173Extension of time for holding elections

173  Extension of time for holding elections

 (1) Despite any other provision of this Act, before or after the day fixed for the *close of the poll, the Minister may, by notice published in the Gazette, provide for extending the time for holding the elections, or for holding the election in a specified State or Territory, or for giving notice under this Part, or meeting any difficulty which might otherwise interfere with the due course of the election.

 (2) Any provisions made under subsection (1) are valid and sufficient and any date provided for in place of a date fixed by the Minister’s notice under section 14 is taken to be the date so fixed. However, public notice must immediately be given in the State or Territory for which the election is to be held of any extension of the time for holding the election.