Inside the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC): Your 60-Second Guide to a Government Career ⚖️
Ever wondered what it’s really like to work at the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC)? We’ve done the heavy lifting and dissected their annual report, so you don’t have to! In this quickfire overview, you’ll discover everything you need to know about the AEC, from its key functions and financials to the skills and qualifications they’re seeking in new recruits. Whether you’re a seasoned public servant or a fresh graduate, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to navigate your path to a rewarding government career.
AT-A-GLANCE:
Name of Department / Council: Australian Electoral Commission (AEC)
Location: Headquartered in Canberra, with offices Australia-wide
CEO: Tom Rogers (Electoral Commissioner)
Total Revenue: Approximately $621 million in 2023–24, reflecting government appropriations and other revenue streams from contracts and services
Total Number of Employees: Around 1,043 permanent APS employees (expanding substantially during election and referendum periods)
THE QUALIFICATION, CERTIFICATIONS, TRADES, PROFESSIONS, WORK EXPERIENCES & SKILLS MOST SUITED TO
Top 5 Academic Qualifications Most Suited:
Political Science / Public Policy – Helps you interpret electoral laws and understand governance frameworks.
Business / Commerce – Useful for managing budgets, resources, and corporate services within the agency.
Information Technology – Essential for maintaining secure election systems and voter databases.
Data Analytics / Statistics – Enables analysis of voter trends, forecasting resource needs, and improving logistics.
Communications / Media Studies – Valuable for stakeholder engagement, public awareness campaigns, and educational programs.
Top 5 Certifications Most Suited:
Project Management (e.g., PRINCE2, PMBOK) – Crucial for coordinating large-scale projects like federal elections.
IT Security (e.g., CompTIA Security+ or CISSP) – Helps protect electoral data and ensure secure digital systems.
Financial Management (e.g., CPA, CIMA) – Supports effective budget oversight and accountability.
Procurement and Contracting (e.g., Certificate IV in Procurement and Contracting) – Ensures compliance with government purchasing standards.
Work Health and Safety (WHS) – Promotes safe working environments during high-activity election and referendum cycles.
Top 5 Trades / Professions Most Suited:
IT Technicians – Keep essential electoral systems running securely.
Graphic Designers – Develop engaging educational materials and public information campaigns.
Administrative Professionals – Provide clerical and office support crucial to daily AEC operations.
Logistics / Supply Chain Specialists – Coordinate the distribution of election materials Australia-wide.
Print Production Operators – Help produce large volumes of ballot papers and informational flyers accurately and on time.
Top 5 Skills Most Suited:
Organizational Skills – Manage multiple tasks and deadlines during the high-stakes electoral cycle.
Communication – Engage effectively with stakeholders, media, and the general public.
Analytical Thinking – Interpret voting trends, assess risks, and improve electoral processes.
Attention to Detail – Ensure accuracy in ballot production and voter records.
Teamwork – Collaborate with colleagues across different regions and work units, especially during peak election periods.
Top 5 Work Experiences Most Suited:
Government or Public Administration – Familiarity with public sector processes and policies.
Customer Service / Community Engagement – Helps in dealing with voter inquiries and public outreach.
Event Coordination – Transfers smoothly into planning and executing elections and referendums.
Data Entry / Records Management – Ensures consistent accuracy of voter rolls and official documents.
Policy or Legal Work – Supports the interpretation and application of electoral legislation.
THE KEY FACTS
Name of Department: Australian Electoral Commission (AEC)
Name of CEO: Tom Rogers, Electoral Commissioner
Location: Australia-wide (Headquartered in Canberra)
Year Founded: 1902 (as an early form of electoral administration, formally established as the AEC in 1984)
Main Mission and Purpose of the Department:
The AEC administers the federal electoral system in accordance with the Commonwealth Electoral Act. For example, they maintain accurate voter rolls to ensure every eligible Australian can have their say on election or referendum day.Main Duties of the Department:
Conduct federal elections, by-elections, and referendums
Maintain the electoral roll
Ensure electoral integrity and compliance with funding and disclosure laws
Provide public awareness and education on the electoral process
Real-World Example: During federal elections, the AEC sets up and manages thousands of polling stations nationwide, making voting accessible to all Australians.
Key Projects, Key Strategic Priorities, Future Plans and Initiatives:
Digital Transformation: Enhancing electronic support systems for voter registration and electoral logistics.
Community Engagement: Expanding outreach to inform diverse communities about their voting rights.
Security Enhancements: Strengthening cybersecurity measures to safeguard electoral data.
Innovation in Election Delivery: Modernising vote counting and exploring new technologies to streamline processes.
Did You Know?
The AEC usually brings on over 90,000 temporary staff for a federal election to manage polling stations and counts. That’s like staffing a small city dedicated entirely to democracy! 🏙️
THE EMPLOYEES & REVENUE
Total Number of Employees: About 1,043 permanent APS employees (plus thousands of casual staff employed during electoral events)
Total Number of Employees at Each Pay Level:
APS (Australian Public Service) Levels 1–6: Majority of the workforce
EL (Executive Level) 1–2: Mid-level leadership and managerial roles
SES (Senior Executive Service): Senior leadership positions
Salary Bands:
APS 1–4: ~$50,000–$70,000 per year
APS 5–6: ~$70,000–$90,000 per year
EL 1–2: ~$100,000–$140,000 per year
SES: $150,000+ per year
Average Salary in the Department: Approximately $80,000–$90,000 across all levels
Total Revenue: Approximately $621 million for the 2023–24 period, reflecting government appropriations and other revenue
Average Revenue per Employee: Roughly $595,000 (Total Revenue ÷ ~1,043 permanent employees)
GETTING A JOB AT THE AEC
Which academic subjects are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
Certificate / Diploma Level:
Certificate IV in Business Administration – Ideal for admin and office roles supporting electoral processes.
Diploma of Project Management – Helps coordinate logistics and large-scale events such as elections.
Diploma of Information Technology – Useful for basic IT support to ensure electoral systems run smoothly.
Bachelor / Master Level:
Bachelor of Commerce / Bachelor of Business – Suits finance, procurement, and resource allocation duties.
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science – Builds strong awareness of Australian governance structures.
Master of Public Administration – Provides leadership skills for managing staff, policy, and complex projects.
PhDs:
PhD in Political Science / Public Policy – Facilitates high-level research, policy evaluation, and electoral reform analysis.
PhD in Data Science – Enables advanced data modelling, which is increasingly vital for voter trend analysis.
Which trades and professions are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
IT Technicians and Systems Administrators – Keep the AEC’s digital infrastructure secure and effective.
Printing and Production Specialists – Oversee the printing of ballots and informational materials at scale.
Logistics Coordinators – Manage the shipping of electoral materials across Australia’s varied geography.
Administrative Professionals – Provide essential clerical and organisational support for day-to-day tasks.
Call Centre / Customer Service Representatives – Help voters and the public navigate enrolment or voting queries.
Which work experiences are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
Government or Public Administration – Understanding official processes ensures a smoother transition into AEC roles.
Event Planning – Readily applies to organising polling stations, managing staff, and working under time constraints.
Policy or Legislative Work – Aids in navigating, interpreting, and applying complex electoral laws.
Customer-Facing Roles – Strengthens the AEC’s capability to provide top-notch service to voters and stakeholders.
Records Management – Maintains the integrity and accuracy of voter rolls and essential documentation.
Which skills are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
Soft Skills:
Communication – Essential for public-facing services and coordinating with internal teams.
Team Collaboration – Critical for large-scale events requiring tight deadlines and group synergy.
Technical Skills:
IT Security & Systems Administration – Key to safeguarding sensitive voter data.
Data Analysis – Interprets voter trends and guides operational improvements.
General Skills:
Problem-Solving – Crucial for addressing logistical, technical, or administrative surprises.
Project Coordination – Orchestrates the scheduling and setup of polling places.
Which hobbies and interests align with the work of this department?
Community Involvement / Volunteering: Reinforces commitment to civic engagement and public service.
Public Speaking / Debating: A bonus for roles involving community outreach or voter education.
IT & Tech Enthusiasm: Demonstrates readiness to adapt to modern electoral technologies.
WANT MORE INFORMATION ON THIS DEPARTMENT?
Contact the Department:
Australian Electoral Commission
Address: West Block Offices, Queen Victoria Terrace, Parkes ACT 2600
Telephone: 13 23 26 (within Australia)
Email: info@aec.gov.au
Website: www.aec.gov.au
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DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available information, including annual reports. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the information on this article. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this article.