29 October, 2015
Myth Buster: everything you need to know about the NSWALC election
Only a big turnout at the NSW Aboriginal Land Council elections on Saturday will ensure Land Rights stays strong.
Myth: Some people have raised the “two-meeting rule” as an issue that could impact on their ability to vote.
Busted: Yes, you can vote in the NSWALC Elections, even if you haven’t attended two meetings of your Local Aboriginal Land Council in the past 12 months.
Fact: The “two meeting rule” only applies to voting for a LALC Board. The only requirement to be able to vote is that you are voting member of a LALC in your region. If you’re unsure, contact your LALC to find out if you are a voting member and can vote in the NSWALC Election.
Myth: There is some concern about people being fined if they don’t vote in the NSWALC Election.
Busted: The NSWALC Election is completely different to the State, Local Government and Federal elections. It’s a voluntary election so you won’t be fined but we need to you to turn up and vote
Fact: You won’t be fined if you vote in the NSWALC Election but have not voted in other elections.
We need your vote on Saturday
If you want to show your support for Land Rights and have a say in how decisions like land and housing affect our mob, you should vote.
We’ve built the best Land Rights system in Australia that provides housing, supports culture and creates jobs and economic development.
By voting, you get to have a say in how these decisions are made and how they benefit our mob now and in the future.
We can’t take that for granted … we don’t want to go back to a time when the Government made decisions for us.
Only a big turnout on the 31st of October will ensure Land Rights stays strong in New South Wales.
How do I vote?
Here are guides on how to vote on the day and instructions on how to use your ballot paper.
If you have a postal vote ballot paper, you must send it to the Electoral Commission so that it is received by no later than 5.00pm on Saturday, 31 October 2015.
Where can I vote?
Eligible Local Aboriginal Land Council members will be voting for a Councillor to represent their region. The nine regions are Central, Mid North Coast, North Coast, North Western, Northern, South Coast, Sydney-Newcastle, Western and Wiradjuri.
There are polling places right across NSW and in some instances you can vote across the border in Victoria.
Who am I voting for?
Voting members of LALCs will elect nine Councillors to lead the NSW Aboriginal Land Council and represent your region for the next four years. The Councillors you elect set the strategic direction of the State Land Council and make important decisions about land, housing, culture, jobs and economic development.
Councillors also represent the views of Local Land Councils and Aboriginal people with State and Federal governments.
There are 46 candidates across the nine regions.
On Saturday, the 31st of October, you get to have your say on your land and your future.
Make sure you vote in the NSW Aboriginal Land Council elections.
Make your vote count. Make your voice heard.
For further information check out our Fact Sheet. You can also call the NSW Electoral Commission on 1300 135 736.