Electoral gifts

Both candidates and donors must disclose information about any election related gift with a value of $300 or more that was given or promised within the 6-month period prior to the relevant election day. The reporting period for the 2023 elections commenced on 21 April 2023. Please also refer to Election campaigning.

A ‘gift’ includes:

• money
• non-monetary item of value
• in kind or where there is inadequate financial consideration, such as the receipt of a discount (where the difference or the discount is worth more than $300)
• a financial or other contribution to travel
• the provision of a service for no consideration or for inadequate consideration
• a firm promise or agreement to give a gift at some future time.
  

A ‘gift’ does not include a gift by will, a relative, or item that does not relate to the candidate’s candidature, or the provision of volunteer labour.

The disclosure of a gift is to be made to the CEO of the local government. Information to be supplied includes the name of the candidate, the name and address of the donor, the date the gift was received (or promised), the value of the gift and a description of the gift.

In addition, any gifts from unidentified donors must be disclosed and provided to the CEO of the relevant local government for disposal.

Within 3 days of nomination, a candidate will need to disclose any gifts received in the relevant period prior to nomination and disclose any further gifts received thereafter. Details about each gift are to be submitted within 3 days of receiving the gift once a nomination has been made. Donors will also need to disclose any gifts made within the relevant period. Candidates should advise donors of their reporting responsibilities.

The disclosure period finishes 3 days after election day for unsuccessful candidates and on the start day for financial interest returns for successful candidates.

Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding is the practice of funding a project or venture by raising monetary contributions from a large number of people, typically via the internet.  It is a popular option and there are several platforms for registration. Candidates can reach a broad range of people easily and cost effectively to boost election campaign funds by raising their profile in the community. 

The same rules for disclosure apply to crowdfunding as with any other electoral gift. However, the technology can present additional risks as it may be difficult to verify the identity of donors or to refuse a gift when it is made anonymously. When setting up a donation page, candidates must clearly inform potential donors of the disclosure conditions and ensure that enough information is collected via the platform to satisfy the requirements.