Marcus Strudwicke
Acting Mayor

7 December 2023