There has been speculation that 16 and 17 year olds will be allowed to participate in the marriage survey. This is not correct. The survey instruments will be sent to those who are on the roll; 16 and 17 year olds are not on the roll.
The normal enrolment processes apply – 16 and 17 year olds are not added to the Commonwealth electoral roll until they turn 18. They are provisionally’ enrolled until they turn 18. Under section 90B of the Commonwealth Electoral Act the AEC only provides the details of electors that are enrolled, not provisionally enrolled. Section 90B is the AEC’s authority to provide the roll to the ABS, therefore 16 and 17 year olds will not be included in the Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey.