ACT Legislative Assembly Casual Vacancy Announced

MEDIA RELEASE
25 May 2026

The ACT Electoral Commissioner, Mr Damian Cantwell AM CSC, today announced that the candidate elected to replace Mr Shane Rattenbury, Member for Kurrajong, in the ACT Legislative Assembly is expected to be known on Thursday 4 June 2026.

The Electoral Commissioner has received formal notification of the casual vacancy from the Speaker of the Assembly, Mr Jeremy Hanson CSC. Mr Rattenbury resigned from the Assembly on Friday 15 May 2026.

“I am now able to outline the official timetable to fill the Legislative Assembly vacancy,” Mr Cantwell said.

Legislative Assembly vacancies are filled through a ‘countback’ of ballots that contributed to the election of the vacating member. In effect, electors who voted for Mr Rattenbury determine his replacement.

“To begin the process, a public notice will be published in The Canberra Times on Monday 25 May 2026, inviting candidates who unsuccessfully contested the Kurrajong electorate at the 2024 election to nominate for the vacancy,” Mr Cantwell said.

“Where practicable, the Commission will also notify these candidates directly.”

Eligible candidates have 10 days from the date of the public notice to indicate their intention to contest the vacancy. Nominations must be received by 12 noon on Thursday 4 June 2026.

“At 12.30 pm on 4 June 2026, the candidates contesting the vacancy will be publicly declared. A computerised countback will then be conducted to determine which candidate is elected to the Assembly,” Mr Cantwell said.

The result is expected to be formally declared at 3.00 pm on Friday 5 June 2026.

Media and members of the public are invited to attend both events at the Canberra Museum and Gallery Theatrette, corner London Circuit and Civic Square, Canberra City.

Damian Cantwell AM CSC
Electoral Commissioner

View the Notice of casual vacancy in the ACT Legislative Assembly.

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Media contact:
Viviana.torres@act.gov.au
(02) 620 73358