An independent review of the 2024 ACT election has recommended stricter regulations on corflute signage, aiming to reduce visual clutter and environmental waste. The review, released on Tuesday, proposes limiting the display period for corflute signs to four weeks before election day and restricting their size to no more than 1.5 square meters.
Key Recommendations
The review panel, led by former electoral commissioner Phillip Green, suggests that corflute signs should only be erected on public land or road reserves during the official campaign period. Currently, signs can appear months before the election, leading to complaints from residents about prolonged visual pollution.
Additionally, the review recommends a ban on corflute signs within 100 meters of polling places on election day to prevent voter intimidation or confusion. Candidates would also be required to submit a plan for the removal and recycling of their signs within seven days after the election, with fines for non-compliance.
Environmental Concerns
The review highlights the environmental impact of corflute signs, which are often made from non-recyclable plastic and end up in landfills. It suggests exploring alternative materials, such as biodegradable or recyclable options, and encourages the use of digital advertising where possible.
"The current rules are not keeping pace with community expectations for a cleaner and less cluttered election environment," said Green. "Our recommendations aim to strike a balance between allowing candidates to campaign effectively and reducing the negative impacts on the community."
Political Reactions
Major parties have expressed cautious support for the proposed changes. ACT Labor said it would review the recommendations carefully, while the Canberra Liberals noted that corflute signs are an important tool for grassroots campaigning. Minor parties and independents, however, raised concerns that tighter rules could disadvantage smaller campaigns with limited resources.
"We need to ensure that any new rules don't make it harder for new voices to be heard," said independent candidate Thomas Emerson. "While I support reducing waste, the solution shouldn't be to limit our ability to reach voters."
Next Steps
The ACT government will now consider the recommendations and is expected to introduce legislation before the next election in 2028. A public consultation period will open next month for community feedback. The review also suggests a trial of shared signboards at designated locations to reduce the number of individual signs.
The full report is available on the ACT Electoral Commission's website.
