Becoming a candidate

Find out more about how to become a candidate at a general election or by-election.

Democracy is only possible if people are prepared to put themselves forward for a chance to represent their community.

Voters and political parties can nominate candidates to contest the general election.

At a general election, there are two types of candidates:

  • Electorate candidates who stand for election in electorates, and
  • List candidates on party lists who may be elected through the party vote.

A $300 deposit must be paid with an electorate candidate nomination.

A $1,000 deposit must be paid for the nomination of a party's list of candidates.

At a by-election only electorate candidates are able to stand.

There are strict deadlines for nominations.

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