The commonwealth auditor-general says the Australian Electoral Commission was warned at least four years ago about problems with its vote counting system. A Senate committee is sitting in Canberra on Thursday to take evidence in relation to the AEC’s botched running of the West Australian Senate election in 2013. The commission is seeking a court-ordered fresh election after the mysterious loss of 1370 ballot papers, for which it has apologised.
An independent review found the AEC faced significant problems with its planning, ballot paper security systems and staff training.
Auditor-general Ian McPhee told the inquiry his office had conducted audits of the commission’s processes in 2002, 2004 and 2010.
The most recent audit found the AEC needed to address such problems as the recruitment of suitable staff, reconciliation of ballot papers and the breaking of ballot box seals without witnesses.
Full Article: Auditor says AEC was warned of problems | SBS News.