Australian Electoral Commission
4 min · 17 practice questions
The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) is an independent Commonwealth agency. It conducts federal elections and referendums and maintains the Commonwealth electoral roll. Because it is independent, neither political parties nor people in government can influence its decisions.
What Our Common Bond says
- The Australian Electoral Commission is a Commonwealth agency.
- It conducts federal elections and referendums.
- It maintains the Commonwealth electoral roll.
- It is independent of the government.
- Political parties and people in government cannot influence its decisions.
Common mistakes
- Thinking the AEC is a state agency, a private company, or run by local councils.
- Assuming the government or the largest party can direct the AEC's decisions — it is independent.
- Confusing the AEC (runs elections) with the High Court (interprets law) or the Tax Office.
Test yourself
One question at a time: pick an answer, then check it. Everything here comes from Our Common Bond, Part 3, page 26 (official booklet ↗).
Question 1 of 17
Checked against Our Common Bond (0.3.1). Last reviewed September 2026. How questions are checked