Political donation disclosure thresholds (federal + state)
Federal disclosure threshold $17,300+ (2024-25). State thresholds + caps vary.
Who must comply
Donors + recipients (parties, candidates, associated entities).
What triggers it
Donation + receipt above threshold.
When due
Annual returns + 7-day disclosures during election periods.
Evidence required
Donation register; AEC + state electoral commission returns.
Max penalty
Civil + criminal penalties for failure to disclose + breach of bans
Summary
Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 disclosure threshold rose to $17,300 (2024-25 indexed). State regimes (NSW Election Funding + Disclosures Act, Vic Electoral Act 2002, Qld Electoral Act 1992) have varying disclosure thresholds + caps + bans.
Topics
Related obligations
- CWLTHRegister under Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme (FITS)Persons undertaking activities on behalf of foreign principals in Australia must register with the AG's Department.
- CWLTHRespond to FOI requests within 30 days (Cwlth agencies + ministers)FOI Act 1982 — Commonwealth agencies + ministers must respond to access requests within 30 days.
- CWLTHBeneficial ownership transparency (Tranche 3 — under consultation)Proposed beneficial ownership register for unlisted companies and trusts — consultation through 2024-2025; commencement TBD.
- CWLTHRegister on the Federal Lobbyists RegisterThird-party lobbyists contacting Commonwealth officials must register + observe the Lobbying Code.
- VICComply with Vic FOI Act 1982 (state)Victorian agencies + ministers respond to state FOI requests within 30 days.
Frequently asked questions
- Who must comply with Political donation disclosure thresholds (federal + state)?
- Donors + recipients (parties, candidates, associated entities).
- What triggers Political donation disclosure thresholds (federal + state)?
- Donation + receipt above threshold.
- When is Political donation disclosure thresholds (federal + state) due?
- Annual returns + 7-day disclosures during election periods.
- What is the maximum penalty for Political donation disclosure thresholds (federal + state)?
- Civil + criminal penalties for failure to disclose + breach of bans
- What evidence is required for Political donation disclosure thresholds (federal + state)?
- Donation register; AEC + state electoral commission returns.
Source: https://aec.gov.au/parties_and_representatives/financial_disclosure/. Rules Mate is not a law firm. Always verify against the live regulator source before acting.