Employment opportunities at the 2026 State Election

 

Join us in delivering the 2026 State Election and the SA First Nations Voice to Parliament Election

We’re excited to offer a range of project roles supporting the successful delivery of the 2026 State Election and the SA First Nations Voice to Parliament Election. Whether you’re looking to build your career in a dynamic environment or contribute to the democratic process, we invite you to explore the available positions below.

Application dates have now expired for the following roles, however if you are interested, please register for work (this link will take you to the register for work page)

Role title

Role focus

ASO level

Contract term

Download Role Description

ICT Program Manager

Responsible for directing, leading and managing critical ICT projects to support preparation for and delivery of the state and local council elections in 2026. Critical ICT projects include the development and integration of key election management systems (existing and new systems) and related ICT security and cyber security projects.

MAS3

July 2025 to December 2026

 

Manager Security

Responsible for leading, coordinating and implementing comprehensive security strategies for the 2026 elections, including safeguarding the protective, physical and personnel security of ECSA’s operations, assets and election processes and will include the development and implementation of dedicated plans and strategies to support responsibilities and requirements under the South Australian Protective Security Framework and effective business continuity planning and disaster recovery planning.

ASO7

August 2025 to February 2027

   

Cyber Security Program Manager

Responsible for the development and implementation of a Cyber Security Program for the 2026 elections, including the coordination of key activities to support compliance with the South Australian Cyber Security Framework (SACSF) and South Australian Protective Security Framework (SAPSF) and Information Security Policies.

ASO7

August 2025 to December 2026

  

Complaints Manager

Responsible for management of complaints and enquiries concerning the conduct of elections in accordance with the established complaints framework, policies, and protocols. The role will also lead and manage the investigation of complaints, communicate with stakeholders, and liaise with legal advisors to determine appropriate action.

ASO6

August 2025 to February 2027

  

Senior Procurement Advisor

Responsible for end-to-end procurement services for election events, ensuring all procurement is in accordance with the SA Procurement Framework requirements and contract management policies and guidelines.

ASO6

July 2025 to December 2026

 

Project Officer/ Senior Project Officer – multiple roles

Responsible for the development and delivery of projects, activities, and tasks across a range of functional areas including facilities management, transport and logistics, central processing, call centre, warehousing and voting services (i.e., early voting, telephone-assisted voting).

ASO 5/6

August 2025 to December 2026

   

Facilities and CPC Manager

Responsible for managing the Central Processing Centre (CPC) and coordinating and supporting access to services (electricity, cleaning, security) for key ECSA election facilities and locations (i.e. CPC, returning offices and polling places) for the 2026 elections.

ASO6

August 2025 to February 2027

  

Senior Policy Officer – Law Reform Implementation

Responsible for managing the implementation of legislative reform relevant to 2026 election activities. A key focus will be activities to support the implementation of the Electoral (Miscellaneous) Amendment Act 2024 including the development of Regulations, determinations, forms and business processes to support the changes, in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.

ASO6

July 2025 to March 2026

  

Project Finance Officer

Responsible for providing efficient and effective financial services in relation to the assessment and payment of claims in accordance with Part 13A of the Electoral Act 1985, and the associated reconciliation and reporting.

ASO5

July 2025 to June 2026

 
Social Media Officer Responsible for project managing social media opportunities for the 2026 elections and will include the development of a comprehensive social media strategy, preparing and implementing engaging content that resonates with electors, managing and responding to social media inquiries and comments, and proactively tackling the spread of false information online. AS05 August 2025 to December 2026

PMO Project Officer

Coordinate, develop and implement quality administrative systems and practices that support effective and efficient project management activities and reporting.

ASO4

August 2025 to December 2026

 

Project Officer

Responsible for providing high quality administrative and project coordination support to assist in the successful implementation of legislative reforms for early voting and telephone assisted voting.

ASO4

July 2025 to March 2026

  

Complaints Officer

Responsible for coordinating the investigation and administration of complaints and providing advice to support the determination of appropriate actions and responses. This will include working with both internal and external stakeholders to determine appropriate actions within the established complaints framework, policies, and procedures.

