The Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) has flagged potential postal vote tampering in two council wards, sparking an inquiry and underscoring a commitment to protecting electoral integrity. The VEC today announced it has sought a review by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) of the election results for Whittlesea City Council’s Lalor Ward and Knox City Council’s Baird Ward. This comes after the Commission detected an unusually high number of ballot paper envelopes apparently returned by the same voters in both wards, prompting concerns over vote tampering.
Once voting closed, the VEC conducted a detailed examination of voter declarations on these multiple returns. According to standard protocol, returns with irregular declarations were compared against replacement ballot paper envelopes, leading the VEC to set aside a number of ballots over suspected interference. This procedural check revealed patterns indicating possible manipulation.
Electoral Commissioner Sven Bluemmel expressed disappointment at the apparent breach, emphasising the seriousness of election interference and the Commission’s obligation to uphold the public’s trust in local elections. “Electoral integrity is paramount, and it must be upheld to maintain the community’s trust in their elections,” Mr Bluemmel stated. He further assured voters that the VEC’s added safeguarding measures this year were effective in catching these irregularities, saying, “Interfering with an election is a serious matter with significant penalties.”
In a move to address these concerns, the VEC has referred the cases to both Victoria Police and the Local Government Inspectorate (LGI) for an investigation into potential offences under the Local Government Act. Chief Municipal Inspector Michael Stefanovic AM confirmed the LGI’s ongoing collaboration with the VEC, explaining that the Inspectorate is focused on establishing the scale of the suspected tampering. He added, “On initial review, the matters that have been referred to the LGI concern potential offences of tampering or interfering with ballot papers—two of the more serious offences under the Local Government Act 2020, each carrying a substantial fine or imprisonment for up to five years.”
In line with legal requirements, the VEC declared the election results for both wards before initiating the referral to VCAT. This incident follows a similar issue identified in the 2020 council elections, which spurred the Commission to add further monitoring tools and safeguards for the 2024 postal elections.
Now that the investigation is in the hands of VCAT, Victoria Police, and the LGI, the VEC has advised that no further comments will be made at this time.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
