<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
	xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
	>

<channel>
	<title>GoVote Archives - GoVote</title>
	<atom:link href="https://www.govote.com.au/category/govote/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link></link>
	<description>Independent Voting and Election Services</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Tue, 06 Jan 2026 12:05:45 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<language>en-AU</language>
	<sy:updatePeriod>
	hourly	</sy:updatePeriod>
	<sy:updateFrequency>
	1	</sy:updateFrequency>
	<generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9</generator>

<image>
	<url>https://www.govote.com.au/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/cropped-govote-site-icon-512px-32x32.png</url>
	<title>GoVote Archives - GoVote</title>
	<link></link>
	<width>32</width>
	<height>32</height>
</image> 
	<item>
		<title>Cyber Security, Privacy, and Anonymity: What Secure Voting Should Look Like</title>
		<link>https://www.govote.com.au/iso-27001-certified-govotes-framework-for-secure-anonymous-ballots/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Nino Fioretti]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 12 Dec 2025 00:03:53 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[GoVote]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Secret Ballot]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Secure Voting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cyber Security]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ISO 27001]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.govote.com.au/?p=1724</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The post <a href="https://www.govote.com.au/iso-27001-certified-govotes-framework-for-secure-anonymous-ballots/">Cyber Security, Privacy, and Anonymity: What Secure Voting Should Look Like</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.govote.com.au">GoVote</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="cs-content" class="cs-content"><div id="x-section-1" class="x-section" style="margin: 0px;padding: 0px 0px 15px; background-color: transparent;" ><div id="" class="x-container" style="margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;" ><div  class="x-column x-sm x-1-1" style="padding: 0px;" ><h2  class="h-custom-headline h4" style="color: hsl(218, 83%, 44%);"><span>ISO 27001 Certified: GoVote’s Framework for Secure, Anonymous Ballots</span></h2><div id="" class="x-text" style="" ><p>In today’s digital world, trust is built on more than promises—it’s built on proof. At GoVote, we understand that when organisations entrust us with the responsibility of conducting ballots, they are placing their confidence not only in our technology but in our ability to protect sensitive information. That’s why <strong>cyber security, data protection, and anonymity are at the heart of everything we do</strong>.</p>
</p>
<p>This blog post explains how our practices—anchored by <strong>ISO 27001 certification</strong>, regular <strong>penetration testing</strong>, and transparent privacy and security policies—translate into real benefits for our clients and voters.</p>
</div><h2  class="h-custom-headline h4" style="color: hsl(218, 83%, 44%);"><span>Why Cyber Security Matters in Voting</span></h2><div id="" class="x-text" style="" ></p>
<p>Voting systems handle some of the most sensitive data imaginable: candidate details, voter rolls, and ballot responses. Any breach of confidentiality or integrity could undermine confidence in the process. At GoVote, we treat security as fundamental to achieving fair and transparent results.</p>
</p>
<p><strong>Our approach is multi‑layered:</strong></p>
</p>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Network security</strong> with 256‑bit SSL encryption to protect data in transit.</li>
<li><strong>Firewalls and monitoring</strong> to detect and prevent unauthorised access.</li>
<li><strong>Access controls</strong> that ensure only authorised personnel can interact with sensitive systems.</li>
<li><strong>Redundant servers and encrypted backups</strong> to guarantee reliability and resilience.</li>
</ul>
</div><h2  class="h-custom-headline h4" style="color: hsl(218, 83%, 44%);"><span>ISO 27001 Certification: What It Means for You</span></h2><div id="" class="x-text" style="" ></p>
<p>ISO 27001 is the international gold standard for information security management. Achieving certification means our systems, policies, and practices have been independently audited against rigorous criteria.</p>
</p>
<p>For clients, this translates into:</p>
</p>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Confidence</strong>: Assurance that your data is managed under globally recognised best practices.</li>
<li><strong>Compliance</strong>: Alignment with regulatory requirements and industry expectations.</li>
<li><strong>Transparency</strong>: Documented processes and audit trails that demonstrate accountability.</li>
</ul>
<p>For our business, ISO 27001 is not a badge—it’s a framework. It guides how we design workflows, train staff, and continually improve. Every decision is measured against the principle of protecting confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information.</p></p>
