Liberals’ Request to Extend Council Nomination Deadline Denied After Major Paperwork Fumble

The NSW Liberal party’s request for an extended local nomination deadline has been denied, reducing options for conservative voters in some council elections.

Former New South Wales Premier Dominic Perrottet leaves the New South Wales Liberal party campaign launch, ahead of the 2023 New South Wales state election, at Liverpool Catholic Club in Sydney, Australia, on March 12, 2023. AAP Image/Flavio Brancaleone

The Liberals’ request for a one-week extension on local election nominations was denied on Aug. 17 by the New South Wales (NSW) electoral commissioner.

Following a failure to submit up to 151 nomination forms for local elections by the deadline, Liberal state president Don Harwin wrote to the NSW electoral commission requesting an extension until Aug. 21.