Party registration decision: Hear Our Voice

Updated: 4 February 2011

Application for Voluntary Deregistration

File reference: Reg3589, 07/1312-2

The delegate of the Australian Electoral Commission determined that the application by the Hear our Voice political party for voluntary deregistration under the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 be accepted.

Background

Section 135 of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 (the Electoral Act) provides for registered political parties to apply for voluntary deregistration. On 26 February 2010, the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) received an application from the Hear Our Voice for voluntary deregistration.

Test of relevant legal provisions

The legal provisions relevant for the application are sections 123, 134 and 135. An extract of the relevant provisions is on this website at:

http://www.aec.gov.au/Parties_and_Representatives/Party_Registration/files/decisions/cea_extracts_party_reg.pdf [PDF 63KB].

The reader should consult this extract at the link above to see a copy of the legal provisions discussed below.

Who may make the application

Section 135(1) of the Electoral Act provides that an application for voluntary de-registration may be made by persons entitled to make an application to change the Register of Political Parties under s134. In the case of the Hear Our Voice, a non-parliamentary party, an application may be made by three members.

The application for Hear Our Voice was made by Ms Toni McLennan (the Registered Officer and Party Agent), Ms Karen Hosie and Ms Kellie McInnes (both members of Hear Our Voice).

The form of the application

Section 135(2) of the Electoral Act provides that an application for voluntary deregistration shall:

  • be in writing, signed by the applicants; and
  • set out the names and addresses of the applicants and the particulars of the capacity in which each applicant makes the application.

The application is in writing, is signed by the applicants and sets out the capacities in which each applicant makes the application. Each applicant specifies a particular street address for themselves. Post office box addresses are not permitted (under s123 of the Electoral Act) in applications dealing with party registration.

Conclusion

The Australian Electoral Commission is satisfied that the application from the Hear Our Voice for voluntary deregistration is in accordance with the requirements of the Electoral Act. Accordingly, as a delegate of the AEC pursuant to Part XI (Party Registration) of the Electoral Act, I approve the voluntary deregistration of Hear Our Voice and remove the party from the Register of Political Parties.

Sue Sayer
Director Funding and Disclosure
Delegate of the Australian Electoral Commission
4 March 2010