ASO4

July 2025 to June 2026

  

FDR Officer

Responsible for supporting the implementation of strategies, policies, and programs to support a range of ECSA’s administrative functions under the Electoral Act 1985, including processes to support the registration of Political Parties, the maintenance of relevant public registers, and the exercise of various powers and functions associated with funding administration and disclosures under Part 13A of the Act.

ASO3

July 2025 to June 2026

  

Careers at ECSA

Data and statistics 2021-22

Our year at a glance

Following is a snapshot of data and statistics from the 2021-22 financial year.

Download a copy of the Annual Report 2021-22 (PDF, 960KB)

Our people
Number of staff 30
FTEs 29.33
Gender Persons FTE
Female 53.3% 52.3%
Male 46.7% 47.7%
No. persons separated from the agency during 2021-22 12
No. persons recruited to the agency during 2021-22 12
No. persons on leave without pay at 30/6/22 2
Elections

State elections

House of Assembly

District Polling day Ratio of candidates to vacancy Election contested Electors on the roll Participation Participation (%)
Adelaide 19/03/2022 6:1 Y 27,331 23,892 87.4
Badcoe 19/03/2022 7:1 Y 27,481 24,493 89.1
Black 19/03/2022 3:1 Y 26,437 24,327 92.0
Bragg 19/03/2022 4:1 Y 26,709 24,157 90.4
Chaffey 19/03/2022 6:1 Y 25,807 23,091 89.5
Cheltenham 19/03/2022 5:1 Y 27,621 24,336 88.1
Colton 19/03/2022 3:1 Y 28,379 25,864 91.1
Croydon 19/03/2022 4:1 Y 28,182 23,948 85.0
Davenport 19/03/2022 4:1 Y 26,835 24,687 92.0
Dunstan 19/03/2022 4:1 Y 27,269 24,447 89.7
Elder 19/03/2022 7:1 Y 27,757 25,185 90.7
Elizabeth 19/03/2022 5:1 Y 27,717 22,982 82.9
Enfield 19/03/2022 5:1 Y 27,240 23,995 88.1
Finniss 19/03/2022 7:1 Y 27,086 24,951 92.1
Flinders 19/03/2022 6:1 Y 25,108 21,883 87.2
Florey 19/03/2022 5:1 Y 26,361 23,150 87.8
Frome 19/03/2022 5:1 Y 26,915 24,381 90.6
Gibson 19/03/2022 5:1 Y 28,207 25,110 89.0
Giles 19/03/2022 6:1 Y 24,966 20,166 80.8
Hammond 19/03/2022 7:1 Y 26,584 23,533 88.5
Hartley 19/03/2022 3:1 Y 26,158 23,446 89.6
Heysen 19/03/2022 5:1 Y 26,049 24,344 93.5
Hurtle Vale 19/03/2022 6:1 Y 26,506 23,629 89.1
Kaurna 19/03/2022 5:1 Y 28,845 25,315 87.8
Kavel 19/03/2022 6:1 Y 27,164 24,789 91.3
King 19/03/2022 7:1 Y 27,193 24,942 91.7
Lee 19/03/2022 4:1 Y 25,846 22,877 88.5
Light 19/03/2022 5:1 Y 26,719 23,548 88.1
MacKillop 19/03/2022 5:1 Y 27,214 24,317 89.4
Mawson 19/03/2022 7:1 Y 27,500 24,753 90.0
Morialta 19/03/2022 4:1 Y 26,680 24,440 91.6
Morphett 19/03/2022 3:1 Y 26,221 23,280 88.8
Mount Gambier 19/03/2022 4:1 Y 25,597 22,867 89.3
Narungga 19/03/2022 7:1 Y 25,098 22,950 91.4
Newland 19/03/2022 9:1 Y 26,866 24,408 90.9
Playford 19/03/2022 5:1 Y 26,660 23,308 87.4
Port Adelaide 19/03/2022 5:1 Y 28,354 24,992 88.1
Ramsay 19/03/2022 4:1 Y 27,821 23,303 83.8
Reynell 19/03/2022 4:1 Y 27,175 23,752 87.4
Schubert 19/03/2022 7:1 Y 27,424 25,411 92.7
Stuart 19/03/2022 5:1 Y 25,266 21,976 87.0
Taylor 19/03/2022 6:1 Y 27,752 23,196 83.6
Torrens 19/03/2022 4:1 Y 28,173 24,914 88.4
Unley 19/03/2022 3:1 Y 27,592 24,860 90.1
Waite 19/03/2022 6:1 Y 27,857 25,782 92.6
West Torrens 19/03/2022 3:1 Y 26,327 23,476 89.2
Wright 19/03/2022 4:1 Y 26,670 24,189 90.7

