A Legislative Council committee chaired by Launceston MLC Rosemary Armitage will investigate the commission’s resourcing and deficiencies as well as the administration of the Electoral Act.

Ms Armitage said now was the perfect time for a system review following federal, state and local government elections in the past 12 months.

‘‘We will be looking to see if there are adequate resources and the resourcing of the Electoral Commission as well,’’ she said yesterday.

‘‘We need to make sure the act remains relevant, and we will be looking at all concerns.’’

Dr Herr said the commission was ‘‘strapped for resources’’ despite its significantly expanded role and hoped  resources were bolstered, especially after more than 150 votes in Denison were destroyed in March.

He said staff training would need to be a focus, but he is concerned with the government looking to rein in expenditure.

Dr Herr said the act needed updating to fit in with today’s new age of digital media campaigning, especially issues to do with online and social media advertising.

‘‘Compliance issues will come up again and whether they need to be changed or strengthened or relaxed and take a different approach to these issues,’’ he said.

‘‘One of the things we can expect out of an inquiry like this is that it will turn out to be a can of worms.

‘‘It will bring up a lot of issues that the proponents of the inquiry either hadn’t expected or hoped not to expect, because anybody with an electoral issue will certainly latch on to this as an opportunity to have their say.’’

People are asked to forward written submissions to the committee by February 27, before there are reviews and witnesses are called to from the committee.

 ●Hobart MLC Rob Valentine is   chairing an inquiry investigating the management, preservation, tourist marketing and promotion of Tasmania’s built heritage assets.

It will look at the role of government and tourism and heritage organisations.