Tucky Tania Cooley elected unopposed to fill casual vacancy in the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body

MEDIA RELEASE
29 May 2026

“Tucky Tania Cooley has been elected to fill the casual vacancy on the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body, resulting from the resignation of Ms Samantha Keaton,” the Electoral Commissioner, Damian Cantwell AM CSC, said today.

Ms Keaton resigned as a member of the Elected Body on 12 May 2026.

“All candidates who stood unsuccessfully at the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body 2024 election were invited to contest the vacancy. One application was received prior to the close of applications at 12 noon, Friday 29 May 2026,” Mr Cantwell said.

“As only one eligible candidate nominated, the Electoral Act 1992 as modified by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body Act 2008 requires that candidate to be declared elected.”

“Accordingly, Ms Tucky Tania Cooley has been declared elected to fill the casual vacancy on the Elected Body,” Mr Cantwell said.

The declaration was made following the close of applications on Friday 29 May 2026.

Damian Cantwell AM CSC

Electoral Commissioner

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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