The Town of Port Hedland Local Government Election will be held on Saturday 28 March, to fill nine vacancies, including a new Mayor and eight Councillors.
The Western Australian Electoral Commission (WAEC) has appointed Andrew Dunkin as the Returning Officer, who will oversee the postal election process.
Residents and enrolled owner occupiers who are eligible to vote will receive their voting pack by mail once WAEC has confirmed the final list of candidates in mid-February.
Key dates
- Nominations open: Thursday 5 February
- Nominations close: 4pm Thursday 12 February
- Voting packs lodged with Australia Post: 26 February
- Election Day: Saturday 28 March
Mayor and Councillor Candidate Nominations
You can find out who is standing for the election by visiting the candidate nomination page or viewing the Town’s displays at the Civic Centre, South Hedland Library and Port Hedland Library.
Candidate nominations
Running the election
The WAEC has appointed a Returning Officer to oversee the election process. Andrew Dunkin will manage candidate nominations, supervise polling places and ensure the election runs smoothly and properly.
Returning Officer Andrew Dunkin
Phone: 0475 362 607
Email: lgxro_porthedland@elections.wa.gov.au
Become a candidate
Nominations to run in the Local Government election are now closed.
Code of Conduct for Candidates
In Western Australia, local government election conduct is governed by the Local Government Act 1995, Local Government (Elections) Regulations 1997, and the Local Government (Model Code of Conduct) Regulations 2021.
Candidates must act with honesty, fairness, and integrity, avoiding misleading material, respecting others, and ensuring proper use of electoral rolls. Breaches can result in penalties, including fines for unauthorised material or failure to disclose gifts.
Key Code of Conduct Principles for Candidates
Integrity: Act honestly in all representations, avoid personal attacks, and refrain from frivolous complaints.
Fairness: Ensure campaigns do not compromise a free and fair election.
Respect: Treat all, including opponents, staff, and the community, with respect and courtesy.
Compliance: Adhere to the Local Government Act 1995, council local laws, and regulations.
Election Regulations and Rules
Authorisation: All campaign material (pamphlets, websites, Facebook pages) must include a valid authorisation (name and address).
Electoral Rolls: Rolls provided must only be used for electioneering and must be destroyed/deleted within five business days of the election results.
Gifts: Candidates must disclose gifts related to their candidacy, with strict deadlines (within 10 days).
Complaints: Complaints regarding candidate conduct can be made, and if elected, they fall under the Model Code of Conduct, managed internally or by the Local Government Standards Panel.
Penalties: Fines apply for offences like unauthorized material, failure to disclose gifts, or failing to destroy electoral rolls.
For more information, please read the Local Government Election - Candidate Information Guide.
The Town’s Code of Conduct reflects the mode code of conduct prescribed by the Local Government Act 1995 which includes:
- General principles to guide behaviour of candidates
- Requirements relating to behaviour of candidates
- Provisions specified to be rules of conduct for candidates
Election Campaigning
Social media
As social media has become a major part of election campaigns, the WAEC has released standards to guide candidates.
These standards require that any material intended, calculated, or likely to affect voting in an election must be authorised.
The authorisation requirements apply regardless of who publishes the material or whether it appears in printed or electronic form.
Any electoral advertisement, handbill, pamphlet, or electoral notice (other than a newspaper advertisement announcing a meeting) must include the name and physical street address (not a PO Box number) of the person authorising it.
Printed materials must also include the printer’s name and place of business at the foot of the page, unless the advertisement appears in a newspaper where the printer is already identifiable.
If one person produces and prints election material (for example, using a home computer and printer), the legislative requirements are satisfied by adding ‘Authorised and printed by (name), (address)’ at the end.
Certain small promotional items for candidates or parties are exempt from the authorisation and address requirements.
These include:
- T-shirts, lapel buttons, lapel badges, pens, pencils or balloons
- Business or visiting cards that promote a person’s candidacy in an election.
Internet advertising (such as banner ads) must also be authorised. Websites or Facebook pages created for electioneering purposes need authorisation on the home or landing page, while individual social media comments (such as those on Twitter or Facebook) do not.
Penalties may be applied for non-compliance with the authorisation requirements, as well as for any misleading or deceptive publications.
Public Notices
Confirmation of the Local Government election date for Port Hedland, Saturday, 28 March 2026. You can read the Gazette notice here.
Enrolments close for the Local Government election on 5pm Friday, 30 January 2026. Read the public notice here.
