Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918

The Electoral Commissioner may, in writing, delegate all or any of his or her powers or functions under this Act, other than the powers and functions conferred by Parts III and IV and sections 240A, 241, 242 and 396, and sections 273AA, 273AB and 273AC, to any of the following:

any officer;

any other member of the staff of the Electoral Commission.

The definition of officer covers Australian Electoral Officers and Divisional Returning Officers, as well as various other people.

In exercising powers or performing functions delegated under subsection (1), the delegate must comply with any directions of the Electoral Commissioner.