Legislative Council

Election Declaration of result Ratio of candidates to vacancy Election contested Electors on the roll Participation Participation (%)
Legislative Council  27/04/2022 51:11 Y 1,266,719 1,129,680 89.2

Council elections

Election Declaration of result Ratio of candidates to vacancy Election contested Electors on the roll Participation Participation (%)
District Council of Streaky Bay - Eyre Ward 12/07/2021 1:1 n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a
District Council of Streaky Bay - Flinders Ward 12/07/2021 2:1 Y 783 321 41.0
District Council of Streaky Bay - Flinders Ward 22/07/2021 1:1 N

n/a

n/a

n/a
City of Adelaide - Area Councillor 26/07/2021 7:1 Y 27,963 4,897 17.5
District Council of Tumby Bay - Area Councillor 13/09/2021 5:1 Y 2,009 951 47.3
The Flinders Ranges Council - Area Councillors 13/09/2021 3:2 Y 1,172 474 40.4
Wattle Range Council - Riddoch Ward 7/10/2021 1:1 N

n/a

n/a

n/a
City of Port Adelaide Enfield - Outer Harbor Ward 19/10/2021 6:1 Y 10,249 2,621 25.6
Coorong District Council - Poll 26/10/2021

n/a

n/a

 3,752 1,173 31.3
City of Holdfast Bay - Somerton Ward 15/11/2021 4:1 Y 7,208 1,780 24.7
City of Tea Tree Gully - Hillcott Ward 13/12/2021 8:1 Y 11,832 2,240 18.9
Mid Murray Council - Eyre Ward 21/02/2022 3:1 Y 2,042 623 30.5

Other statutory elections

Election  Date Election type Election contested Number elected Electoral system used  Number of electors 
APY Executive Board general elections - Election of male member for Pipalyatjara and Kalka 4/08/2021 Election of male member Y 1 First past the post 141
APY Executive Board general elections - Election of female member for Pipalyatjara and Kalka 4/08/2021 Election of female member N 1

n/a

n/a
APY Executive Board general elections - Election of male member for Kanpi, Nyapari, Angatja and Watarru 4/08/2021 Election of male member N 1

n/a

n/a
APY Executive Board general elections - Election of female member for Kanpi, Nyapari, Angatja and Watarru 4/08/2021 Election of female member N 1

n/a

n/a
APY Executive Board general elections - Election of male member for Amata and Tjurma 4/08/2021 Election of male member N 1

n/a

n/a
APY Executive Board general elections - Election of female member for Amata and Tjurma 4/08/2021 Election of female member N 1

n/a

n/a
APY Executive Board general elections - Election of male member for Kaltjiti, Irintata and Watinuma 4/08/2021 Election of male member Y 1 First past the post 165
APY Executive Board general elections - Election of female member for Kaltjiti, Irintata and Watinuma 4/08/2021 Election of female member N 1

n/a

n/a
APY Executive Board general elections - Election of male member for Pukatja, Yunyarinyi, Anilalya and Turkey Bore 4/08/2021 Election of male member Y 1 First past the post 346
APY Executive Board general elections - Election of female member for Pukatja, Yunyarinyi, Anilalya and Turkey Bore 4/08/2021 Election of female member Y 1 First past the post 346
APY Executive Board general elections - Election of male member for Mimili 4/08/2021 Election of male member N 1