To access the Local Government election timeline from the Western Australian Electoral Commission here.
A call for nominations has been issued for eligible community members interested in participating in the Town of Port Hedland Local Government election. You can read the public notice here.
Need help?
For more information about the edibility and nomination process, contact
- The Returning Officer: Andrew Dunkin, 0475 362 607
- WA Electoral Commission: 13 63 06
Helpful links
Western Australian Electoral Commission
Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety
www.aec.gov.au
FAQs
What is the purpose of the Local Government election?
On 28 March, the Local Government election will elect a mayor and four full-term councillors (four-year term) and four half-term councillors (two-year term) to represent the Port Hedland community.
Who is responsible for running the Local Government election?
The WAEC has appointed a Returning Officer to oversee the election process. Andrew Dunkin will manage candidate nominations, supervise polling places and ensure the election runs smoothly and properly.
Can I vote in the Local Government election?
Residents
All residents in a local government district who are enrolled on the State electoral roll are automatically enrolled on the corresponding local government roll.
Owners and Occupiers
People who own or occupy rateable property within a local government district, can apply to the Town of Port Hedland to be included on the roll as an owner/occupier, if they are eligible electors. You can read more here.
Check your enrolment details on the AEC website, if:
- you have lived in Port Hedland for at least a month
- turned 18 years of age
- recently became an Australian citizen
- enrolled to vote in the State and Federal elections
British subjects who were enrolled between 26 October 1983 and 25 January 1984 inclusive, and who live in Western Australia, can vote in local government elections.
How do electors vote in a postal election?
In a postal election electors mark their ballot papers whenever convenient after they receive an election package and return their ballot paper before election day.
Is it compulsory to vote in the Local Government election?
Every vote is equal and every vote counts. Your vote will count. Voting in local government election is the way the community can choose who represents them in Council. Local government elections influence the policies that directly affect the neighbourhood – services, facilities, events, activities, infrastructure, public works – liveability.
Voting in local government elections is not compulsory.
How can I vote?
Residents and owner occupiers who are enrolled to vote will receive their voting papers by mail once the WAEC finalises the candidates in mid-February.
If you’re enrolled to vote, your voting packs will arrive in your mailboxes from late February from Australia Post.
How many vacancies are there for the Town of Port Hedland election?
The Local Government election is needed to fill the mayor and 8 councillor positions. The mayor's tenure runs for four years, and four full term councillor positions will run for the same amount of time as the mayor. The remaining four councillor positions are half-term roles, which run for two years.
What is contained in a postal election package?
The voting package contains; an information booklet with postal voting instructions, profiles of candidates, ballot paper(s), ballot paper envelope with elector’s certificate attached and postage pre-paid envelope to return ballot paper(s).
Where can votes be cast?
To cast your vote, follow the instructions provided with the voting pack. Locate the ballot papers and mark your vote for Mayor and for Councillors as directed.
If you miss the mail return deadline, you can come to the Civic Centre or South Hedland Library during business hours to get your ballot paper reissued.
If the postal ballot papers do not arrive can another set be requested?
Yes. If an elector claims that the election package was not received, that the package received did not contain a voting paper or that the voting paper received had been subsequently lost, spoilt or destroyed replacement voting papers can be issued. Form 15 to claim replacement postal voting papers is available from the Returning Officer or the WAEC. Significant penalties apply to fraudulent claims.
What is a silent elector?
People who meet the AEC's voting requirements and need to have their details removed from the public electoral roll register may apply to become a silent elector.
A silent elector applies to individuals who believe their personal safety or the safety of their family is at risk if their details are listed on the electoral roll.
Applicants must complete a Commonwealth Statutory Declaration and explain the reasons why you and/or your family's personal safety is at risk. Your profession, having a silent phone number, or not wanting to receive junk mail aren't considered reasons for granting silent elector status. AEC will carefully consider all applications.
If there are other family members enrolled at your address with the same family name, it is strongly recommended that they also become silent electors so that the address does not appear in association with your family name on the electoral roll.
For more information, visit Silent electors - Australian Electoral Commission
If I don't have a fixed address or a real place of living, can I vote in the Port Hedland postal Election?
Every citizen has the right to participate in our democratic process, including individuals who are experiencing homelessness, are living in crisis or transitional accommodation or can’t access safe and secure housing.
To enrol to vote, you must check the special enrolment options and meet the AEC's itinerant voter requirements.
