Independent assessors, accredited by the Australian Signals Directorate, have conducted security risk assessments of the computer systems used to scrutinise the votes in a Senate election for Australian States and Territories. This includes the systems used for scanning ballot papers and counting votes. The assessors provided written reports of the assessments to the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC), which included recommendations to reduce any risks that could affect the security of the computer systems. These recommendations have been accepted by the AEC and appropriate mitigations have been implemented to manage these risks for the 2025 federal election.

Subsection 4: Statement of accuracy

In accordance with s 273AB(1) of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 (the Electoral Act), in June 2024 an independent provider finalised an independent assurance of the software used to distribute preferences in Senate elections (EasyCount – Senate, version 4.2.84). The software was found to perform counting in accordance with the requirements of the Electoral Act. The accuracy of the counting software is assured to the appropriate standard.

Subsection 5: Pre-polling day statement of use

In June 2024, an independent provider finalised an independent assurance of the AEC's software for distribution of preferences in Senate elections (EasyCount – Senate, version 4.2.84). The assessment concluded that the accuracy of the software is assured to the appropriate standard. The AEC confirms that the software to be used in the 2025 federal election is the same version of the software that was assessed and assured.

Subsection 6: Post-writ return statement of use

In June 2024, an independent provider finalised an independent assurance of the AEC's software for distribution of preferences in Senate elections (EasyCount – Senate, version 4.2.84). The assessment concluded that the accuracy of the software is assured to the appropriate standard.