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.

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.

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.

Further information

• Financial disclosure