The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has decided to conduct a partial recount in the Goldstein electorate but has declined a request from independent MP Zoe Daniel for a comprehensive recount of the seat located in inner Melbourne. Liberal candidate Tim Wilson concluded the count ahead of Daniel by 260 votes, prompting her appeal for a full recount.
The AEC reviewed Daniel’s request thoroughly, acknowledging its significance, but ultimately opted for a partial recount. This will involve re-assessing the ballots that contributed to either Daniel’s or Wilson’s first-preference votes, as well as all informal ballots. The AEC clarified that a complete recount, which would entail redoing the entire distribution of preferences, was not warranted. They expressed confidence in the meticulousness of the previous preference distribution process, highlighting its effectiveness and scrutiny.
The commission stated it found a high level of diligence had been maintained during the counting process. The need for a partial recount was justified due to corrections noted during the final stages of counting preference votes, making it reasonable to review the first preference votes of both candidates, which were not previously re-examined during the preference distribution.
The partial recount is scheduled to commence on Wednesday, with the AEC estimating that it will take up to four days to complete. In related developments, a very narrow margin of just eight votes in another contest has triggered an automatic recount for the Liberal Party’s Gisele Kapterian and independent candidate Nicolette Boele, which may take as long as two weeks to resolve.