An opposition Liberal-National MP wants federal pre-poll voting reconsidered, possibly with early voting centres open for fewer days, because of safety risks to voters and volunteers, The Guardian reports.
Garth Hamilton, the member for Groom in Queensland, spoke as security for politicians dominated the return of parliament following the alleged attack on the independent MP Helen Haines, who is in a serious but stable condition. Hamilton said queues of people near car parks and roads at pre-poll booths needed to be assessed, and that the length of the early voting period and the role of postal votes could be considered.
Early voting is increasingly popular, with 56% of votes at the 2025 election cast at early voting centres. A parliamentary inquiry's interim report has recommended reviewing the resourcing and duration of pre-poll voting.
Source: The Guardian
