MEDIA RELEASE
03 June 2026

The names of the applicants seeking to contest the casual vacancy in the electorate of Kurrajong, following the resignation of Mr Shane Rattenbury MLA, will be announced on Thursday 4 June at 12:30 pm by the ACT Electoral Commissioner, Mr Damian Cantwell AM CSC.

The computerised count to determine the successful candidate will be conducted immediately thereafter.

The names of the candidates contesting the vacancy and the results of the count will be emailed to media outlets after the conclusion of the day’s events. The names of the candidates and the result of the count will also be posted on the Elections ACT website at www.elections.act.gov.au.

ACT Legislative Assembly vacancies are filled by conducting a countback of those ballot papers that elected the vacating member. In effect, those electors who voted for Mr Rattenbury determine his replacement.

An advertisement was published on Monday 25 May 2026 in the Canberra Times and on the Elections ACT website inviting candidates who unsuccessfully stood in the electorate of Kurrajong at the 2024 election to contest the vacancy. Nominations by eligible candidates for the casual vacancy close at 12 noon Thursday 4 June 2026.

Media representatives and members of the public are welcome at the declaration of the names of the candidates and at the computerised count. The declaration and the count are to be held at the Canberra Museum and Gallery Theatrette, corner London Circuit and Civic Square, Canberra City.

Further information about the casual vacancy process can be found at Fact sheet - Casual vacancies - Elections ACT.

--------------------------------------------ENDS---------------------------------------------

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

Further information:

ACT Electoral Commission

Nara Centre, 3 Constitution Ave

Canberra City ACT 2601

Phone (02) 6205 0033

Email: elections@act.gov.au

Homepage: www.elections.act.gov.au

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