URGENT UPDATE: A shocking report has emerged from a parliamentary inquiry into the 2025 federal election, revealing widespread bullying and intimidation at polling booths across Australia. Labor MP Carol Berry has condemned the treatment of vulnerable voters, particularly the elderly, by party volunteers, describing their actions as hostile and unacceptable.
During a hearing in Dapto on Wednesday, Ms. Berry, who represents the NSW Illawarra-based seat of Whitlam, shared harrowing details of her observations at polling stations. “I witnessed some of the worst behavior I have ever seen during a campaign,” she stated, highlighting the distress experienced by voters with disability and cognitive challenges.
Ms. Berry recounted a distressing incident where an opposition volunteer forcibly took campaign materials from an elderly woman, who appeared to be in cognitive decline, and handed her a flyer for their party. “The elderly woman looked confused and overwhelmed,” Berry reported. “This behavior is completely unacceptable.”
The MP, who boasts over 15 years of experience in the disability sector, described the polling environment as “crowded, overbearing, and overwhelming,” leading to visible distress among voters with sensory issues. “I saw people recoil as they approached the polling booth,” she emphasized.
Moreover, Ms. Berry expressed her personal experience of being “jeered and belittled” while advocating for fair treatment at the booths. “It felt hostile, tedious, sexist, and unpleasant,” she added, underscoring the urgent need for reforms to protect voters.
The inquiry has also drawn attention to the conduct of volunteers from the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, with numerous reports of sect members distributing how-to-vote cards for the Liberal Party. Although both the church and the Liberal Party have denied any formal arrangement, the issue continues to spark debate among officials and community members. A Brethren spokesperson stated, “Members are free to volunteer and campaign but do not represent the church when doing so.”
In response to these alarming revelations, Ms. Berry has called on the Australian Electoral Commission to establish clear community standards for volunteer conduct at polling stations. She proposed that volunteers who misbehave should face ejection from polling booths to ensure a respectful and fair electoral process.
“This is about ensuring that all Australians can participate freely in the electoral process without fear of discrimination or judgment,” Berry stressed.
As the inquiry continues, the implications of these findings could lead to significant changes in how polling booths are managed and monitored. Citizens are urged to stay informed as developments unfold, with many anticipating a stronger stance from the Australian Electoral Commission regarding volunteer behavior.
This urgent situation calls for immediate attention to safeguard the rights and dignity of every voter. Share your thoughts and experiences regarding polling booth conduct as we follow this story closely.
