Assurance of security of computer systems for scrutiny of votes in Senate election
273AA Assurance of security of computer systems for scrutiny of votes in Senate election
The Electoral Commissioner must arrange for an independent person or body (the accredited assessor) accredited by the Australian Signals Directorate to conduct a risk assessment (a security risk assessment) of the security of the computer systems (including the systems for scanning ballot papers and counting votes) used to scrutinise the votes in a Senate election for a particular State or Territory in compliance with section 273A.
A security risk assessment of the computer systems required by subsection (1) must be conducted before the next Senate election for which the computer systems are to be used.
After a security risk assessment of the computer systems has been completed, the accredited assessor must give a written report of the assessment to the Electoral Commissioner. The report may include recommendations to reduce or eliminate any risks that could affect the security of the computer systems.
As soon as practicable after the Electoral Commissioner receives the report of a security risk assessment of the computer systems under subsection (3), the Electoral Commissioner must publish a statement of assurance on the Electoral Commission’s website stating that a security risk assessment of the computer systems has been completed as required by subsection (1).
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