Countback Election To Be Held To Fill Vacant Position

31 March 2025

AT the Ordinary Meeting of Inverell Shire Council held on 26 February 2025, Councillor Paul Harmon tendered his resignation, creating a casual vacancy in the office of Councillor.

In accordance with Council’s prior resolution, the New South Wales Electoral Commission (NSWEC) has been engaged to conduct a countback election to fill the vacancy. The countback process will use votes cast at the last ordinary election held on 14 September 2024 to determine the next eligible candidate. This method provides a cost-effective alternative to holding a by-election.

Formal notification of the vacancy was sent to the NSWEC on 27 February 2025.

The NSWEC has provided a countback election calendar with key dates as follows:

• > Returning Officer Appointed: 10 March 2025
• > Casual Vacancy Notices Issued: 24 March 2025
• > Candidate Applications Open: 24 March 2025
• > Candidate Applications Close: 3 April 2025 (12 noon)
• > Declaration of Eligible Candidates: 7 April 2025
• > Election Day: 8 April 2025

Further information can be found on Inverell Shire Council’s website.

Media Enquiries:
Peter Caddey / 02 6728 8288 / peter.caddey@inverell.nsw.gov.au