Dear *|INFORMAL|*,

I am writing to update members on the issue of local government election nominations.
 
As you will recall, I wrote to you last week that the Party would explore all options to rectify the issues regarding nominations for the local government elections on 14 September 2024. As you may be aware, following multiple correspondences the Electoral Commission declined to rectify its own error.

Subsequently, we sought urgent legal advice from Dr James Renwick SC and Brendan Lim. This advice was received this afternoon.

After considering that advice, the Interim Acting State Director concluded that it would be inadvisable for the Party to commence proceedings in the Supreme Court of New South Wales based on:

1. The uncertainty of the outcome;

2. The possible cost to the Division; and

3. The possible effect on the campaigns of the nearly 300 Liberal candidates that have been nominated for the local government elections and are campaigning hard for victory.

Former Federal Director, Brian Loughnane AO, has been commissioned to conduct a review of the events of last week and our federal campaign preparations. I welcome this important review.
 
It is now more important than ever that we all rally behind our federal and local government candidates and in particular new candidates, Monica Tudehope and James Wallace, in the Epping and Hornsby by-elections.

Kind regards, 

The Hon Don Harwin
State President