Party Registrations

See the Federal Registration of Political Parties Handbook (a guide for political parties wishing to be registered under the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 to contest federal elections) and Party Registration.

Election Funding

The amount of election funding payable is calculated by multiplying the number of formal first preference votes received by the rate of payment applicable at the time. This rate is indexed every six months to increases in line with the Consumer Price Index. See Current Funding Rate.

More information on Funding and Financial Disclosure.

Political Parties

As part of the conduct of federal parliamentary elections, the AEC administers a system whereby public funding is made available to political parties and candidates contesting elections, and under which parties, candidates, and others are obliged to make public their financial transactions.

See the Funding and Disclosure Handbook for Political Parties.

Funding and Disclosure Handbook for Associated Entities

This term is used to describe an organisation which is controlled by, or operates wholly or mainly for the benefit of, one or more registered political parties. Associated Entities are required to lodge an annual return disclosing receipts, payments, capital and debts.

See the Funding and Disclosure Handbook for Associated Entities.

Candidates Handbook

Following an election, every candidate is required to lodge election returns of donations received during the disclosure period and expenditure incurred during the election period.

See the Funding and Disclosure Handbook for Candidates.

Senate Groups

Jointly endorsed and unendorsed Senate groups must lodge election returns of donations received and expenditure incurred. Disclosure by Senate groups is discussed in the Funding and Disclosure Handbook for Candidates.

Third Parties

This term is used to describe a person or organisation under an obligation to furnish a disclosure return because of indirect involvement in federal elections. Generally this would involve making a political donation or placing an electoral advertisement.

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Contact Details

Phone: (02) 6271 4416
Fax: (02) 6271 4555
E-mail:fad@aec.gov.au