Investigations have identified that the AEC’s Transparency Register has drawn information listed in the address field from candidate nomination forms and this information was published in the publicly available register. In some instances we understand this to be the same as the individual’s residential address.

We started an immediate investigation into how many people have been impacted and we are still working through that. We have prioritised our efforts on those affected individuals who were or have since become silent electors. Our investigation at this stage indicates approximately 76 affected individuals.

The issue was brought to the AEC’s attention by a Senator who noticed a residential address was published on the Transparency Register. The AEC acted swiftly the same day. We took the Transparency Register offline, advised the silent electors we had identified at that time, and provided initial advice to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner and the Australian Federal Police.

It appears the Transparency Register has been publishing this information since October 2019; however, some individuals’ information would have been added when they became a candidate at subsequent electoral events. Investigations on this are a priority and we will provide further information when it is available.

This is a separate issue. The Commonwealth Electoral Act requires entities to record the names and addresses of donors on their annual returns. The AEC is required to publish this material as it is provided and we have no legislative authority to redact that information.

The AEC has written to impacted individuals. People can contact the AEC by emailing info@aec.gov.au

The AEC became aware of the issue on Wednesday 15 May 2024.

The AEC Transparency Register was removed from the AEC website early afternoon the same day so we could investigate.

The AEC has written to impacted individuals. People can contact the AEC by emailing info@aec.gov.au

The AEC Transparency Register was taken offline while we investigated and rectified the issue. We have since made the relevant changes to the register and it is now online and operational without any sensitive information.

The AEC has provided initial advice to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner and the Australian Federal Police, including members of the Security Coordination Committee (SCC). Agencies represented on the SCC include:

• Australian Federal Police (Chair)
• Department of Finance
• Department of Parliamentary Services
• Australian Security Intelligence Organisation
• Department of Defence
• Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
• Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet

The Electoral Commissioner has overseen a comprehensive external review, led by an experienced professional. This process has now concluded, and the report is available here.