Since 1987, a joint committee has been established to inquire into and report on the conduct of the most recent federal election at the commencement of each Parliament. 

The terms of reference for the inquiry encapsulate all aspects of the conduct of the 2025 federal election and related matters, but draw particular attention to the following areas:

• assessment and review of the purported increase in incidents of aggressive conduct, deliberate obstruction, and intimidating behaviour towards voters, political participants, volunteers and Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) officials
• potential reform of safety and security arrangements
• the suitability and potential reform of measures to ensure universal voter access
• the suitability of the current authorisation framework and requirements, having regard to the evolution of communication methods and technology. 

Key points

• At the 2025 election in many contested electorates across Australia, democracy was under assault. 
• Submissions warn of a new normal if the experiences of 2025 are repeated.
• Voting is obligatory in Australia, as such there is a duty on the Commonwealth to make sure that every place of voting is inviting, safe and fit for purpose. Submissions about the 2025 election identified that a line had been crossed, the conventions have been deliberately broken, and that the Australian Government needs to address it.
• Events abroad have shown that democracy is fragile, that it can be eroded, and in some cases broken. 

Key recommendations

• To increase accountability of behaviour at polling places, the Australian Electoral Commissioner develop and maintain a system of registration of polling booth campaigners by candidates and third parties campaigning at polling places.
• The Australian Electoral Commission be granted additional statutory powers to address aggressive behaviour and misconduct at polling places.
• A new ‘campaign zone’ be created beyond the six-metre exclusion zone for each polling location.
• The Australian Government undertake a review of electoral laws with a view to protect the electoral process and voter experience from domestic interference.