MEDIA RELEASE
13 November 2007
For immediate release
Australian High Commission offers voting services
The Australian High Commission opened its voting facilities this week so enrolled Australians can vote in the 2007 Australian Federal Election even if they are in PNG.
Australia’s High Commissioner to PNG, His Excellency Mr Chris Moraitis, was among the first to cast his vote.
Mr Moraitis encouraged all eligible Australian voters living in PNG to make use of the voting facilities being offered by the High Commission in Port Moresby.
He said: “Voting is a fundamental part of any democratic society but it is a right which is not available to many people in the world. People living in democratic countries – such as Australia and PNG – recognise the importance of voting.”
The Federal Election will take place in Australia on Saturday 24 November 2007.
Pre-poll voting is available at the High Commission on Godwit Road, Waigani, from Monday 12 November to Friday 23 November from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
The facilities will be closed on Saturday 17 November and Sunday 18 November but voting will be possible on Saturday 24 November from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Eligible voters can also lodge a Postal Vote Application form. For more information on postal voting and pre-poll voting visit the Australian High Commission website on www.png.highcommission.gov.au
Enrolment and voting by Australians who are overseas at the time of the election is not compulsory. Australians who are not in Australia on Election Day will not be fined if they do not vote.
Media Inquiries: Leigh Arnold, Public Diplomacy Manager, T: 325 9333 ext 275