Political parties, associated entities, individual candidates, groups and other persons may be required to submit a return to the Electoral Commissioner regarding the disclosure of gifts and expenditure and claims for public funding.
The Commission has produced Funding and Disclosure in WA Guidelines (PDF, 1.05MB) which outline the essential legislative requirements of the Electoral Act 1907 and provide guidance on disclosure of gifts and expenditure and claims for public funding.
Agents
All political parties must appoint an agent. Individual candidates, non-party groups and other persons may appoint an agent or accept responsibility for compliance with the Act.
Gifts
Acceptance of donations from unidentified persons or sources equal to or more than $2,600 is prohibited under the Act. Gifts of $2,600 or more must be detailed.
Annual returns
All political parties and associated entities are required to lodge a return annually by November 30, disclosing all gifts and other income received for the previous financial year.
Election returns
Political parties are required to disclose expenditure incurred in an election.
Candidates and groups are required to disclose all gifts received and expenditure incurred during the disclosure period for the election. This ends 30 days after polling day, and for previous candidates, commences 30 days after polling day in the previous election, or for new candidates from one year prior to the day of nomination in the present election. For groups, it commences from the hour of nomination.
Persons other than political parties, associated entities, candidates and groups who incur expenditure for political purposes are required to disclose all gifts received and expenditure incurred during the disclosure period for the election. This is the same period as for previous candidates described above. If the total amount of expenditure does not exceed $500, a return is not required.
Election returns must be sent to the Electoral Commissioner within 15 weeks after polling day. A penalty is prescribed for non-compliance.
Election related disclosure form