The Clarence Valley Council in northern New South Wales remains without a mayor following a failed election process this week. After a ballot of councillors resulted in a tie between candidates Peter Johnstone and Ray Smith, the council’s general manager, Laura Black, initiated a random draw to determine the winner. This method involved writing the candidates' names on pieces of paper to be drawn from a container.

However, the process was compromised by a procedural error. According to reports, General Manager Laura Black incorrectly stated that the name drawn from the hat would be eliminated from the contest, rather than declaring the drawn name the winner. This misstatement created confusion regarding the legitimacy of the outcome. As a result of this administrative bungle, the council is currently unable to confirm a mayoral appointment, leaving the position vacant while the council determines how to proceed with a new, legally sound election process. The incident has raised questions regarding the council's adherence to standard electoral protocols during tie-break scenarios.