5 October 2006 sees the launch of the First Voter competition as a pilot competition in Brisbane and Rockhampton. The Constitution Education Fund Australia (CEFA), an independent, non-partisan & non-profit organisation dedicated to increasing public understanding & appreciation of the Constitution, is conducting the competition.

Mrs Kerry Jones the Executive Director, CEFA said  ‘The First Voter Initiative aims to encourage recent first-time voters or potential future voters to gain an enhanced awareness of the Australian political system and take an active interest in Australia and its society’.

Entry is limited to 16-19 year olds. The initial phase of the competition is internet based & the 24 questions test knowledge of Australian history, society & politics. The first 12 questions are compulsory & the next 12 random. This will be followed by regional selection culminating in a final at Queensland Parliament House in December said Mrs Jones’.  

The launch will take place in Brisbane City Mall at 11:30 for 11:40 am and will be attended by Trustees, Staff and Volunteers from across CEF-A national team. Georgina (George) McEncroe from Brisbane breakfast radio will be both warming up the crowd and helping the Brisbane City Council “press the button”.  

More information about the First Voter competition including competition conditions of entry can be found on the CEFA website. 

Ms Anne Bright, the Australian Electoral Officer and State Manager for the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) in Queensland encourages all eligible Australian citizens aged 17 years or over to enrol to vote. ‘You can enrol at 17 years, but cannot vote until you turn 18’ said Ms Bright. ‘To enrol, simply complete an electoral enrolment form from the AEC website, any post office or AEC office’.

For more information on enrolling and voting, visit the AEC website www.aec.gov.au or telephone 13 23 26 for the cost of a local call

For more information: 

First Voter competition