Application for registration approved – Voluntary Euthanasia Party

File reference: Reg5146, 13/393

The delegate of the Australian Electoral Commission determined that the Voluntary Euthanasia Party should be registered under the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918.

Background

On 10 May 2013, the Australian Electoral Commission (the AEC) received an application from the Voluntary Euthanasia Party (the Party) to be registered as a political party under the provisions of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 (the Electoral Act).

The AEC conducted a series of tests required by s.131 of the Electoral Act, usually undertaken as part of the initial consideration of an application. On 20 May 2013, a delegate of the AEC found no reason to refuse the Party's application and approved the advertisement of the Party's application for public input. On 22 May 2013, the application was advertised on the AEC website and in 10 newspapers achieving coverage throughout Australia as required by s.132 of the Electoral Act.

Section 132 of the Electoral Act provides one month from the date of advertisement for any person (or organisation) to submit written particulars of grounds for their belief that the application:

• does not relate to an eligible political party;
• is not in accordance with s.126 of the Electoral Act; or
• should be refused under s.129 of the Electoral Act.

Eligibility of a political party is determined by the definition of 'political party' in s.4 of the Electoral Act and the definition of 'eligible political party' in s.123 of the Electoral Act.

Objections

No objections to the registration of the Party had been received by the deadline on 24 June 2013.

Conclusion

The application by the Party was assessed by a delegate of the AEC on 20 May 2013 under s.131 of the Electoral Act and no reason was found to refuse it. The application was advertised as required by s.132 of the Electoral Act. No objection was made to the registration of the Party.

A delegate of the AEC registered the Party.

1 July 2013.