All political entities have ongoing disclosure obligations for political contributions received that is more than the specified amount.
- Online Disclosure System
- Political parties
- Members of Parliament
- Third Party Campaigners
- Forms and guides
- Financial Timeline
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why have these changes been introduced?
From 1 July 2024, legislative changes regarding the disclosure of political contributions, electoral expenditure and for political participants in an election come into effect as per the Electoral Amendment (Finance and Other Matters) Act 2023.
The changes provide transparency and accountability of donations to political parties and candidates to ensure public confidence in the WA election process.
The changes affect:
• political entities
• disclosure of political contributions of more than $2,600
• State campaign accounts
• Expenditure caps
• Bans on foreign donations
• caps on electoral expenditure for parties and candidates
• expenditure by third-party campaigners
• registration of How-to-vote cards
Commission administers the registration of political parties and the financial disclosure requirements that govern parties, candidates and third parties.
2. What is a State Campaign Account?
3. What are some examples of election expenses?
• Advertisements on radio, tv and newspaper
• Mailouts and letterbox drops to households
• Fees paid to consultants or advertising agents for political purposes
• Polling and research
4. What are the new limits on election expenditure?
Limits now exist for expenditure incurred by candidates, Members of Parliament, associated entities and the Legislative Council group to:
• $130,000 times the number of endorsed candidates for the Legislative Assembly
• Plus $65,000 times the number of endorsed candidates for the Legislative Council.
Additional caps exist where election material mentions the name of the candidate and is distributed locally in the candidate’s district.
5. What is a political contribution?
Read more here.
6. What is a gift?
Read more here.
7. What needs to be disclosed?
Read more here.
8. When do donations need to be disclosed?
In a non-election period, donations need to be disclosed to the Commission within seven days.
In an election period (once the election writs have been published), within 24 hours.
9. When do my disclosure obligations start?
• Political parties and Members of Parliament-- 1 July 2024.
• Election Candidates -- Once nominated.
10. What is the timeline for 2024-2025?
• Disclose any political contributions within seven days
• From 6pm on 5 February 2024, disclose any political donations by end of next business day
• State Election Day 8 March 2025