A by-election is required to fill a vacant councillor position on the King Island Council and the costs will be paid by the King Island Council.
This vacancy was triggered under schedule 5 of the Local Government Act 1993 by Councillor Sarina Laidler’s absence from three consecutive council meetings.
Ms Laidler sent an apology, when her husband required emergency medical treatment on each occasion, and not the required Leave of Absence request. Ms Laidler attended the November meeting, when the anomaly was found and the Mayor, Ms Laidler and the council were informed.
Councillors are required to motion and vote on a Leave of Absence and the reason for the absence is published. As Councillor Laidler was one of eight candidates elected unopposed in October 2022, a recount of ballot papers to fill this vacancy is not possible.
According to the Tasmanian Electoral Commission, if only one candidate is nominated the election ballot papers will not be posted to voters and the by-election will be declared. The costs of electoral preparation and advertising to that point will be borne by the council.
“That cost, of course, is vastly different if there are more nominations and the postal ballot goes ahead, as that will include those elements and the costs of postage, additional advertising [if any], processing, and returns. The equation is changed,” a TEC spokesperson said.
The Courier has requested an estimate of the costs, and this has been referred to the TEC finance area.
Nominations opened Monday and close at noon, next Tuesday, January 23 Voter roll enrolment closes at 6pm today and nominations will be announced at noon next Wednesday, January 24.
Voter ballot material is to be delivered to electors by post between Jan 30 and Feb 2.