Members of Parliament
This information is relevant to MPs who are standing for election in 2025. For the majority of members, their party head office will complete most of the requirements on their behalf. It is strongly recommended that where applicable MPs check with their party agent before taking actions described here.
Changes to the Act
From 1 July 2024, legislative changes regarding the disclosure of political contributions, and electoral expenditure for political participants in an election come into effect.
Members of Parliament are regarded as political entities and must:
• Disclose political contributions more than $2,600 either to their party or to the Commission
• Pay all election-related expenses from their party's or their own State campaign account
• Be aware that caps will apply to how much is spent on electoral expenditure
How to disclose donations
The Commission has set up an Online Disclosure System (ODS) which will allow independent MPs, political parties and other political entities to register online and disclose any gifts received from 1 July. MPs from a party should disclose through their party.
State campaign accounts
Parties should have set up a State Campaign Account for payment of electoral expenses. Independent MPs should contact their bank and establish a State Campaign Account and inform the Commission. Pay all election expenses from this account.
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
Caps on electoral expenditure
New limits apply to how much electoral expenditure is incurred by political entities.
The electoral expenditure incurred by MP’s who are a member of a registered political party will fall within the electoral expenditure cap that applies to the political party.
Any MP who nominates as an independent candidate at the 2025 State election will not be allowed to spend more than $130,000 (Legislative Assembly) or $65,000 (Legislative Council).
Legislative Council groups that are not endorsed by a party will be limited to $65,000 times the number of candidates in the group for their election campaign.
Guidelines and forms
Visit our Forms and Guides page for the full range of forms and guides for Political Parties.
To assist Members of Parliament to meet their obligations under the Electoral Act, the following User Guideline has been developed:
User Guideline 6 - Members of Parliament
Funding and disclosure team
The Commission has a dedicated team dealing with changes to political finance under the Act. We encourage you to liaise with them via fad@waec.wa.gov.au
A full set of guidelines are available on the Commission's website.