The boss of the Australian Electoral Commission has resigned in the wake of the fall-out over the bungled West Australian Senate recount that has prompted a new election costing taxpayers millions of dollars. Commissioner Mr Ed Killesteyn today wrote to the Abbott Government stating that he had formally tendered his resignation to Governor-General Quentin Bryce. Special Minister of State Michael Ronaldson said Mr Killesteyn had a long and distinguished career in the public service and he wished him well for the future. “Events in Western Australia mean that the Australian Electoral Commission must regain the confidence of the community,’’ Mr Ronaldson said.
”The government will in due course announce a new Electoral Commissioner who will be charged with the restoration of that confidence.’’
The move to resign comes amid controversy and speculation about Mr Killesteyn’s future in the position after the AEC lost almost 1400 votes in the knife-edge senate recount in WA in September.
Full Article: Australian Electoral Commission boss resigns over WA Senate vote | News.com.au.