Western Sydney based Senator Marise Payne today commended the ongoing work of the Australian Electoral Commission [AEC] in boosting the number of Australians enrolled to vote.

“The Electoral Commission has issued a call for all Australian citizens, not just the newest citizens, to use Australia Day 2010 as an opportunity to ensure that they are enrolled to vote and that they are enrolled at the correct address,” Senator Payne said.

“As 2010 is quite likely to be an election year, now is an appropriate time for all eligible voters in Macarthur to make sure that they will have the opportunity to play their part in the democratic process.

“One of the aspects of life in Australia that we celebrate on Australia Day is our successful method of government. More than 100 years of peaceful elections and changes of Government is a record of which we can all be proud, a record which is the envy of many nations throughout the world.

“The AEC is concerned, however, that there are over 1.3 million eligible Australians not enrolled to vote and I share this concern.

“Voting in Australia is not optional and I hope that as many people as possible in the Macarthur area use this opportunity to enrol to participate in the next election.

“Each new enrolment strengthens Australian democracy and again, I commend the AEC for continuing to pursue full enrolment,” Senator Payne said.

For details of your enrolment, or to enrol, or for further information, visit www.aec.com.au