Two or more candidates nominated by a registered political party are listed in a party column. Two or more non-party candidates may also choose to be grouped together in columns. This means that the names in each column of candidates are printed in different orders on consecutive ballot papers so that no candidate in a column has the advantage of appearing in the same position on every ballot paper. Using Robson rotation, voters wishing to vote for particular candidates must be aware that the order of candidates' names printed on each ballot paper might be different from any order they may have seen on a sample ballot paper or published list of candidates. This depends on the number of candidates, but the final result is expected around 2-3 weeks after polling day.
Preliminary results are available on election night.
Authorisations for TV and radio political advertising are regulated under the Commonwealth's Broadcasting Services Act 1992 . The responsible authority is the Australian Broadcasting Authority. The relevant rules for TV and radio political advertising are set out on the Australian Broadcasting Authority's site . As much paper and cardboard electoral material is reused or recycled as possible. Recycled paper is also used wherever possible for electoral documents.