For more information, visit the Enrolment for people with no fixed address webpage on the Australian Electoral Commission.
How can I help raise awareness about the Local Government election?
You can help by downloading and sharing the Town's flyer and poster.
Why become an Elected Member?
The Mayor and Councillors bring a diverse range of skills and experiences to the Chamber.
Whether you care about the town, have a wealth of knowledge of the area or are looking to build your leadership skills, then becoming an elected representative for Port Hedland could be a rewarding experience for you.
The Mayor and Councillors act as a link between the community and local government, advocating for what matters to the community by helping to shape the delivery of important public services and community infrastructure.
When can I install election signs?
Election signs can be installed the day after the nomination period closes.
Where are election signs allowed to be installed?
Election signs may be placed on private property, provided that prior approval is obtained from the property owner. Each sign should be secured using its own stake or picket and must not be attached to existing sign infrastructure.
Where are election signs not permitted?
Election signs must not be installed on any property owned by the Local Government, including fences, buildings, or parks. Examples include the Civic Centre, Wedgefield Depot, JD Hardie Youth and Community Hub, libraries, aquatic centres, and the Wanangkura Stadium.
Election signs must not block or encroach on public pathways or pose any danger to the public. Election signs are not allowed within 50 metres of intersections, roundabouts, traffic signs, or traffic islands.
The placement of election signs must be at least 3.5 metres away from the trafficable part of the roadway.
What must be on the election sign?
- The name and address of the person authorising the sign
- The name and place of business of the printer of the sign
- Signs must not contain any purported representation of a ballot paper
- Signs must not contain any misleading or deceptive imagery or material
What do I do if I see an election sign in breach of these guidelines?
Call the Town of Port Hedland on (08) 9158 9300 and tell us the location.
Do I have to vote in the Local Government election?
The above guidelines are based on information contained within the following documents:
- Sections 187 and 191A of the Electoral Act 1907
- Regulations 7 & 7A of the Local Government (Uniform Local Provisions) Regulations 1995
- Schedule 2 item 61 of the Planning and Development (Local Planning Schemes) Regulations 2015
- Clause 4.12 and 4.13 of the Town of Port Hedland Animals Environment and Nuisances Local Law 2016
Clause 11.6 of the Town of Port Hedland Planning Policy No. 12 ‘Control of Signs and Advertising Devices’
When should candidates disclose donations and gifts?
Both the candidate and the donor in local government elections have legislative obligations to disclose gifts promised or received by the candidate or made by the donor. Under Part 5A of the Local Government (Elections) Regulations 1997, the information will be publicly available on the Register of Electoral Gifts.
In accordance with the Local Government (Elections) Regulations 1997 regulations 30B and 30CA, both the candidate and the donor are required to each submit a disclosure of gift, promised or received by the candidate or made by the donor, during the specified disclosure period being 6 weeks leading up to the local government elections and concludes either 3 days after the election day for the unsuccessful candidate or on the start day for financial interest returns for the successful candidate.
| Candidate |
A candidate must disclose to the CEO a gift promised or received during the above disclosure period using the gift disclosure form and return it to the Returning Officer.
Failure to disclose attracts a penalty of $5,000 which may be enforced for non-compliance.
|
| Donor |
A donor must disclose to the CEO a gift to a candidate promised or made during the above disclosure period using the gift disclosure form from the Returning Officer.
Failure to disclose attracts a penalty of $5,000 which may be enforced for non-compliance.
Please submit all gift disclosure forms to the Town of Port Hedland at governance@porthedland.wa.gov.au or in person at the Civic Centre, 13 McGregor Street, Port Hedland.
|
What is the salary package offered to Councillors?
The State Administrative Tribunal is responsible for determining the annual remuneration package for elected members. Councillors' annual salary range under Band 1 is $27,560 to $35,480. For the Mayor, the annual salary range under Band 1 is $27,560 to $53,215. The sitting allowance for elected members is currently $53,215 for the Mayor and $35,480 for Councillors.
In addition, since the Mayor and the Deputy Mayor have defined roles under the Act, such as being a spokesperson for the Town, the Town's administration will set an annual allowance within the State Administrative Tribunal Local Government band, $57,404 to $100,514.
The mayor receives the full amount set by the Town's administration whereas the Deputy Mayor receives 25% of the annual set allowance.
