Eden-Monaro byelection set for July 4, coronavirus measures play role in date selection

The Eden-Monaro byelection has been set for July 4, with the date chosen in part to allow enough time for school polling booths to be sanitised due to the coronavirus.

House of Representatives Speaker Tony Smith said he intends to issue the writs for the poll on Thursday.

Mr Smith said while it was unusual to have an election during school holidays, it was necessary due to the pandemic.

"In normal circumstances, the Australian Electoral Commission advises that it is preferable not to have elections during school holidays," Mr Smith said.

"With the current challenges created by the coronavirus pandemic, the advice is different on this occasion."

As a high number of polling places are at schools, the NSW Department of Education told the Australian Electoral Commission it would be preferable to have a polling date where students and staff did not return to school the following Monday.

The AEC has undertaken extensive consultations, including with the New South Wales Department of Education, because a significant number of polling places are located at schools.

"This will then enable a thorough sanitizing clean after the completion of voting and counting at polling booths at NSW schools," Mr Smith said.

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"Whilst I could issue the writ today, I have decided to issue it this Thursday to give the AEC a few more days of preparation before the by-election timetable begins, and to enable them to consult with relevant stakeholders about the conduct of the byelection during this time."

The byelection was sparked by the departure of Labor's Dr Mike Kelly, who resigned for health reasons.

Former Bega mayor Kristy McBain will attempt to hold the seat for Labor, however Liberal candidate Dr Fiona Kotvojs only narrowly lost to Dr Kelly in last year's federal election.