n/a

n/a
APY Executive Board general elections - Election of female member for Mimili 4/08/2021 Election of female member N 1

n/a

n/a
APY Executive Board general elections - Election of male member for Iwantja, Amuruna, Railway Bore, Witjintitja and Wallatinna 4/08/2021 Election of male member N 1

n/a

n/a
Super SA 6/09/2021 Election of 2 board members Y 2 Optional preferential 191,428
Funds SA 19/07/2021 Election of one board member N 1

n/a

n/a
APY Executive Board supplementary election for a female member for Iwantja, Amuruna, Railway Bore, Witjintitja and Wallatinna 1/12/2021 Supplementary election of female member for Iwantja, Amuruna, Railway Bore, Witjintitja and Wallatinna  N 1

n/a

n/a

Community and commercial elections

Organisation Date Election type Number elected Voting method Number of electors
Assistants to the Members of the South Australia Parliament Enterprise Agreement 9/12/2021 Enterprise agreement ballot N/A Yes – No
First past the post		 N/A
Enrolment

South Australia enrolment rate as at 30 June 2022

Enrolment 30 June 2022 30 June 2021 30 June 2010 30 June 2019 30 June 2018
Enrolment for federal/state and state-only electors 1,273,143 1,239,103 1,224,894 1,216,151 1,201,245
Estimated eligible population* 1,309,192 1,283,395 1,263,503 1,248,996 1,241,490
Total enrolled as % of estimated eligible population* 97.2% 96.5% 96.9%  97.4% 96.8%

 Electors enrolled by age group at 30 June 2022

Age group

No.

% of estimated eligible population*

18-24

117,936

87.8

25-29

95,101

97.6

30-34

97,509

98.1

35-39

103,246

98.1

40-44

97,737

98.7

45-49

98,762

98.1

50-54

107,715

97.7

55-59

104,663

97.1

60-64

107,005

97.6

65-69

97,291

#99.0

70+

246,178

#99.0

Total enrolled

1,273,143

97.2

* Estimated eligible population is calculated by the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) using ABS citizen population figures for 30 June 2021 (preliminary) based on the 2021 Census, projected forward to the relevant date using ABS citizen population trends between 30 June 2020 (revised) and 30 June 2021 (preliminary) based on the 2016 Census. The AEC then makes adjustments for British Subjects, those of unsound mind, overseas electors and new citizens since the Census.

# Enrolment rates above 99.0% are not reported due to errors associated with calculating the estimated eligible population which may overstate the actual enrolment rate.

Enrolment transactions 2018 to 2022

Enrolment activity 2021-22 2020-21 2019-20 2018-19 2017-16
As at 1 July of each year 1,239,103 1,224,894 1,216,151 1,201,245 1,187,714
           
Additions to the roll
New enrolments* 42,461 22,480 23,496 27,477 27,610
Re-enrolments 4,514 2,893 4,351 5,109 5,238
Re-instatements 73 19 25 143 67
Interstate transfers to SA 19,385 12,974 11,112 15,267 14,235
Net additions 66,433 38,366 38,984 47,996 47,150
           
Movements within state**
Transfers between districts 97,232 69,787  74,255  80,728  86,541
Changes within district 51,046 32,089  34,209 42,648  49,974
No change/amendments  55,103 5,854  7,491  20,235 40,535 
           
Deletions from the roll
Removal by objection 3,085 1,816 6,665 5,737  3,602
Deaths 12,707 10,877 10,932 10,793  11,735
Duplications 198 170  701  309 496 
Cancellations  145 172  169  170 16 
Interstate transfers from SA  16,253 11,119  11,776  16,084 17,777 
Net deletions 32,388 24,154 30,243 3,093  33,626
           
Adjustments (net)*** -5 -3 +2 +3 +7
           
Total enrolled 30/06/21 1,273,143 1,239,103 1,224,894 1,216,151 1,201,245

* Includes persons who provisionally enrolled that have turned 18 and new enrolments by 18-year-olds (17,426 in 2021-22).

