5 May 2022
Make your vote count this federal election
Voters are reminded that Saturday 21 May is election day, and support is available to help them have their say in Australia’s future.
Electoral Commissioner Tom Rogers said it was crucial people understood how to cast a valid vote.
“All citizens aged 18 and over must vote in federal elections, and correctly completing both ballot papers is the only way to make sure your vote counts,” he said.
“The AEC has a range of information and services to support those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to take part in the electoral process.
“Translations of Your official guide to the 2022 federal election – along with a How to make your vote count factsheet – are available online to download in 33 languages.
“When visiting a polling place, you’ll find multilingual flipbooks explaining how to complete ballot papers, and bilingual AEC officials will be available in some areas. COVID-19 safety measures will be in place for those voting in person.
“Don’t worry if you make a mistake on your ballot paper. Just ask a polling official for a replacement and start again.”
If voters can’t make it on election day, they may be eligible to attend an early voting centre or apply for a postal vote on the AEC website.
Those voting by post must have applications in by 6pm Wednesday 18 May – so they should act quickly to ensure enough time to receive, complete and return their ballot papers.
Mr Rogers also encouraged voters to stop, check and consider the source of what they see, hear, or read this election.
“In Australia we’re lucky to enjoy freedom of political communication, which means during an election you’ll see information that seeks to influence your vote,” he said.
“While the AEC isn’t the referee of ‘truth in political advertising’, we take the spread of misinformation and disinformation about the election system very seriously.
“We work hard to debunk conspiracy theories on social media – while partnering with the platforms themselves – have a ‘disinformation register’ to correct the record on mistruths and translated factsheets and short videos on our website.
“Importantly, everyone plays a role in reducing disinformation. Voters should always ask themselves – is it from a reliable source? When was it published? Could it be a scam? This will help you make an informed choice when you cast your vote.”
More information
Translated resources are available on the AEC website at aec.gov.au/translated, and telephone interpreter services in your language are available at 1300 720 153
Authorised by the Electoral Commissioner, Canberra.
You can use a rapid antigen test to find out if you have COVID-19. The test can be used quickly and privately in your home.
This year, Life Eternal Trust Australia [LETA], popularly known as Sahaja Yoga Meditation organised a public program on Sunday, 20th March from 12 noon to 5 pm at the Sutton’s Beach, Redcliffe to celebrate cultural diversity, and promote LETA’s 30 years of contributions to socio-cultural and economic life, encouraging social cohesion and inclusiveness within the Moreton Bay Region.
The official segment of the program started from 2 pm with Aunty Betty delivering a very insightful acknowledgement of country and Adjunct Professor Dr Sudipto Roy extending a warm welcome on behalf of LETA to all the participants, including the online participants who had tuned in from across Australia and other parts of the world.
Sudipto shared the message from Leanne Linard MP [Minister for Children and Youth Justice and Minister for Multicultural Affairs] highlighting the significance of the program and acknowledging LETA’s contribution to Queensland, Moreton Bay Region in particular. Councillor Sandra Ruck [Division 5 Moreton Bay Region], Councillor Steven Huang [The MacGregor Ward] and Brett Johnson [LETA National Coordinator] shared their wonderful messages of hope and harmony along with deep insights about the benefits of the program.
The speeches were interspersed with live music and instrumental music performances. LETA’s music group Sahaj Sangeet captivated the audience with lively music, rhythmic hand movements and clapping. Coralie Jessop on Santoor with Rudrodipto Roy on tabla thrilled the audience while Rudrodipto’s Saxophone rendition Maroon 5’s “Memories” left the audience with an invigorating experience.
In the last session, Leanne Lingard demonstrated simple meditation techniques followed by a soothing piece by Gaspar Hunt on piano to reduce stress, improve mental and physical health and wellbeing. Sudipto concluded the program with a vote of thanks, acknowledging Moreton Bay Regional Council for proudly supporting the event with generous funding, and invited the participants to join follow-up sessions and programs.
Sandeep Mann can’t wipe the smile off her face as she nurses her newborn baby girl – a special delivery on Valentine’s Day.
Mrs Mann said her relatives in India were “very excited” about Vaani’s Valentine’s Day arrival.
Australia’s COVID-19 vaccination program has been extended to children aged 5 to 11 years. This is because the Australian Government accepted recommendations from Australia’s immunisation experts, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI).
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) are the scientists and medical experts who regulate and approve all vaccines, medicines and other medical products for use in Australia. The TGA has approved Comirnaty (Pfizer) and Spikevax (Moderna) vaccines for pregnant and breastfeeding women and those planning a pregnancy.