Western Australia's top electoral official, Commissioner Robert Kennedy, is fighting to keep his job after being told he will be sacked if he does not resign. This ultimatum follows the release of a damning report into the significant failures of the March 8 state election.
Scathing Report Triggers Leadership Crisis
The crisis stems from an independent investigation led by former WA governor Malcolm McCusker. The probe was commissioned by Premier Roger Cook after widespread issues plagued election day. The report delivered a blistering assessment of the commission's performance under Mr Kennedy's leadership.
The investigation found the commission failed in its fundamental duty to provide a accessible and efficient voting process. Key failures included severe shortages of ballot papers at numerous polling places, resulting in long queues and voter frustration. There were also critical issues with the management of early voting centres and inadequate staffing levels.
Premier Roger Cook stated he had lost confidence in the commissioner's ability to oversee future elections. "I have asked the Governor to terminate the appointment of the Electoral Commissioner," Mr Cook said. He confirmed that Mr Kennedy was first given the opportunity to resign before the dismissal process was initiated.
A Catalogue of Failures on Election Day
The March 8 election was marred by operational breakdowns that undermined public trust. Voters across the state reported waiting for hours, with some booths running out of ballot papers entirely. The report highlighted a lack of contingency planning and poor communication from the commission's headquarters.
Mr Kennedy, who has held the role since 2017, has publicly acknowledged the problems but attributed them to unforeseen high voter turnout and other logistical challenges. However, the McCusker report pointed to deeper systemic issues within the commission's planning and execution.
The report made several urgent recommendations, including a complete review of the commission's structure and legislation. It emphasised the need for robust fail-safes to prevent a repeat of the ballot paper shortage debacle. The government has indicated it will accept all recommendations.
Political Fallout and the Path Forward
The opposition has seized on the report, criticising the government for not acting sooner and calling for greater accountability. The debacle has sparked a broader conversation about the resilience and modernisation of Western Australia's electoral systems.
With the next state election not due until 2025, the government now faces the task of appointing a new commissioner and implementing sweeping reforms. The priority is to restore public confidence and ensure the integrity of the democratic process in WA.
The situation remains fluid as Mr Kennedy considers his position. His potential dismissal marks an unprecedented moment in WA's political history, highlighting the severe consequences of administrative failure in a core pillar of democracy.
