This advice sets out the AEC's conclusion in relation to the matters described below:
Whether the following persons or entities have outstanding disclosure obligations pursuant to Part XX of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918:
May to August 2003.
Questions in Parliament and media reports.
Part XX of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 (the Act).
The AEC considered information concerning alleged payments contained in sources such as media reports of fundraising activities in the lead up to the 2001 federal election and Parliamentary Hansard records. The allegations, among other things, questioned whether disclosure obligations had been met by The Hon. Phillip Ruddock MP, Mr Ross Cameron (former MP), the Liberal Party of Australia – NSW Division and certain donors to the Party.
The Liberal Party of Australia – NSW Division and other relevant persons and entities were contacted and requested to provide information in relation to this matter.
After reviewing the information obtained, the AEC has concluded that those required to do so have in the main complied with the financial disclosure requirements of the Act.
A number of returns, and amended returns where provided, are now available for public inspection on the AEC's website. However, although the return provided by Mr Karim Kisrwani does not contain certain address information required, the AEC considers that the public interest would not be served by further expenditure of resources on this matter given that the bulk of the information has been supplied.
Date: 7 October 2005