</div><h2  class="h-custom-headline h4" style="color: hsl(218, 83%, 44%);"><span>Penetration Testing: Proving Our Defences</span></h2><div id="" class="x-text" style="" ><p class="p1">
<p>Even the strongest systems must be tested. That’s why GoVote engages independent experts to conduct <strong>penetration testing</strong>. These simulated cyber‑attacks probe our infrastructure for vulnerabilities, ensuring that weaknesses are identified and addressed before they can be exploited.</p>
<p class="p1">
<p>For clients, penetration testing means:</p>
<p class="p1">
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Peace of mind</strong>: Knowing our defences are validated by external specialists.</li>
<li><strong>Continuous improvement</strong>: Each test informs enhancements to our systems.</li>
<li><strong>Resilience</strong>: Confidence that ballots will remain secure even in the face of evolving threats.</li>
</ul>
</div><h2  class="h-custom-headline h4" style="color: hsl(218, 83%, 44%);"><span>Privacy: Protecting Personal Information</span></h2><div id="" class="x-text" style="" ><p class="p1">
<p>Our <a href="https://www.govote.com.au/privacy/">Privacy Policy</a> outlines our commitment to safeguarding personal information. Whether it’s client details, candidate statements, or voter contact information, <strong>we treat all data as confidential</strong>.</p>
<p class="p1">
<p>Key points:</p>
<p class="p1">
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Limited use</strong>: Voter and candidate information is used only for running ballots, never for marketing.</li>
<li><strong>Transparency</strong>: Clients are responsible for informing individuals when their data is shared, ensuring compliance with privacy laws.</li>
<li><strong>Rights</strong>: Individuals can access, correct, or restrict the use of their personal information.</li>
</ul>
<p class="p1">
</div><h2  class="h-custom-headline h4" style="color: hsl(218, 83%, 44%);"><span>Security: Infrastructure You Can Trust</span></h2><div id="" class="x-text" style="" ></p>
<p>Our <a href="https://www.govote.com.au/security/">Security Statement</a> details the technical and organisational measures we employ. Highlights include:</p>
</p>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>SSL encryption</strong> for all communications.</br></li>
<li><strong>24‑hour monitoring</strong> to detect unauthorised activity.</br></li>
<li><strong>Daily, weekly, and monthly backups</strong>, encrypted and securely stored.</br></li>
<li><strong>Least‑privilege access controls</strong>, ensuring staff only access data necessary for their role.</br></li>
</ul>
<p>These measures are not static. We continually review and update our protocols to meet evolving client needs and industry standards.</p></p>
</div><h2  class="h-custom-headline h4" style="color: hsl(218, 83%, 44%);"><span>Anonymity: The Cornerstone of Trust</span></h2><div id="" class="x-text" style="" ></p>
<p>Perhaps the most critical aspect of voting is anonymity. Our <a href="https://www.govote.com.au/anonymity/">Anonymity Statement</a> makes clear that <strong>ballot responses are anonymous by design</strong>.</p>
</p>
<p>How we achieve this:</p>
</p>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Separate databases</strong>: Voter roll data and ballot responses are stored independently, ensuring preferences cannot be traced back to individuals.</br></li>
<li><strong>Secure authentication</strong>: Even when voters use PINs or provide personal details, anonymity is preserved.</br></li>
<li><strong>Non‑negotiable principle</strong>: We will not conduct a ballot unless anonymity is guaranteed.</br></li>
</ul>
<p>For voters, this means confidence that their voice is heard without fear of identification. For clients, it means ballots are conducted with integrity and fairness.</p></p>
</div><h2  class="h-custom-headline h4" style="color: hsl(218, 83%, 44%);"><span>What This Means for Clients</span></h2><div id="" class="x-text" style="" ></p>
<p>When you partner with GoVote, you’re not just choosing a voting provider—you’re choosing a <strong>security partner</strong>. Our ISO 27001 certification, penetration testing, and transparent policies ensure:</p>
</p>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Audit‑ready processes</strong> for compliance and governance.</br></li>
<li><strong>Reassurance for stakeholders</strong> that data is protected.</br></li>
<li><strong>Confidence for voters</strong> that their anonymity is guaranteed.</br></li>
</ul>
</div><h2  class="h-custom-headline h4" style="color: hsl(218, 83%, 44%);"><span>Conclusion: Building Trust Through Security</span></h2><div id="" class="x-text" style="" ></p>
<p>At GoVote, we believe that secure systems are the foundation of democratic processes. By embedding ISO 27001 standards, conducting regular penetration testing, and upholding strict privacy, security, and anonymity commitments, we provide more than ballots—we provide trust.</p>
<p>For organisations, this means peace of mind. For voters, it means confidence. For us, it means living up to our responsibility as custodians of one of society’s most important processes.</p>
</p></p>
</div></div></div></div></div><p>The post <a href="https://www.govote.com.au/iso-27001-certified-govotes-framework-for-secure-anonymous-ballots/">Cyber Security, Privacy, and Anonymity: What Secure Voting Should Look Like</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.govote.com.au">GoVote</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>Enterprise Agreement Voting In Australia</title>
