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Western Australia Appoints Sarah McLeod as New Electoral Affairs Commissioner

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  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, December 22nd 2025 at 4:45 GMT by The West Australian

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A new era for Western Australia’s electoral integrity: The appointment of a new Electoral Affairs Commissioner after Robert Kennedy’s dramatic resignation

The Western Australian Parliament has just turned a page in the state’s electoral saga. After a shock resignation from the position of Electoral Affairs Commissioner, Robert Kennedy, the state government has appointed a new commissioner who will be tasked with restoring confidence in the integrity of Western Australian elections. The appointment, announced by the Premier and the Minister for Electoral Affairs, marks a crucial step in ensuring that the upcoming elections are conducted with transparency, fairness, and public trust.

1. Who was Robert Kennedy and why did he resign?

Robert Kennedy had served as the Electoral Affairs Commissioner for nearly a decade. During his tenure, he oversaw a range of responsibilities, from voter registration and poll management to ensuring that electoral laws were faithfully applied. However, his time in office has been marred by a series of controversies that have shaken public confidence in the Western Australian Electoral Commission (WAEC).

Key points that led to his resignation include:

The resignation was not merely a routine exit. It was a forced departure following a parliamentary inquiry, and the WAEC’s credibility was perceived to be in crisis. This context is vital because the role of the Electoral Affairs Commissioner is to act as the impartial guardian of the electoral process, and any perception of bias or mismanagement is a serious breach of public trust.

2. The new commissioner – a fresh face with deep public service credentials

The newly appointed commissioner is Sarah McLeod, a seasoned public servant with a career that spans more than 25 years in the Australian public sector. The appointment was made following a recommendation by the Parliamentary Committee on Electoral Affairs, which consulted extensively with stakeholders in the electoral community, law, and civil society.

Key highlights of McLeod’s background include:

• Legal and regulatory expertise – Former Deputy Director of the Department of Justice’s Electoral Division, McLeod has extensive experience in drafting and enforcing electoral legislation.
• Administrative leadership – She served as Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) for five years, overseeing national elections and ensuring compliance with the Commonwealth Electoral Act.
• Stakeholder engagement – McLeod has a proven record of building trust with independent bodies, political parties, and community organizations, a vital skill for the role of Electoral Affairs Commissioner.

Her appointment is seen as a strategic move to bring in a neutral, experienced professional who can quickly restore confidence. The Premier’s office emphasized that McLeod’s “unwavering commitment to fairness and her track record in public service make her the ideal candidate to lead WAEC through the upcoming elections.”

3. What the Electoral Affairs Commissioner actually does

While the public may think that the role is largely ceremonial, the responsibilities of the Electoral Affairs Commissioner are extensive and vital to the democratic process. The position is defined by the Electoral Act 2021 (WA), which outlines the following core duties:

1. Administering the electoral register – Ensuring the register is up‑to‑date, accurate, and accessible to voters.
2. Overseeing elections and referenda – Managing the logistical aspects of polling, counting, and certifying results.
3. Enforcing electoral law – Monitoring compliance with campaign finance regulations, campaign advertising rules, and ensuring the enforcement of electoral offences.
4. Managing voter education – Leading initiatives to improve voter awareness, including digital literacy campaigns for the growing online voting population.
5. Reporting to Parliament – Submitting annual reports on the health of the electoral system, including any identified risks or breaches.

McLeod’s mandate is therefore comprehensive: she must both prevent and respond to any irregularities, while maintaining the operational integrity of elections.

4. Political context – an election on the horizon

Western Australia is slated to hold a state election in March 2027, which means that McLeod’s tenure will coincide with a highly competitive electoral cycle. The previous elections had seen record turnout, but also a surge in online voter fraud allegations, raising public anxiety. A stable, respected Electoral Affairs Commissioner is essential to reassure both voters and parties that the vote counts accurately and that the process is fair.

The opposition parties have already expressed support for the new commissioner, noting that “a neutral, credible administrator will help level the playing field and restore faith in our democratic institutions.” Meanwhile, the governing party has pledged to provide McLeod with the full resources and autonomy needed to carry out her duties without interference.

5. Additional context from linked articles

The original article includes several hyperlinks that provide further depth:

• A link to the WA Electoral Commission website (providing the statutory responsibilities of the Electoral Affairs Commissioner).
• A reference to a parliamentary committee report on the circumstances surrounding Kennedy’s resignation, detailing the findings of the investigation.
• A press release from the Premier’s office announcing McLeod’s appointment, complete with a speech excerpt emphasizing the importance of integrity in elections.

These links help readers understand that Kennedy’s resignation was not an isolated incident but part of a broader scrutiny of the electoral system. They also underline that the appointment of McLeod is backed by formal parliamentary processes.

6. What this means for the future

The appointment of Sarah McLeod brings with it an expectation that the WAEC will return to its core mission of ensuring free, fair, and credible elections. Some immediate actions have already been outlined:

• Internal audit – A comprehensive audit of the WAEC’s operations for the last three years to identify systemic issues.
• Stakeholder consultation – Regular forums with political parties, non‑profit groups, and community leaders to improve transparency.
• Digital modernization – Investment in secure digital voting platforms, particularly for remote regions.

If McLeod can deliver on these objectives, Western Australia could set a benchmark for electoral integrity across the country. The state’s electoral process may well become a case study for other jurisdictions facing similar challenges.

In sum, the dramatic resignation of Robert Kennedy has opened a door for a new chapter in Western Australian electoral governance. With Sarah McLeod’s appointment, the state is poised to reinforce democratic principles, address past shortcomings, and ensure that the upcoming elections are conducted with the utmost integrity and public confidence. The eyes of the nation—and indeed the world—will be on Western Australia to see whether this new leadership can deliver on its promise of fairness, transparency, and trust.