The federal parliament has launched a review of the 2025 election following reports of aggressive behaviour and intimidation targeting voters and electoral workers. The joint standing committee on electoral matters (JSCEM) will examine security at polling places, the influence of well-funded and shadowy campaign groups, and the powers of the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC).
Labor MP Jerome Laxale, the committee chair, described the conduct of some campaigners as unprecedented. 'Some of the weirdest and craziest stuff happened … stuff that I’ve never experienced before,' he said. Laxale warned against the 'Americanisation' of Australia's democracy, citing hyper-partisanship and the role of third-party operators.
The inquiry was prompted by a letter from Special Minister of State Don Farrell, who requested the committee probe incidents of aggressive conduct, deliberate obstruction, and intimidating behaviour toward voters, candidates, volunteers, and AEC staff. The review will also consider safety reforms, including the AEC's capacity to manage disruptive behaviour, and issues around voter access such as polling booth availability and postal voting.
Farrell also asked the committee to examine fixed four-year parliamentary terms and expanding the number of seats in federal parliament. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reiterated his support for longer terms but ruled out a referendum in this term, noting that referendums are difficult to pass without bipartisan support.
Laxale, who held his seat of Bennelong in a fiercely contested campaign, said coordinated third-party involvement from groups such as the Exclusive Brethren, Advance Australia, and Climate 200 would be a major theme. He emphasised the need to ensure voters feel safe and not disenfranchised, stating, 'I don’t want the 2025 election to be the new normal of behaviour at polling booths.'
