Election Funding

Registered political parties may claim reimbursement of election campaign costs, up to the level of their entitlement, in respect of those of their endorsed candidates who gained at least 4 per cent of the formal first preference vote in the electorate contested. The entitlement is calculated by multiplying the total of eligible votes received by the election funding rate indexed annually (currently $1.59596 for 2009/10). Independent candidates who gain at least 4 per cent of the formal first preference vote may also claim reimbursement of their campaign costs up to the level of their entitlement.

Financial Disclosure

1. Registered political parties, associated entities and donors of $1000, or more, to a registered political party must submit disclosure returns to the Commission after each 6 months. Returns are available for public inspection on the Commission's website within 6 weeks of receipt.
2. Every candidate must submit a Return of Details of Gifts Received, Return of Loans Received and a Return of Electoral Expenditure after each election.
3. 'Third parties' (persons or organisations other than registered political parties, associated entities or candidates) who incur electoral expenditure of $200 or more must submit returns after each election.
4. Broadcasters, publishers and persons who donate $1000 or more to a candidate must also submit returns after each election.

All election returns are available for public inspection at the Commission's office only 24 weeks after polling day.

Special Reporting Events

The Electoral Act 1992 requires that when donations to a political party from a donor total $100,000 a "Special Reporting Event" return must be lodged with the Commission by both the party and the donor within 14 days. The Commission will publish these returns here within 10 business days of receipt.

Returns received to date:

• Australian Labor Party Queensland: 25th February 2009
• Carroll, M (LNP): 23rd March 2009
• Chisholm, A (ALP): 23rd March 2009
• Palmer, CF: 23rd March 2009
• Ludwig, W (AWU): 24th March 2009
• McCauley, I R & D E: 6th April 2009
• Chisholm, A (ALP): 9th April 2009
• Chisholm, A (ALP): 4th June 2009
• Chisholm, A (ALP): 4th June 2009
• Raniga, K (CFMEU Mining & Energy (Qld)): 22nd June 2009
• Chisholm, A (ALP): 1st July 2009
• Chisholm, A (ALP): 6th August 2009
• Carroll, M (LNP): 18th August 2009
• Carroll, M (Altum Pty Ltd): 18th August 2009
• Carroll, M (LNP): 18th August 2009
• Carroll, M (Altum Pty Ltd): 18th August 2009
• Chisholm, A (ALP): 28th August 2009
• Chisholm, A (ALP): 3rd September 2009
• Chisholm, A (ALP): 1st October 2009
• Chisholm, A (ALP): 12th October 2009
• Chisholm, A (ALP): 12th October 2009
• Chisholm, A (ALP): 30th October 2009
• Chisholm, A (ALP): 3rd December 2009
• Harrop, J (LNP): 10th February 2010
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Handbooks for each group required to complete returns have been prepared by the Commission and are sent to the appropriate person by the Commission at election time. Copies of handbooks not on the website will be available on request after the announcement of the next election. Those highlighted are downloadable.

1. Election Funding and Financial Disclosure Handbook: Volume 1: for candidates endorsed by registered political parties.
2. Election Funding and Financial Disclosure Handbook: Volume 2: for candidates not endorsed by registered political parties.
3. Election Funding and Financial Disclosure Handbook: Volume 3: for associated entities and other persons required to give annual returns under the disclosure provisions of the Electoral Act 1992.
4. Election Funding and Financial Disclosure Handbook: Volume 4: for donors to candidates and third parties (persons other than registered political parties, associated entities or candidates).
5. Election Funding and Financial Disclosure Handbook: Volume 5 - for party units.
6. Election Funding and Financial Disclosure Handbook: Volume 6: for broadcasters and publishers.
7. Handbook for Registered Officers and Agents of registered Political Parties

Contact the Commission to view copies of election-related returns and annual returns.

Election funding and financial disclosure forms

A complete list of election funding and financial disclosure forms is listed below. Those highlighted are downloadable. The other forms will be sent to the relevant people when necessary.

1. Disclosure Return - Registered Political Party
2. Disclosure Return - Associated Entity
3. Disclosure Return - Donor to Registered Political Party
4. Notice by a Registered Political Party of Appointment of an Agent
5. Notice of Appointment of an Agent by a Candidate
6. Notice of the Resignation, Death or Revocation of the Appointment of an Agent
7. Report by Registered Political Party or Associated Entity
8. Report made by Donor
   
9. Disclosure Returns to be Given by a Third Party (Person other than a Registered Political Party, Associated Entity or Candidate) Following an Election
10. Claim for Election Funding
11. Disclosure Returns to be Given on Behalf of a Candidate Following an Election
12. Return by a Broadcaster Following a State Election
13. Return by a Publisher Following a State Election.