Appointment of Victorian Electoral Commissioner

Attorney-General Robert Clark today announced the appointment of Warwick Gately AM to the position of Victorian Electoral Commissioner.

As the Western Australian Electoral Commissioner, Mr Gately has overseen elections and referenda in 2005, 2008, 2009 and 2013, as well as biennial local government elections.

Mr Gately has also been responsible for implementing changes arising from legislation on matters including “one vote one value”, public funding of candidates and fixed terms, and for introducing a range of IT and other service improvements.

Prior to his appointment as Electoral Commissioner, Mr Gately had a distinguished service career with the Royal Australian Navy, including as Director General, Navy Policy, Strategy and Future Planning and Director General, Australian Defence Force Operations and Plans, before joining the Western Australian Public Service.

“Mr Gately’s strong record of leadership and operations management, and his record of achievement as Western Australian Electoral Commissioner, makes him ideally qualified to serve as Victoria’s next Electoral Commissioner,” Mr Clark said.

Mr Clark also thanked the Deputy Electoral Commissioner, Ms Elizabeth Williams, for acting in the office of Electoral Commissioner over recent months.

“Ms Williams has served as acting Electoral Commissioner during a period which has included the 2012 municipal elections and preparation for the forthcoming electoral boundaries redistribution, and I look forward to her continued contribution to the work of the Victorian Electoral Commission,” Mr Clark said.

Mr Gately will commence as Victorian Electoral Commissioner on 29 April this year, after completing the conduct of the Western Australian elections that took place earlier this month.