REGISTERED PARTIES |
UNREGISTERED PARTIES |
Can contest the party vote at general elections and stand electorate candidates at general elections and by-elections |
Can stand electorate candidates at general elections and by-elections |
Can have a party logo next to the party and candidate names on the ballot paper at a general election or by-election |
Cannot have a party logo on the ballot paper, but can have the name of the party under its electorate candidate(s) |
Is able to spend up to the party expense limit at a general election For the 2020 general election this is $1,199,000 if the party contests the party vote plus $28,200 for each electoral district contested by a candidate for the party |
Each candidate that stands for an unregistered party can spend up to the electorate candidate limit For the 2020 general election this is $28,200 If the unregistered party pays for candidate advertising published during the regulated period this will count towards the candidate’s limit |
Must file an audited party expenses return after each general election, even where the party does not contest the election or incur election expenses |
N/A |
Can apply for a share of the broadcasting allocation to purchase advertising time on television, radio and the internet in the month before election day |
N/A |
Must file an audited return of party donations and loans every year by 30 April |
N/A |
Must appoint and retain an auditor |
N/A |
Must declare party donations and loans of more than $30,000 (alone or in aggregate from the same person) within 10 working days of receipt |
N/A |
Must keep records of election expenses for three years after an election |
Each candidate must keep their own records and file a return of expenses and donations |
Must maintain at least 500 current financial members who are eligible to enrol at all times and submit a statutory declaration by 30 April each year confirming the party continues to satisfy this requirement |
N/A |
Must provide the Commission with a copy of the party’s rules for publication online and submit an up-to-date version when there are any changes |
May be asked to provide a copy of the party rules when candidates contest an election on the party’s behalf |
Contact details for the party and its party secretary are published on the Commission’s website |
N/A |