A PARLIAMENTARY inquiry into this year’s Federal Election will investigate reports of increased aggressive conduct, deliberate obstruction and intimidating behaviour at polling booths.
In Blair, both sides of politics have spoken to Local Ipswich News about aggressive campaigns.
The LNP pointed to “nastiness and negativity coming from within Labor”.
Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann addressed Parliament in the first sitting after the election in a speech about the Brethren Church operating as an unofficial third party during the election, describing the presence of church members involved in the LNP campaign in Blair as “aggressive” and “intimidating”.
A spokesman for the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church denied those allegations and said parishioners from the Ipswich region who were involved in the election said the campaign was “relatively collegial”.
The Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters (JSCEM) 2025 Federal Election inquiry is examining how the 2025 election was run, including safety at polling places, access to voting and the operation of campaign rules.
Mr Neumann is a member of the committee and will sit on the review.
He encouraged community members to have their say, with public submissions now open.
“The 2025 election was unlike many we’ve experienced before,” Mr Neumann said.
“I want to make sure the stories of our volunteers and voters in Blair are part of this review.
“Whether it’s about your experience at a polling booth, how easy it was to vote, or the way campaigns were conducted, your story can help shape improvements for future elections,” he said.
Committee Chairman, Federal Member for Bennelong Jerome Laxale, said matters widely reported during the 2025 election raised serious questions about safety, security and voter experience.
“Voters, volunteers and officials should never feel intimidated, harassed or have such an experience that they are discouraged from participating at future elections,” he said.
Submissions must be received before public hearings start in mid-October.
More information, including on how to make a submission, can be found at the JSCEM inquiry webpage at aph.gov.au.
