Rules for candidate donations and loans

Candidates must report donations to their election campaign that are over $1,500 and from 1 January 2023, candidate loans. Limits apply for receiving donations anonymously or from overseas.

The threshold for reporting donations and loans

Candidates must report the identity of donors who donate more than $1,500, and any loans for their campaign (other than from registered banks at a commercial rate) in the returns they submit after each election.

Candidates must keep accurate records of donations under these amounts and any loans.

The threshold for keeping anonymous and overseas donations

Candidates may keep up to $1,500 of any anonymous donation, and up to $50 of any donation, or contribution, from an overseas person.

If an anonymous donor gives more than that, the candidate must pass the extra amount to us within 20 working days.

If an overseas donor, or contributor, gives more than $50, the candidate must return the extra amount to them or, if that isn’t possible, pass it to us within 20 working days.

Full rules for accepting and reporting donations and entering into loans

Full details about accepting and reporting donations and entering into loans are in the Candidate Handbook.

Read the Candidate Handbook

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