After failing to nominate scores of candidates for local elections next month, the New South Wales Liberals are calling on the state Electoral Commission to “urgently reconsider” granting a deadline extension and threatening legal action.
Following the “debacle,” the Liberal Party’s NSW director Richard Shields was fired. As a result, on September 14, elections for up to twelve Sydney councils may be held without any Liberal candidates.
Additionally, the party’s plea to extend the nomination period until this coming Wednesday was denied by the commission yesterday.
“The letter requested an extension of the nomination period from Wednesday, 14 August until Wednesday, 21 August,” said the commission. Dr. Matthew Phillips, the Acting Electoral Commissioner, “has determined not to extend the nomination period”.
The party accused the commission of making a mistake of its own and urged it to reconsider this afternoon.
“In its Election Notice dated 9 August 2024, the NSW Electoral Commission wrongly published the formal notification of the election and called for nomination proposals five days before the close for nominations, instead of the required minimum of seven days as mandated by clause 288(1) of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021 (NSW),” the party stated in a statement.
“This mistake is not just a technicality—it goes to the heart of ensuring a fair and transparent election.”
The party said that the panel would have the authority to approve an extension.
“This is about more than just a date—it’s about the NSW Electoral Commission’s responsibility to ensure that the electoral process is conducted fairly and without avoidable complications,” the party stated.
“The Liberal Party of Australia NSW Division will be forced to take legal action to force the NSW Electoral Commission to extend the nomination deadline if it does not act.
“Taking immediate action is the sole means to potentially safeguard the election date of 14 September 2024 and potentially prevent the squandering of taxpayers’ funds and resources.”
