Summary
In response to certain recommendations of the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters report The 2010 federal election: report on the conduct of the election and related matters, the bill amends the: Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 to: provide for further fixed periods of time to be provided to the augmented Electoral Commission to complete its inquiries into objections against proposed redistribution of electoral boundaries; and not require a silent voter to re-apply to be treated as a silent voter when changing address; Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 and Referendum (Machinery Provisions) Act 1984 to: establish procedures to be taken when a ballot-box is opened prematurely; remove the requirement for an applicant for a pre-poll ordinary vote to complete and sign a certificate; provide that pre-poll voting offences will open on the fourth day after nominations close; and provide that applications for postal votes must be received on the Wednesday three days before polling day; and Taxation Administration Act 1953 to allow the Australian Taxation Office to disclose protected information to the Electoral Commissioner.