		<link>https://www.govote.com.au/how-to-arrange-a-vote-for-an-enterprise-agreement-in-australia/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Freyja Tasci]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 07 Jun 2024 00:56:32 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[GoVote]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Voting Management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Enterprise Agreement Voting]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.govote.com.au/?p=1526</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Enterprise Agreement bargaining concludes in a ballot of all eligible employees on their acceptance of the proposed agreement.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.govote.com.au/how-to-arrange-a-vote-for-an-enterprise-agreement-in-australia/">Enterprise Agreement Voting In Australia</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.govote.com.au">GoVote</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><div id="cs-content" class="cs-content"><div id="x-section-2" class="x-section" style="margin: 0px;padding: 0px 0px 15px; background-color: transparent;" ><div id="" class="x-container" style="margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;" ><div  class="x-column x-sm x-1-1" style="padding: 0px;" ><div class="x-text x-text-headline e1526-e4 m16e-0"><div class="x-text-content"><div class="x-text-content-text"><h1 class="x-text-content-text-primary"><span style="color: black;">Organising voting for an enterprise agreement in Australia can be a complex process, but it is essential to ensure that employees are able to make informed decisions. This article will provide an overview of the steps that should be taken to ensure a successful vote. </span></h1>
</div></div></div><h2  class="h-custom-headline h4" style="color: hsl(218, 83%, 44%);"><span>Finalise Bargaining And Start The Access Period</span></h2><div id="" class="x-text" style="" ><p><span style="color: black;">Once an Enterprise Agreement reaches an ‘in theory consensus’, it should be circulated to all of the employees who will be voting on it. The employer should provide a reasonable amount of time for employees to read the agreement. This should include providing employees with a copy of the agreement, as well as offering a reasonable amount of time for employees to ask questions or raise any concerns. Many companies also include a summary of changes document to help workers understand the implications of the changes. This stage should meet <a href="https://www.fwc.gov.au/agreements-awards/enterprise-agreements/make-enterprise-agreement/hold-vote-agreement/what-give">Fairwork Australia’s</a> minimum of 7 days for an access period which begins after the final changes are confirmed, and 21 days after a formal NERR (Notice of Employee Representational Rights). If an employee group or union identifies a problem in the agreement and changes need to be made during the access period, the initial dates for the ballot may need to be changed. At GoVote we do not charge any fee for date changes, and these can be made quickly and efficiently, with updated documents available to download within minutes.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div><h2  class="h-custom-headline h4" style="color: hsl(218, 83%, 44%);"><span>Hire A Third Party Ballot Provider</span></h2><div id="" class="x-text" style="" ><p>When the access period begins a ballot provider should be sought and hired. At GoVote we offer a proposal document that covers all of the options and provisions for running your Enterprise Agreement vote. It answers the questions that HR personnel often ask around security, secrecy, and deliverables. When our proposal is accepted, a form is sent to the Project Manger to fill, asking the correct wording of the Enterprise Agreement title, the ballot question and contact details for key roles of ‘Voter Roll Support’ and ‘IT Technical Support’. Scrutineers can also be nominated; these are usually union representatives or employee group leaders.</p>
<p>As soon as dates are confirmed GoVote will provide the Project Manager with a 2 page ‘How To Vote’ Notification Letter in pdf which can be attached to internal communications and also printed and posted on notice boards around the workplace. A comprehensive Ballot Management Plan is also developed, detailing all systems utilised, copies of communications, and key dates.</p>