** These ‘movements within state’ figures are not included in the table totals .

*** Net adjustments and data corrections.

Registered declaration voters by criteria at 30 June 2021

ECSA maintains a register of voters who are  prevented from attending a polling booth and meet certain criteria. These voters are called registered declaration voters for state elections and general postal voters for federal elections. Once registered, a voter will receive a postal vote for every election and does not need to re-apply for future elections.

Criteria No. %
Caring for a person who is seriously ill, infirm or disabled 2,752 8.6
Place of residence is not within 20 kilometres of a polling place 3,320 10.4
Physical disability 12,398 38.8
Membership of a religious order or religious beliefs 902 2.8
Address has been suppressed from publication on the roll (silent elector) 12,551 39.3
Total 31,923  100%
Register of political parties
New party registrations 7
Annual returns lodged 8
De-registrations* 0
Registered parties as at 30 June 2022 15

Register

Date of registration

Political party

Abbreviation of party name

17/10/85

Australian Labor Party (South Australian Branch)

Australian Labor Party

17/10/85

Liberal Party of Australia (SA Division)

Liberal Party

17/10/85

National Party of Australia (SA) Inc

The Nationals

13/02/96

Australian Greens SA

The Greens

24/11/16

Animal Justice Party

  

04/07/17

SA-BEST Incorporated

SA-BEST

07/11/17

Advance SA

  

12/12/17

Child Protection Party

CPP

16/09/21

Pauline Hanson's One Nation

  

11/11/21

Australian Family Party

Aust Family Party

13/01/22

Family First Party Inc

Family First

20/01/22

SA Party - Stop Overdevelopment & Corruption

SA Party

20/01/22

Real Change SA

  

27/01/22

Legalise Cannabis South Australia Party

LCSA Party

27/01/22

Liberal Democratic Party

Liberal Democrats less government more freedom
Funding, disclosure and returns

Returns

Political party, associated entity and donor returns are lodged on a half-yearly basis and must be lodged within 30 days of the end of the half-yearly period.

Returns: 1 January 2021 to 30 June 2021

Return type Total lodged Late returns
Political party  8 0
Associated entity 24 8
Third party 1 1
Donor 8 2
Large gift 5 0

Returns: 1 July 2021 to 31 December 2021

Return type Total lodged Late returns
Political party 10 3
Associated entity 24 3
Third party 1 0
Donor 8 4
Large gift 3 0
Campaign donation 22 10

Annual political expenditure returns lodged for the 2020-21 financial year

Return type Total lodged Late returns
Political party 4 2
Individual 0 0
Organisation 1 1
Associated entity 0 0
Third party 1 1

All returns lodged are available on ECSA’s Funding and Disclosure Portal.

Public funding

 

Claim period 

Australian Labor Party

Liberal Party

The Greens

SA-Best

Advance SA

Total

$

$

$

$

$

$

01/07/2021 – 31/12/2021

66,908

66,908

39,030

39,030

-

  

01/01/2022 – 30/06/2022

66,908

66,908

39,030

27,901.55

-

  

Total

133,816

133,816

78,060

66,931.55

 

412,623.55

Election funding

2022 State Election

Registered political parties

Participant

 $

Australian Labor Party

2,809,226.25

Liberal Party

2,557,748.45

The Greens

652,532.98

Family First

256,108.45

Pauline Hanson’s One Nation

45,738.22

Animal Justice Party

4,023.39

The Nationals

12,754.42

Liberal Democrats

6,380.00

SA-BEST

7,272.85

Legalise Cannabis SA

985.00

Independent candidates

Dan Golding

8,066.33

Tessa Kowaliw

5,184.66

Cate Hunter

12,029.48

Dan Cregan

40,866.65

Troy Bell

30,648.02

Fraser Ellis

23,915.65

Frances Bedford

9,584.35

Geoff Brock

25,101.66

Sam Duluk

16,579.15

Dianah Walter

7,139.66

Total

6,531,885.62
Non-voter activity

Non-voter activity

Section 85 of the Electoral Act 1985 sets out the procedures to be implemented by the Electoral Commissioner relating to electors who appear to have not voted at an election. The non-voter process commences 3 months after election day and continues until each expiation has been resolved.

