7 May 1999

The Australian Electoral Commission today announced payment of election funding entitlements totalling $121,314.08 following the Holt By-Election.  The Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 requires that at least 95% of the entitlement be paid as soon as possible 20 days after polling day.  As the count of the vote for the Holt By-Election was finalised by the 20^th day after polling the full entitlements could be paid.  Political parties, which endorse candidates, receive election funding provided the candidates receive at least 4% of the formal first preference vote.

The rate of election funding applicable at the Holt B-Election was 164.162 cents per formal first preference vote.  The following funding entitlements have been paid:

Australian Democrats	$17,887.09
Australian Greens	$7,717.26
Australian Labor Party	$79,616.93
Christian Democratic Party (Fred Nile Group)	$7,221.49
Democratic Labor Party (DLP) of Australia	$8,871.31
TOTAL	$121,314.08

Media Contact:

Brad Edgman
Director Funding and Disclosure
Ph. (02) 6271 4413