</div><h2  class="h-custom-headline h4" style="color: hsl(218, 83%, 44%);"><span>Prepare The Voter Roll</span></h2><div id="" class="x-text" style="" ><p><span style="color: black;">The ballot period begins at the conclusion of the access period. During the access period the Voter Roll should be confirmed and checked over for eligibility and for correct contact details. Special attention should be given to casual worker’s eligibility and to any employees who have resigned but may not have been removed from lists. GoVote provides a template for the Voter Roll that includes names, email address, mobile phone number (if using SMS communications alone or in combination with SMS voting) and group information. For more detail on using groups in your ballot read this article. It is important to ensure that all employees have access to the voting process, and that any issues that arise are dealt with promptly.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div><h2  class="h-custom-headline h4" style="color: hsl(218, 83%, 44%);"><span>Voter Support</span></h2><div id="" class="x-text" style="" ><p><span style="color: black;">During the Ballot Period it is important to ensure that the vote is conducted in a safe and secure manner. This includes ensuring that all employees are able to cast their vote without fear of intimidation or coercion. It is also important to ensure that the vote is conducted in a way that is free of fraud or interference. GoVote offers this assurance with the use of a comprehensive database scouring process to ensure no duplicates or corrupted information is included on the Voter Roll, and by offering a third party communication to all workers in a fair and transparent manner. All voters are offered the support of our 1800 number which is monitored during business hours by the Returning Officer in charge of your ballot. Being a small, independent company, GoVote is able to provide all services here in Australia with no data ever leaving Australian shores. Find more information on our <a href="https://www.govote.com.au/privacy/">Privacy Policy</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div><h2  class="h-custom-headline h4" style="color: hsl(218, 83%, 44%);"><span>Delivery of Reports</span></h2><div id="" class="x-text" style="" ><p><span style="color: black;">Finally the ballot outcomes are audited and verified before reports are generated and delivered. GoVote provides a certified ‘Declaration of Results’ signed by your Returning Officer, ready to hand over to Fairwork Australia. A a comprehensive Audit Report details all interactions by any client-side user, voter or the Returning Officer during the ballot period. This includes details that can help prove that all voters successfully received communications as well as any changes that were made to the Voter Roll using our Ticketing system.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p><span style="color: black;">By following these steps, employers can ensure that their employees are able to make an informed decision and have their voices heard. This is an essential part of the process for reaching a fair and equitable enterprise agreement.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
</div><div id="" class="x-text" style="" ><p><span style="color: black;">The most secure and fair way to arrange the voting process is to engage a professional third party to run a secret ballot. This ensures that all employees are offered a safe and anonymous opportunity for representation through a straightforward, easy to navigate voting process that offers online, SMS and telephone voting options. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="color: black;">At GoVote our reliable and secure system is the preferred choice for HR professionals because of its ease of set up, prompt customer service and comprehensive report deliverables.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
</div><h2  class="h-custom-headline cs-ta-left h4" style="color: hsl(218, 83%, 44%);"><span>To arrange a proposal for your organisation</span></h2><a class="x-anchor x-anchor-button e1526-e17 m16e-1" tabindex="0" href="https://secure.govote.com.au/quotation.php?_gl=1*guunnm*_ga*MTIxMDA2OTc2Ni4xNjcwMzg1MDYx*_ga_XNDXETSN4H*MTcxNzcxODE4Ny40Ni4wLjE3MTc3MTgxODcuNjAuMC4yMTI4NjAzMTIz*_gcl_au*MTI1NjAwNTYwMC4xNzE0OTU0NTI0"><div class="x-anchor-content"><div class="x-anchor-text"><span class="x-anchor-text-primary">Request A Quote</span></div></div></a></div></div></div></div></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.govote.com.au/how-to-arrange-a-vote-for-an-enterprise-agreement-in-australia/">Enterprise Agreement Voting In Australia</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.govote.com.au">GoVote</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>Our new space to connect with you</title>
		<link>https://www.govote.com.au/new-blog/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Tim Slater]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 11 Apr 2016 09:00:48 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[GoVote]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.govote.com.au/?p=884</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Weâ€™ve recently re-designed our website and weâ€™re excited to launch our new blog. We want to start a conversation with our customers and anyone looking to organise a vote. Hopefully youâ€™ll find our blog posts useful and interesting â€“ we look forward to hearing from you.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.govote.com.au/new-blog/">Our new space to connect with you</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.govote.com.au">GoVote</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><div id="cs-content" class="cs-content"></div></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.govote.com.au/new-blog/">Our new space to connect with you</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.govote.com.au">GoVote</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
	</channel>
</rss>