The table below outlines the non-voter activity, starting with Notice 1 which gives the elector the opportunity to provide a valid reason for their apparent failure to vote, through to referral of the expiation to the Fines Enforcement and Recovery Unit (FERU).

Once an expiation has been referred to FERU an elector can make an application for a review. If the review is granted the expiation is referred back to ECSA and the expiation is reissued (Notice 2). There is no maximum numbers of review that can be granted.  This cycle can occur multiple times if the matter is left unresolved.  

Activity 2021-22 2020-21 2019-20 2018-19 2017-18 
Notice 1: Notice of apparent failure to vote (number sent) † 84,419 n/a n/a * n/a
# 8,747		 * 63,715
Notice 2: Expiation notice (number sent) n/a n/a n/a * 37,480
# 5,966		 n/a
Notice 3: Reminder expiation notice (number sent) n/a n/a * n/a
# 4,046		 * 27,942
# n/a		 n/a
Referrals to the Fines Enforcement and Recovery Unit for enforcement n/a n/a * 257
# 3,278		 * 23,115 
# n/a		 n/a
Re-issued expiation notices (number sent) n/a  * 26
# 18		 * 1,605
# 413 		 * 3,873
# n/a		 n/a
Penalties collected ($) n/a  $125,617.27 $389,543.65 $769,097.43 $20,447.40
† 2022 State Election
* 2018 State Election
# 2019 Cheltenham and Enfield by-elections

Working at elections - guides and forms

 

Code of conduct

Employment portal

Pay enquiry

Remuneration packages and hourly rates are outlined in the determination linked below.

User guides

Register for work

The Electoral Commission of SA (ECSA) offers opportunities to work at local and state government elections with positions available throughout an election period, including in the weeks before and after key events including the scrutiny and count.

 

Eligibility requirements for employment

Before you commence your ROI, it is important you understand the eligibility requirements.

To work at an election you must:

  • have a unique email address, as all communication from ECSA will be sent via email*
  • not be active in political affairs or have an association with a political party or candidate (this ensures you do not compromise the strict neutrality of the electoral commission)
  • agree to abide by the code of conduct for electoral officers
  • agree to undertake a criminal history check, if it is a requirement for your position - this is identified in the ‘special conditions’ section of the duty statement
  • be at least 16 years of age at the time of receiving an offer of employment to work at a state or by-election
  • be at least 18 years old of age at the time of receiving an offer of employment to work at a local government election.

* If you share an email address with another person who would like to work at an election, you must each register in the portal using a unique email address. This ensures employment information is sent to the correct person.

How to register


Completing your registration of interest

If you have not completed an ROI to work at the 2022 State Election or 2022 Bragg By-election, you will need to register your interest to work at future state or local government elections using the employment portal. There are a number of positions available throughout an election period including in the weeks before and after key events such as polling day or the scrutiny and count.

It will take about 40 minutes to complete the ROI and you will be asked about your previous employment experience, skill set, diversity status and preferences for election positions and locations.

To register your interest in working at elections, you will need to create an account.  If you have started the ROI process, you can go straight to the sign-in page.

Casual election workers are required to act honestly, impartially, professionally, ethically and courteously in the performance of their duties in accordance with the code of conduct.

During the registration process, and again when you accept an offer of employment, you will need to answer eligibility questions from the code of conduct for electoral officers.

Steps in registering

There are 3 steps to the ROI process:

  1. Create an account that includes answering the code of conduct eligibility questions.
  2. Confirm your email address and your account by answering the screening questionnaire.
  3. Finalise your registration by entering your bank, tax and superannuation details.

Download the user guide using the link below. The guide is designed to walk you through the process step by step.

Note: personal details including bank, super or tax cannot be entered or updated in the employment portal from 3:30 pm Tuesday through to 1:00 pm Thursday, due to payroll processing.


FAQs

Find information about registering and working at elections on our frequently asked questions - employment page

Contact

If you need further assistance please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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