WA’s top election official has resigned, nine months after the state’s problem plagued election that led to widespread complaints from voters.

Electoral Commissioner Robert Kennedy oversaw the March 2025 election that was beset by reports of long wait times and some polling places running out of ballot papers.

The ABC revealed concerns had been raised, but seemingly not adequately addressed, in the lead-up to the election over the Electoral Commission taking the unprecedented step of outsourcing much of its workforce.

There were reports that voters at some polling places faced extensive delays due to a shortage of ballot papers. (ABC News: Andrew O’Connor)

As the scale of problems with the poll began to emerge, Mr Kennedy took leave until the end of the year.

Six months before the WA election, the commissioner in charge issued a warning

Was the WAEC adequately resourced heading into its problem-plagued state election this year? 

An independent inquiry into the poll concluded the issues largely stemmed from the government denying a request by Mr Kennedy for more money, which led to his director of election operations reducing staffing numbers to stay within budget.

The government insisted it had told Mr Kennedy he could come back to them to ask for more money to cover any overruns after the election.

Reported ultimatum

The West Australian newspaper had reported that ahead of the final sitting week of parliament for the year, the state government told Mr Kennedy to resign or be removed by a vote of parliament.

Robert Kennedy. (ABC News: Ruby Littler)

While other senior government officials can be sacked by the government, the commissioner’s independence means he can only be removed by his resignation or via rarely used powers that would have involved the governor.

Nationals Leader and Shadow Minister for Electoral Affairs Shane Love said he welcomed Mr Kennedy’s decision to resign.

“This is something I have consistently called for following the fallout of the state election,” he said.

“The WA Electoral Commission (WAEC) has been without the stable leadership needed to implement the findings of the recent special inquiry into the planning and delivery of the 2025 state election.

“The task now is to ensure stable leadership going forward and I would expect the government to advertise widely to find the next commissioner.”

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