Which entities need to be registered?

The Electoral Act provides for three types of entities to be registered by the AEC: political parties, significant third parties and associated entities.

Registration of political parties is not compulsory to contest federal elections but there are a number of benefits for registered political parties.

• Political party registration

Significant third parties must be registered before the end of 90 days after becoming required to be registered. A person or entity may be liable to a civil penalty if the person or entity incurs electoral expenditure or fundraises amounts for the purpose of incurring electoral expenditure without being appropriately registered.

• Significant third party registration

Associated entities must be registered before the end of 90 days after becoming required to be registered. A person or entity may be liable to a civil penalty if the person or entity incurs electoral expenditure without being appropriately registered.

• Associated entity registration

Further information

• Financial disclosure