This Part deals with the funding of registered political parties, candidates and groups. It also deals with gifts and other financial matters relating to parties, candidates, groups, political campaigners, significant third parties, third parties and associated entities.

Registered political parties, candidates and groups must have agents. Significant third parties and associated entities must nominate financial controllers. Many of the obligations in this Part are imposed on those agents and financial controllers.

Registered political parties, candidates and groups may be entitled to election funding. The election funding is payable in relation to any candidate who received at least 4% of the total formal first preference votes cast in the election.

Generally, gifts of at least $1,000 to members of the House of Representatives, Senators, political entities (who are registered political parties, candidates and Senate groups) and significant third parties must not be made by foreign donors (that is, persons who, broadly, do not have a connection to Australia).

Broadly, gifts to members of the House of Representatives, Senators, political entities, significant third parties, associated entities or third parties must not be made by foreign donors for the purpose of incurring electoral expenditure or creating or communicating electoral matter.

There are obligations to disclose certain gifts made to:

  (a)   candidates and members of groups; and

  (b)   members of the House of Representatives, Senators, registered political parties, State branches and significant third parties.

Certain expenditure incurred by or with the authority of candidates and groups during an election period must also be disclosed.

Each financial year,   members of the House of Representatives, Senators, registered political parties, significant third parties, third parties and associated entities are required to disclose details relating to amounts received or paid or incurred by the members, Senators, parties, campaigners or entities during the year.