12 April 2006

On 31 March 2006, the Australian Electoral Commission registered People Power as a political party for federal elections.

To be registered, a political party must meet the requirements set out in the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918. The requirements include:

• having either 500 members or a member who is a Member of Parliament in the Commonwealth Parliament;
• having a constitution; and
• paying a registration fee of $500.

Registered political parties are entitled to, amongst other things, election funding, and to have their names printed on ballot papers. Registered political parties are also entitled to some electoral roll information.

In return, registered political parties must lodge annual disclosure returns, which will be placed on the public record.

Media Contact

Brian Hallett
Assistant Commissioner
Communications Branch
Australian Electoral Commission
PO Box 6172 Kingston ACT 2604
Tel: (+61) 02 6271 4477 Fax: (+61) 02 6271 4414

Similarly, other individuals and orginisations/lobby groups (third parties) who take part in an elction campaign may also be rquired to disclose details of gifts made.