Fact sheet: Explaining the changes to political funding and disclosure

Funding and disclosure reform, Funding and disclosure Reform user groups Disclosure changes, Donation caps, Disclosure threshold, Electoral Reform Act 2025, Expedited disclosure, Annual returns, Election returns, FAD reform

The Electoral Legislation Amendment (Electoral Reform) Act 2025 is the biggest update to the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 in 40 years.

From 1 July 2026, major changes to political funding and disclosure take effect.

These changes impact political parties, parliamentarians, candidates, significant third parties, associated entities, third parties, donors and other regulated entities.

Key changes commencing 1 July 2026

Lower disclosure threshold
All donations that total more than $5,000 must be disclosed.

Gift and electoral expenditure caps
Limits on how much can be donated and spent.

Faster disclosure
Donations for a federal purpose must be reported sooner (as soon as within 24 hours during an election period).

New entity and definitions
Introduction of nominated entities, plus updated definitions of donations, candidates, third parties and electoral expenditure.

Expanded reporting
Increased reporting requirements and new rules for federal accounts.

Updated returns
Changes to annual returns, reporting timeframes, and indexation.

Reporting periods
Change from financial year to calendar year reporting.

Stronger compliance requirements
To ensure transparency and integrity of elections.

Transparency Register
Updated timeframes for publication by the AEC.

Role of the AEC

• An expanded regulatory role under the new legislation.
• Maintains responsibility for electoral integrity and impartiality while implementing these changes fairly and consistently across all participants.
• Will support stakeholders to understand their new obligations and provide clear guidance, tools and technology-enabled education.
• Ensures the regulated community is equipped to meet their obligations.

What this means for you

Opportunities are available to be involved: Register your interest to have information emailed to you or engage with us online. You may be invited to participate in AEC user groups to help shape new systems and processes.

Preparation time: The time to prepare starts now. Use the lead-in period to understand your obligations and adjust your record-keeping.

From 1 July 2026, parties, candidates, donors and other disclosure entities must adapt processes, systems and reporting to comply.

Funding and Disclosure Reform Program

The AEC has established the Funding and Disclosure (FAD) Reform Program to implement the changes. The AEC is:

• Providing education materials – fact sheets, how-to guides, FAQs, videos and training.
• Running stakeholder engagement activities including surveys and user groups.
• Building a new digital platform to streamline how users interact with the funding and disclosure framework.
• Updating the AEC website regularly with the latest information.

Key dates

20 Feb 2025: Legislation received Royal Assent.

21 Feb 2025: Minor amendments took effect.

1 July 2026: Major changes commence.

Ongoing engagement: Communications, education, and system development are under way throughout 2025–2026.

Contact us

fadreform@aec.gov.au

Disclaimer: This information is applicable from 1 July 2026. It provides a summary of basic information on a particular topic. It does not cover the whole of the respective law regarding that topic that may have exceptions or important qualifications. This document should not be relied upon as legal or financial advice. Persons and entities should seek independent legal advice to understand how the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 applies to their particular circumstances.