Parties and Candidates

Details

Under Section 130PD of the Electoral Act 1985, certain political participants may request an early payment of a portion of their advance public funding before the capped expenditure period begins.

Eligible applicants

This provision applies to:

  • Registered political parties (excluding entitled registered parties)
  • Non-party members (e.g. independent candidates)

It applies to elections for both House of Assembly (section 130PA) and the Legislative Council (section 130PC).

Payment limits

Agents may request:

  • Up to 10% of Payment A
    or
  • A maximum of $100,000
    (whichever is less).

Application period

The notice must be submitted:

  • After 30 days from polling day of the previous general election
  • Before the capped expenditure period begins for the upcoming general election

Notice requirements

The notice must:

  • Be submitted in the form and manner determined by the Electoral Commissioner
  • Include a verification that the payment is sought for the upcoming general election
  • Include an undertaking that the funds will be used for political expenditure

Conditions and deductions

  • The early payment will be deducted from the recipient’s Payment A entitlement
  • The funds must be used only for political expenditure
  • The expenditure is treated as incurred during the capped expenditure period
  • Only one notice can be submitted per general election.

Details

In accordance with Part 13A of the Electoral Act 1985, the Electoral Commissioner is legally required to publish all disclosure returns submitted by political parties, candidates, associated entities, third parties, and donors. These returns provide transparency around political funding and expenditure, helping to uphold the integrity of South Australia's electoral system.

Return period: 1 January 2024 onwards

Returns can be viewed on the current funding and disclosure portal.


Return period: 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2023 (FAD Portal)

Returns can be viewed on the archived funding and disclosure portal or as set out below:


Return period: 1 July 2022 to 31 December 2022

Associated entity
Political party

Return period: 19 April 2022 to 30 June 2022

Associated entity
Political party

Return period: 1 January 2017 to 30 June 2017

Associated entity
Donor
Political party

Return period: 1 July 2016 to 31 December 2016

Associated entity
Donor
Political party

Political expenditure returns: 2016-2017

You can also inspect returns by appointment.

Details

Under the provisions of section 130A(9) of the Electoral Act 1985 , if a monetary amount is followed by the word ‘2026 indexed’, the amount is adjusted on 1 July each financial year.

The table below contains the indexed values for the financial year 2025-26.

Amounts in the Electoral Act 1985
(subject to indexation)		 2025–26 financial year indexed amounts
2026 indexed (effective 1 July 2025)

$5.50

$5.50

$6.00

$6.00

$8.50

$8.50

$9.00

$9.00

$250

$250

$2,500

$2,500

$5,000

$5,000

$20,000

$20,000

$40,000

$40,000

$50,000

$50,000

$55,000

$55,000

$60,000

$60,000

$75,000

$75,000

$85,000

$85,000

$100,000

$100,000

$125,000

$125,000

$245,000

$245,000

$450,000

$450,000

$500,000

$500,000

$800,000

$800,000

 

 

Details

Registers maintained by the Electoral Commissioner
Under the Electoral Act 1985 (the Act), the Electoral Commissioner is responsible for maintaining several official registers. These registers promote transparency and accountability in electoral processes and ensure compliance with the Act.

Agents
This register records the names and addresses of all appointed agents. Each entry is conclusive evidence of appointment under the Act. Removal may occur due to resignation, termination, or conviction.

Nominated entities
This register lists each nominated entity, including its name, address, associated political party, and any other details required by regulation. It must be published on the Electoral Commission’s website.

Political parties
This register contains all political parties registered under the Act. It is available for public inspection, free of charge, during ordinary office hours at the Electoral Commissioner’s principal office.

Third parties
This register lists all third parties registered under Division 8A of the Act. It must be published on the Electoral Commission’s website.

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