The AEC didn't care why people were pre-polling either this election, which is a fairly substantial change to make given there was no publication of this. Did both parties know that they were going to allow pre-polling from anyone, or did just the Govt know? In effect it will probably make the full-on marketing aspects of the elections start earlier since so many people are voting earlier... yay. :/
The VEC didn't care at the last State election either, maybe they have finally woken up and realised its more sensible to allow people to vote when they want?