Lara Giddings, MP
Attorney-General
Friday, 9 July 2010
Commissioner elects to call it a day
The Attorney-General, Lara Giddings, has today paid tribute to retiring Tasmanian Electoral Commissioner Bruce Taylor, whose electoral career has spanned 26 years.
Ms Giddings said Mr Taylor would be greatly missed when he retired from the position next month.
“In his role, Bruce has overseen the development of 2004 Electoral Act, which allowed the new Electoral Commission to adopt modern electoral practices and remove the detailed procedures and forms that were prescribed in the old Act.
“As such, he became Tasmania’s first Electoral Commissioner.
“The 2004 Act enabled the Commission to move with the times and take advantage of advances in technology to the point where people can now get accurate, up-to-date information on election results with the click of the mouse from the comfort of their own home.
“In fact, the 2010 State Election was among the most technologically advanced electoral processes undertaken in Australia to date – with people able to cast their votes electronically from overseas or remote areas.
“Bruce was also responsible for developing the system of postal voting for Local Government elections which is now in place in many mainland jurisdictions.
“He has also helped to minimise the impact of the so-called “donkey vote” by introducing enhancements to the Robson Rotation.”
Ms Giddings said Bruce had also provided specialist, impartial knowledge to the Parliament, Executive Government, political parties, the media and the public throughout his career.“
She said Mr Taylor’s expert approach is borne out by the efficiency of House of Assembly elections every 4 years, Legislative Council polls every year and elections among Tasmania’s 29 councils every two years.
“ I thank Bruce for his hard work and diligence over many years in Tasmania and wish him well on his future endeavours.”
Expressions of interest in the position of Tasmanian Electoral Commissioner will be called for in all three daily Tasmanian newspapers tomorrow. (Saturday)
Picture: HERE
Lara Giddings
