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Branch Conference Election FAQs

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Branch Conference Delegate Elections

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.

Members should have received an AEC email with an Election Notice and Nomination Form. Please refer to these for the official information. They are available here.

E2025-203 – AEU NT – Revised Nomination Form

E2025-203 – AEU NT – Revised Election Notice

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).
  • 6 April (5pm ACST): Nominations close
  • 13 April (5pm ACST): Withdrawal deadline
  • Late April: AEC verifies nominations and declares unopposed results.
  • 4 May – 22 June: Ballot period, if a vote is required
  • After 22 June: Final results declared
  • Conference registrations close end of Term 2
  • Motion submission deadline end of Term 2
  • 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 6 April 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 4 May and 22 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 end of Term 2.
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.
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