Warwick Gately AM, Victorian Electoral Commissioner

Rotary Melbourne Podcast

Speaking on "2018 State Election – Behind The Scenes" Warwick Gately’s early career was with the Royal Australian Navy. He commanded the Destroyer, HMAS TORRENS in 1994 and the Guided Missile Frigate, HMAS ADELAIDE, the latter during operations off East Timor in 1999 for which he was awarded a Defence Force Commendation. He holds a Bachelors Degree in Political Science and Government, a Masters Degree in Defence studies and is a graduate of the Institute of Company Directors. He also has extensive experience in the planning and conduct of military operations and in 1999-2000 closely supported the Chief of the Defence Force in Command of ADF operations as the Director General Joint Operations and Plans. He was appointed as a Member (AM) in the Military Division of the Order of Australia in June 1999, for exceptional service to the Australian Defence Force in a number of key operational appointments. In 2003 Warwick joined the Western Australian Electoral Commission as the Deputy Electoral Commissioner and was appointed as the Electoral Commissioner for Western Australia in August 2006. He was also reappointed in 2009 for a further five year term. In his time with the Western Australian Electoral Commission he was responsible for the conduct of the 2005, 2008 and 2013 State general elections as well as referendums on retail trading hours and daylight saving. He oversaw the redrawing of the State’s electoral boundaries and also conducted local council elections every two years. On 29 April 2013, he was appointed as the Electoral Commissioner for Victoria with responsibility for the administration of the State’s register of electors (the roll) and the conduct of Parliamentary and local council elections as well as referendums and various statutory polls in Victoria. Given Warwick’s many years in public service, he remains committed to the provision of effective services to the community, in this case, election services.