Carmel Noon, Patrick Maher, Alfredo Cabada, and Eleanor Freeman have been provisionally declared as the newest members of the Adelaide City Council. The Electoral Commission of South Australia (ECSA) announced the results after 186 counts, with Noon leading the tally, followed by Maher, Cabada, and Freeman.
This announcement comes after a district court judge voided the Central Ward appointments from the 2022 general council elections, citing illegal practices that affected the election results. The court found instances where ballot papers were mishandled or completed by individuals other than the lawful voters, prompting a supplementary election.
New Faces and Familiar Challenges
The newly elected councillors are set to fill the four seats left vacant since April. Noon, who returns as an incumbent, expressed her gratitude for being re-elected, stating, “It feels like I have been given back something that was unfairly taken away. The people of Central Ward placed their trust in me in 2022, and I am honored they have given me the opportunity to continue what we started.”
Maher, known for his role as strategy director for the Save the Cranker campaign in 2024, joins the council with a background in public service. Freeman, an urban planner, and Cabada, a buyer’s agent and member of the Adelaide Economic Development Agency advisory board, bring diverse expertise to the council.
Electoral Integrity and Reforms
The supplementary election attracted 19 candidates, with Noon, Maher, Cabada, and Freeman emerging victorious. Former Deputy Lord Mayor David Elliott, who also contested, conceded defeat but expressed his willingness to support the new councillors through community advocacy.
Meanwhile, the low voter turnout has sparked discussions on electoral reforms. The local government minister criticized the “abysmal state of affairs” among Adelaide City Councillors for contributing to the low engagement, with only 1,991 valid votes cast out of 13,204 potential voters.
A new suite of reforms, including requiring voters to be Australian citizens, is set to be introduced in parliament ahead of the 2026 general council elections.
Community and Council Reactions
Lord Mayor Jane Lomax-Smith congratulated the newly elected councillors, highlighting their valuable mix of urban planning, business, and community advocacy experience. “I look forward to welcoming them to the chamber in September,” she said.
Councillors Keiran Snape and Janet Giles also expressed their satisfaction with the election results. Giles noted the increase in female representation on the council and hoped for more civility in council meetings. Snape emphasized the importance of individuals, rather than political parties, representing their communities.
Cabada, the only councillor affiliated with a political party, is a member of the SA division of the Liberals. His election marks a shift in the council’s dynamics, potentially influencing future policy directions.
Looking Ahead
The Adelaide City Council CEO and the Electoral Commissioner assured that measures were taken to ensure the supplementary election was conducted legally and democratically. As the new councillors prepare to take their seats, the focus shifts to addressing the challenges facing Adelaide and implementing reforms to enhance voter participation.
The outcome of this election and the subsequent reforms could set a precedent for future electoral processes in South Australia, emphasizing the importance of transparency and integrity in democratic practices.
