Legislation

The Electoral Act 2004 sets out the functions and operations of the NT Electoral Commission and prescribes its electoral procedures and reporting arrangements. Importantly, the Act establishes the NT Electoral Commission as an independent agency with a statutory independent electoral commissioner who oversees the conduct of all Northern Territory parliamentary elections and referenda. This also includes the capacity to be appointed as returning officer for fee-for-service elections and industrial ballots.

Following amendments to the Local Government Act 2008 and Local Government (Electoral) Regulations 2008, the NT Electoral Commission became the service provider for the conduct of all local government elections from 1 May 2012.

The following Acts and Regulations are administered by the NT Electoral Commission:

• The Electoral Act 2004 and Regulations under that Act.
• The Referendums Act 1998 and Regulations under that Act.
• Electoral provisions contained in the Local Government Act 2019 and the Local Government (Electoral) Regulations 2021.