The third election of members of the ACT’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body commences today, the ACT Electoral Commissioner, Mr Phil Green, has announced.

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body is comprised of 7 members who are elected every 3 years. The last election was held in May 2011.

“The election officially commences today with the opening of the period for nomination of candidates,” Mr Green said.  

Media representatives and members of the public are invited to the official launch of the election, to be held at 12 noon at the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Centre, 245 Lady Denman Drive, Yarramundi Reach.

The Elected Body was established by the ACT Legislative Assembly to enable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in the ACT to have a strong democratically elected voice.

Its members represent the interests and aspirations of the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. It provides direct advice to the ACT Government with the ambition of improving the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Canberrans.

“Voting in the election will coincide with NAIDOC week celebrations in the ACT. Voting will commence on Saturday 5 July and continue until Saturday 12 July at a number of venues around Canberra. Locations for voting can be obtained from Elections ACT,” Mr Green said.

“Nominations for the Elected Body close at 12 noon on Monday 2 June 2014.”

The result of the election should be known in late July 2014.

For further information about the election of members to the Elected Body visit the Elections ACT website at www.elections.act.gov.au.

For further information on the Elected Body visit http://atsieb.com.au.