Election writ returned to Government House

The people of Queensland have made their choice, and had their ballots counted, but until today one final step in the election process — the one that officially seals the deal — remained.

This morning, the election writ was returned to Government House for signing by Her Excellency and the Queensland Electoral Commissioner, Mr Pat Vidgen PSM. It might sound like a small administrative detail, but in fact it’s a pivotal moment in ensuring the integrity of the election and the legitimacy of the results.

After the election results are confirmed, the Electoral Commission of Queensland (ECQ) takes on the responsibility of managing the writ—a formal document issued by the Governor that kick-starts the entire election process, setting the official election dates. Once the voting is done and the results are in, the ECQ carefully writes the names of the elected candidates on the writ, maintaining a secure environment to ensure the integrity of the process.

Paperwork aside, it’s the return of the writ that officially closes the election cycle. It marks the moment when the election is legally complete, and the results are recognised by the state. It’s more than a formality — it’s a legal requirement under the Electoral Act 1992, and ensures the election is valid and that the newly elected members can take their places in Queensland’s Legislative Assembly.

For a general election, the Electoral Commissioner personally delivers the completed writ to the Governor at Government House, where it is signed and dated. This ceremonial handover symbolises the end of the election and the beginning of a new parliamentary term, with assurances the election was conducted fairly, and the will of the people was properly documented. The ECQ also publishes the results in the Queensland Government Gazette to ensure transparency and legal recognition of the outcome, while the results are recorded in the Queensland State Archives for historical reference.