Detailed voting instructions
To cast a valid vote you must:
Mark the Ballot Paper by writing ‘1’ in the box for the levy rate you most prefer among the rates listed on the Ballot Paper.
Number* the squares for the remaining levy rates in order of your preference for those rates: i.e. write the numbers ‘2’ and ‘3’ in the remaining squares.
You must number all squares for your vote to be valid and each number may be used only once.
* Numbers marked in a ballot paper must be consecutive whole numbers.
A. The Voting System
Under the Dairy Produce (Dairy Service Levy Poll) Regulations 2006, the voting system used for the poll is the preferential system.
Under the preferential system, voters vote for all options in order of preference. If no option has an absolute majority of first preference votes, preferences are distributed until one option has an absolute majority.
The preferential system is used in the poll because it will provide a clear preferred option either on first preferences or after the distribution of preferences.
B. Voting Entitlement
Your voting entitlement has been calculated on the basis of one vote for each $1 of levy paid in 2010/2011.
If you have supplied milk through more than one enterprise, you will most likely still receive one Ballot Paper which will include both entitlements.
If you receive more than one Ballot Paper, please complete and return each Ballot Paper.
C. How to Vote
To cast a valid vote you must:
Mark the Ballot Paper by writing ‘1’ in the box for the levy rate you most prefer among the rates listed on the Ballot Paper.
Number* the squares for the remaining levy rates in order of your preference for those rates: i.e. write the numbers ‘2’ and ‘3’ in the remaining squares.
You must number all squares for your vote to be valid and each number may be used only once.
D. Signing
Information in the Ballot Papers may be independently audited. For audit purposes, the Ballot Paper should be signed by or on behalf of the levy payer whose name appears on the Ballot Paper should be signed as follows depending on the nature of the levy payer:
Individual – the individual should sign.
Partnership – one partner authorised to sign on behalf of the partnership should sign.
Company – one director authorised to sign on behalf of the company should sign.
Power of attorney – the attorney holding a valid, unrevoked power of attorney from the levy payer should sign.
Deceased estate – the executor or administrator of the estate should sign.
By signing the Ballot Paper, you are stating that you are authorised to sign the Ballot Paper as or on behalf of the levy payer.
E. Voting Deadline
Poll closes on Friday,16 March 2012. You may vote by post or fax.
A pre-paid envelope is included if voting by post simply:
1. Place the completed Ballot Paper inside the pre-paid envelope;
2. Seal the envelope; and
3. Post it to the Returning Officer so it is received no later than 16 March 2012.
If you lose the pre-paid envelope, address another envelope as below to return your Ballot Paper – no stamp is required.
Return address for the Ballot Paper:
The Returning Officer
Dairy Service Levy Poll 2012
Reply Paid 2062
MELBOURNE VIC 8060
OR
Fax the Ballot Paper to 03 9473 2145 by Friday 16 March 2012.