Second resignation over WA vote scandal

The WA senate vote scandal has claimed a second scalp with the state's electoral officer resigning along with AEC head Ed Killesteyn

The West Australian Senate vote scandal has claimed another scalp, with the resignation of state electoral officer Peter Kramer.

Special Minister of State Michael Ronaldson announced Mr Kramer's resignation on Friday, less than two hours after Australian Electoral Commission head Ed Killesteyn had quit.

Both men tendered their resignations to Governor-General Quentin Bryce, and Mr Kramer plans to finish in his role at the end of February.

He will be replaced by AEC colleague Kathy Mitchell until a permanent replacement is appointed.

Following the federal September poll, the AEC was forced to admit losing 1370 ballot papers from the WA Senate election.

A close result for WA's upper house seats sparked a full recount and a different outcome, before the AEC realised ballot papers were missing.

Investigations were launched and the High Court ruled this week that the WA public will have to vote again.

The AEC estimate the subsequent election will cost taxpayers more than $13 million.


1 min read

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Source: AAP


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