Currently, the Town has set the annual allowance for the Mayor and Deputy Mayor as;
- Mayor $100,514
- Deputy Mayor $25,129
How often do elected members meet?
Councillors may be expected to attend between 1 and 3 meetings per week, outside of regular business hours.
These meetings include the monthly Ordinary Council Meeting, which starts at 5:30pm, the annual General Meetings (AGM) of Electors, the quarterly Audit, Risk & Improvement Committee (ARIC) meetings for committee members, and ad hoc meetings, such as confidential briefings, workshops or briefings, agenda feedback sessions, budget workshops, consultation sessions, external committees and special meetings held for specific purposes.
What are the time commitments for elected members?
The time it takes required for elected members to perform their duties will differ among individuals. These duties include responding to community members' enquiries, attending training, functions, and ceremonies, and preparing for meetings.
Pre-reading documents vary from 30 to over 600 pages. Below is a full breakdown of likely pre-reading material given to elected member ahead of meetings.
| Type of Meeting |
Frequency of Meeting |
Reading Volume |
| Ordinary Council Meeting |
Monthly |
200 to 600+ pages |
| Confidential Briefing Meetings |
Monthly |
100 to 200+ pages |
| Agenda Feedback Session Meeting (initial review of OCM agenda) |
Monthly |
200 to 600+ pages |
| Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee Meeting |
Quarterly |
30 to 70+ pages |
| Workshops or Briefings |
As required |
30 to 200+ pages |
Is it possible to manually complete the candidate nomination form?
Eligible community members wishing to run for council must complete the online induction offered by the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety before submitting their nomination form and profile to the Return Officer.
It is advisable that candidates use Nomination Builder to complete their nomination form and create their candidate profile. However, candidates may also download and print the form to fill it out manually.
LG008 Nomination for Election by Candidate
How does the Returning Officer decide how candidates are positioned on the ballot paper?
The Returning Officer will conduct a ballot draw to determine the order of candidates on the ballot paper. This step takes place after the nomination period closes on Thursday 12 February.
Candidates’ names will be placed in separate opaque spheres and then be drawn from a container and listed on the ballot paper in the order drawn.
For Port Hedland's Local Government election, the ballot draw for candidate placement on the ballot paper will take place on Friday 12 February at 5pm in the Chambers at the Civic Centre.
The Returning Officer, Andrew Dunkin, will invite candidates to attend and observe the ballot draw, which is closed to the public. Following the draw, the Returning Officer will advised candidates of the outcome.
Who pays for the election?
The Town is responsible for costs of the operations associated with the Local Government election.
Why do some local governments have a Mayor and others a President?
Local governments designated a City or a Town have their chief elected official designed as a Mayor.
Where the local government is designated as a Shire, the chief elected official is called a President. Both positions have the same duties and responsibilities.
Can a candidate or scrutineer assist an elector to mark their voting paper?
No. It is unlawful for a candidate, or a person authorised to act on a candidate’s behalf, to communicate with, assist or interfere with an elector while the elector is marking a ballot paper.
Where will the votes be counted?
The votes will be counted in a room selected by the Returning Officer. This is usually in the local government administration building and may be in a hall or the Council Chamber itself where the Returning Officer is the CEO of the local government.
Who can attend the counting room?
Any person can attend the counting room to observe the count but there are restrictions on who can be in the area where the count is to take place.
Who is permitted to enter the count area?
Only electoral staff and official scrutineers are permitted in the counting area. The number of scrutineers in the count area at any one time is determined by the Returning Officer.
Usually only one scrutineer per candidate can be present at the count but the Returning Officer may permit one scrutineer per candidate for each counting table.
Can scrutineers touch the ballot papers?
No. Only electoral staff may handle the ballot papers. A scrutineer is not to take any part in the conduct of the election.
What happens if the result is a tie?
If votes are tied and the Returning Officer is of the opinion that all formal votes have been correctly counted, then the Returning Officer will draw lots to fill the vacancy or determine the terms of office.
When is a successful candidate officially able to act as an elected member?
Not until the declaration of office has been formally made. The timing of this varies from local government to local government. Often, this occurs at a special Council meeting held shortly after the election day. The Chief Executive Officer will be in the best position to advise on this.
When is the declaration of office made?
This will vary from local government to local government. The Chief Executive Officer will be in the best position to advise on this.
Is there a time limit for making the declaration of office?
Yes. An elected member’s office becomes vacant if the member does not make a declaration of office within two months after being declared elected.
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