The South Australian Premier, Peter Malinauskas, has released a statement today confirming the likelihood that 46 council members will lose their positions for failing to lodge campaign returns.
Mr Malinauskas said he had met today with the Electoral Commissioner, who confirmed that in addition to receiving advice on 12 occasions, the elected members had received correspondence by registered mail reminding them of the obligation to submit a return within 30 days of the conclusion of the election.
He said all relevant council CEOs have received advice today from the Electoral Commissioner advising them of the names of affected members, and informing them that their office is now vacant.
The statement includes relevant information about the process for applying to SACAT for restoration of office, and that supplementary elections cannot be commenced until after the period for making an application has expired, or until any applications have been determined.
Mr Malinauskas said he will be looking at the legislation to make sure this does not happen again, and that he is deeply disappointed that so many members of councils and the councils themselves are at this juncture.