Application for registration approved – Drug Law Reform Australia

File reference: Reg5157, 13/413

The delegate of the Australian Electoral Commission determined that Drug Law Reform Australia should be registered under the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918.

Notice under section 133(1A)(a).

Background

On 10 May 2013, the Australian Electoral Commission (the AEC) received an application from Drug Law Reform Australia (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 usually undertaken as part of the initial consideration of an application and on 23 May 2013, a delegate of the AEC found that the Party's application complied with the eligibility requirements of the Electoral Act and approved the advertisement of the Party's application for public input. On 29 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 were received by the deadline on 1 July 2013.

Conclusion

The application by the Party was assessed by a delegate of the AEC on 23 May 2013 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.

2 July 2013.