The Federal Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters (JSCEM) is conducting its regular review of the election, with a focus on ensuring Australia’s democracy remains strong, accessible, and fair.
The Committee is examining how the 2025 election was run, including safety at polling places, access to voting and the operation of campaign rules. As part of its work, it is receiving written submissions and holding public hearings around the country.
Mr Neumann, who is a member of JSCEM and sits on the inquiry, said the Ipswich public hearing was an important opportunity for the local community to have a say.
“People in Blair know what this election looked like on the ground. Whether it was long queues at pre-poll locations, difficulties with voting on election day, or the behaviour of campaign volunteers, these are the stories that will help strengthen our democracy,” Mr Neumann said.
“The 2025 election was unlike many we’ve experienced before. I want to make sure the stories of our volunteers and voters in Blair are part of this review.
“Voters, volunteers and officials should never feel intimidated, harassed or have such an experience that they are discouraged from participating at future elections.”
JSCEM Chair and Federal Member for Bennelong Jerome Laxale said that Australians deserved elections that were free, fair and efficient.
“The 2025 election showed us areas where voters and volunteers faced challenges, from accessibility barriers to safety concerns,” Mr Laxale said.
“We want to hear those stories directly, so the system continues to reflect the needs of the community.
“We have one of the oldest and most respected democracies on earth, and this review is an important part of maintaining that standard and protecting our democracy.”
The hearing is open to the public and will be held at North Ipswich Reserve Function Centre on Thursday, 11 December 2025. It will be broadcast live at www.aph.gov.au/live
To register your interest in making a statement at upcoming hearings, contact the Committee Secretariat at [email protected]
Further information on the inquiry, including Terms of Reference and information on how to make a submission, can be found on the inquiry webpage at www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/Electoral_Matters/2025federalelection
Background
The Terms of Reference for the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters (JSCEM) 2025 federal election inquiry include the following issues:
• 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, including consideration of the powers, processes, and capacity of the AEC to manage and address increasingly threatening or disruptive behaviour;
• reforms to address the ongoing threats of interference in our electoral system, both foreign and domestic; and
• the composition of the parliament as a whole; including the length of the parliamentary term, the potential for fixed terms, and the number of elected representatives relative to the growth in population and the electorate.
The full Terms of Reference are available on the inquiry webpage.
