Funding and disclosure - state elections

Key dates for 2024

The following table contains a list of key dates for the lodgement of disclosure returns under Part 13A of the Electoral Act 1985 (Electoral Act). The information can assist participants in complying with their funding, disclosure, and registration obligations for 2024.

Participants should note that when a return is due on a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday, the operation of the Legislation Interpretation Act 2021 will cause the event to be moved to the next date, which is not a Saturday, Sunday, or public holiday. The timetable allows for these changes.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this timetable is general in nature. Users should refer to the specific wording of the Electoral Act and Electoral Regulations and seek independent legal or other advice on any issues of interpretation that may arise. Dates may be subject to change.

Links

• ECSA Funding and disclosure guides
• Compliance audits
• Electoral Act 1985 
• Electoral Regulations 2009
• Legislation Interpretation Act 2021

Funding and disclosure scheme 

Part 13A (the funding, expenditure and disclosure provisions) was inserted into the Electoral Act on 1 July 2015.

Part 13A establishes a funding and disclosure scheme which provides for:

• Administrative funding of eligible registered political parties.
• Public funding of election campaigns of candidates, groups and registered political parties.
• Disclosure of financial information relating to candidates, groups, registered political parties, their associated entities and third parties who engage in campaigning during an election. The financial information is made available for public inspection.

The objects of the funding and disclosure scheme are to:

• enhance public confidence in the electoral process by fairly and effectively regulating matters relating to electoral funding, expenditure and disclosure;
• to promote integrity and accountability in the electoral process by providing for –
  • public funding of elections; and
  • caps on political expenditure;
• to ensure transparency in political donations;
• to promote participation in the electoral process by any elector (including an elector of limited means).

From January 2018, disclosures can be lodged and viewed on the funding and disclosure portal. Pre-January 2018 hardcopy returns can be viewed in the public inspection section.

For more information about funding and disclosure, please select a link from the side menu.

Note: within the funding and disclosure pages on this website, any legislative reference is a reference to the Electoral Act, unless otherwise stated.

Disclaimer

The funding and disclosure information on these webpages is intended as a general guide only and should not be substituted for the legislation. You are advised to refer to the legislation and seek your own independent advice if necessary.