Wollongong Council to Fill Vacancy with 2024 Election Countback, Avoiding New Vote
A new councillor is set to join Wollongong City Council next month, but residents will not need to head back to the polls. The vacancy in Ward 3, created by Labor councillor Tiana Myers stepping down due to health concerns, will be filled through a countback election using votes from the 2024 council elections.
How the Countback Process Works
The countback election, scheduled for April 14, leverages a resolution passed at the first meeting of the new council in October 2024. This rule allows vacancies within the first 18 months of a term to be filled without a byelection. The NSW Electoral Commission will use the original 2024 ballot data to determine the successor.
With only two candidates expected to contest the spot, the result is likely to be announced on the same day. The candidates are Labor's David Haden, who was fourth on the party's ticket, and the Greens' Jamie Dixon, their second choice. Both have confirmed their participation in the countback.
Likely Outcome and Historical Context
Given the countback procedure, which effectively removes Ms Myers from the ballot and promotes Mr Haden to third place, he is anticipated to secure the seat. This would grant him the above-the-line preference votes that originally elected Ms Myers.
This is not the first vacancy in Ward 3. In February 2020, the passing of long-serving councillor Vicky King left a spot unfilled until 2021 due to COVID-19 delays. In contrast, when Labor's Chris Connor resigned in August 2018, a byelection was required because legislation permitting countback elections had not yet been enacted.
The current approach saves time and resources, ensuring council operations continue smoothly without disrupting voters.
