Introduction

The purpose of this Handbook is to assist political parties with the registration provisions of Part XI of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 (the Act).

It provides guidance on the process for the registration of political parties, the operation of the public Register of Political Parties, and party deregistration.

It is one of a series of publications prepared by the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) to help parties, candidates, donors and other affected persons to better understand the requirements of the Act.

Associated publications, providing important information about the funding and disclosure provisions of Part XX of the Act, are:

• Funding and Disclosure Handbook for Candidates;
• Funding and Disclosure Handbook for Political Parties;
• Funding and Disclosure Handbook for Donors and Third Parties;
• Funding and Disclosure Handbook for Associated Entities;
• Funding and Disclosure Handbook for Broadcasters and Publishers.

These are freely available at www.aec.gov.au.

This party registration handbook, and the funding and disclosure handbooks, provide information derived from the Act, and from the experience of the AEC in the administration of its provisions.  They simplify and explain what are, in some cases, complex legislative provisions.  While intended as user-friendly guides to the requirements of the Act, they do not address the whole of the Act nor do they substitute for specific legal advice on detailed issues.

Users are urged to seek their own independent advice where necessary, and to read the relevant parts of the Act.

Additional information and advice may be available from the AEC.  Written enquiries should be addressed to the Registrar of Political Parties, AEC, PO Box 6172, Kingston, ACT 2604.  Phone enquiries may be made to 02 6271 4552, fax enquiries to 02 6271 4555 and e-mail enquiries to fad@aec.gov.au.

The Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 is freely available on-line at www.aec.gov.au and at Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918.