22 May 2008

Penrith is one of eight metropolitan centres chosen by the New South Wales Electoral Commission (NSWEC) to host an information seminar for candidates intending to stand at the 2008 local government elections in September.

Some 5,000 candidates are expected to contest elections in 149 council areas across the State on Saturday 13 September.

“This is an initiative to ensure candidates standing for local government are fully aware of their obligations and responsibilities under the law,” said NSW Electoral Commissioner Colin Barry.

“Local government is sometimes seen as being low key but in fact becoming an elected councillor is a high profile community role that carries important responsibilities.
 
“Anyone thinking of becoming a councillor is encouraged to attend the seminar to learn first hand about the electoral process, including how to nominate, form groups, register how-to-vote material and declare donations.

“The public expects high quality, informed candidates to stand for local council so we are also urging current councillors who intend to stand for re-election to brush up on the electoral laws.”

The seminar will be held at the Penrith City Council Civic Centre, 601 High Street, on Thursday 29 May between 6.00pm and 7.30pm.

The event is free and there is no need to register.

The NSW Electoral Commission will put in place robust arrangements to ensure all the administrative functions of the local council elections are consistent and conducted to the same high standard as at state and federal elections.

Thirty free seminars will run across NSW until 28 June.

More information on the candidate information sessions, including times and venues is available at www.elections.nsw.gov.au or by calling 1300 135 736.

Media Contact:  Adrian Kerr, Corporate Communications
(02) 9290 5954  adrian.kerr@elections.nsw.gov.au