Branch Conference Election FAQs

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Update: Nominations Closed – More information soon on next stages

Nominations for Branch Conference Delegate positions have now closed. We are currently investigating avenues (if any) for nomination for sub-branches who missed the deadline. Our rules allow processes for elections with insufficient nominations, but is as yet unclear whether we will be able to trigger them in time for delegates to attend the conference in August. We will update members as soon as we know more.

From 2026, Branch Conference Delegate elections will be conducted by the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) as a separate process (Election event E2025/203) to your Sub-Branch AGM.

FAQs

What is the 2026 Branch Conference Delegate election?

Conducted by the AEC, this election determines who represents each sub-branch at the AEU NT’s main decision-making body. Financial members should have received an Election Notice and Nomination Form via email on 16 February 2026.

What is the full timeline for the 2026 election and Conference?

16 February: Nominations open and AEC notice issued (Term 1, Week 4).
16 March (5pm ACST): Nominations close (Term 1, Week 8).
23 March (5pm ACST): Withdrawal deadline (Term 1, Week 9).
Late March: AEC verifies nominations and declares unopposed results.
13 April – 10 June: Ballot period, if a vote is required (Term 2, Weeks 1–9).
After 10 June: Final results declared (Term 2, Weeks 9–10).
19 June: Conference registrations close (Term 2, Week 10).
19 June: Motion submission deadline (Term 2, Week 10).
3 July: Formal 6-week deadline for motions during school holidays.
14–15 August: Branch Conference in Alice Springs (Term 3, Week 5).

What is the Branch Conference and what does a Delegate do?

Branch Conference is the AEU NT Branch’s main decision-making body. It determines policy direction and considers changes to Branch Rules. A Conference Delegate is a financial member elected to represent their sub-branch at the Conference and vote on business. Delegates hold office until the declaration of the next election in early 2027.

Who is eligible to nominate for a Delegate position?

Any financial member of the relevant sub-branch may nominate. Sub-Branch Executive and Regional Executive members are eligible, but Branch Executive members are not (as they already have Conference voting rights).

How many delegates is my sub-branch entitled to elect?

One delegate for every 20 financial members (or part thereof). Check the number in brackets next to your sub-branch name on page 1 of the AEC Election Notice (e.g., Darwin High School (3)).

What is required to complete the Nomination Form?

You must provide your full name, membership number, sub-branch, and contact details. Crucially, you must sign the candidate consent section declaring you are eligible and not disqualified under the Fair Work Act.

Who can act as my nominators?

At least two financial members of the AEU NT Branch must nominate you. They do not need to be from your specific sub-branch or region, but they must provide their name, membership number, signature, and date.

How do I lodge my nomination with the AEC?

Forms must be received by the AEC before 5pm ACST on 16 March 2026. You can use the AEC industrial elections portal or email a scan directly to IEBnominations@aec.gov.au.

What happens after nominations close?

The AEC verifies eligibility. If nominations are equal to or fewer than positions, nominees are declared elected unopposed. If nominations exceed available positions, the AEC conducts a ballot between 13 April and 10 June 2026. All eligible financial members of the sub-branch may vote.

Is being elected the same as registering for Conference?

No. The election only determines who is the delegate. You must register for attendance and arrange travel/accommodation separately. The registration deadline is 19 June 2026.

What if I am elected but cannot attend the Conference?

You may appoint a proxy in writing or other permitted electronic means. The proxy must be a financial member of the Branch and cannot be a member of the Branch Executive, another Delegate, or another proxy.

What happens if a Delegate position becomes vacant mid-year?

A casual vacancy arises if a delegate resigns or becomes ineligible. It may be filled by the next eligible candidate from a contested ballot, or a further election process is conducted according to Branch Rules.

How do I submit a motion to the Branch Conference?

Motions can be submitted by Sub-Branches, Delegates, or the Branch Executive. For 2026, we encourage submission by 19 June to avoid the formal 3 July deadline which falls during school holidays.

Who do I contact for help?

For AEC forms, eligibility, or ballots: Contact the AEC and quote E2025/203.
For roles, proxies, or motions: Contact your rep, organiser, or the AEU NT Branch Office.

Branch Conference Election FAQs

Update: Nominations Closed – More information soon on next stages

From 2026, Branch Conference Delegate elections will be conducted by the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) as a separate process (Election event E2025/203) to your Sub-Branch AGM.

FAQs

Branch Conference Election FAQs

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